Holland Reporter

Twelve athletes from Grand Valley State University's cross country teams have been recognized as USTFCCCA All-Academic Athletes for the 2024 season. The announcement was made by the organization, which also named both the men's and women's squads as All-Academic Teams.

To qualify for this honor, teams must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and achieve a team score at their respective regional championship meet. The women's team achieved a GPA of 3.79, while the men's team recorded a GPA of 3.31.

All seven women who competed for GVSU at the NCAA DII National Championships in Sacramento were included in the list of honorees. Lauren Kiley, who emerged as the individual champion, has been named the 2024 NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country Scholar Athlete of the Year. This accolade is based on her athletic performance and academic achievements throughout the season. Kiley is noted as being the sixth athlete from GVSU to receive this title.

The female athletes recognized are: Allie Arnsman (Educational Studies), Lauren Kiley (Environment & Sustainability Studies), Maria Mitchell (Wildlife Biology), Abby Olson (Physical Therapy), Maggie O'Malley (Social Work), Annika Sandman (Biomedical Sciences), and Abigail VanderKooi (Nursing).

Five male athletes also received All-Academic honors for their performances during the season, with each earning First Team All-GLIAC honors and USTFCCCA All-Region honors. Two were named USTFCCCA All-Americans following their participation in the NCAA DII National Championships.

The male athletes honored include: Koby Fraaza (Biomedical Sciences & Microbiology), Caleb Futter (Criminal Justice), Daniel Lambert (Allied Health Sciences & Communications Studies), Samuel Martens (Public Health), and Scott Spaanstra (Higher Education, Sport Coaching).