Holland Reporter

Two student-athletes from Grand Valley State University have been honored with the GLIAC Commissioner's Award for their performances during the fall season. The recipients, Jordyn Gates and Koby Fraaza, were announced by the league office earlier today.

Jordyn Gates, a volleyball player, concluded her career at Grand Valley State with significant achievements. She became the first Laker in program history to be recognized as a three-time AVCA All-American, securing third-team status this season. Gates led her team with 729 assists, 308 digs, and 253 kills, becoming the first player in program history to surpass milestones of 2,000 assists, 1,000 digs, and 1,000 kills. Additionally, she recorded 76 blocks and 23 service aces while maintaining a .275 hitting percentage. Gates also posted 11 triple-doubles to lead Division II and finished her career as the NCAA's all-time leader in triple-doubles with 39. Her contributions helped Grand Valley State achieve a record of 28-4 and reach the Midwest Regional semifinals. Academically accomplished as well, Gates graduated with a degree in Communications and maintained a GPA of 3.64.

Koby Fraaza was also named a recipient of the GLIAC Commissioner's Award for his performance in cross country and track and field during the fall season of 2024. This marks his second time receiving this award; he was previously honored during the 2023 cross country season. As a four-time All-American athlete, Fraaza achieved notable success this year by finishing second at the GLIAC Championships (8k) with a time of 24:07.7, earning First Team All-GLIAC honors. His efforts contributed to his team's perfect score at the championships—a feat accomplished only twice before in GVSU history—and their victory at their 22nd consecutive Midwest Region Championship where he placed third overall. At the NCAA DII Championships, Fraaza set a personal-best time in the 10k event with a finish at position number twenty-seven recording thirty minutes fifteen seconds (30:15). Academically dedicated as well; he is pursuing Biomedical Sciences & Microbiology while consistently earning spots on Dean’s List every semester alongside nine GLIAC Academic Excellence awards holding an impressive cumulative GPA of three point nine two four (3-point-nine-two-four), including achieving perfect scores during Fall semester twenty-twenty-four(4-point-zero-zero).