Holland Reporter

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced the recipients of its Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards, with Grand Valley State University athletes taking both honors. Rylie Bisballe was named the Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year, while Myles Kerner received the Men's award for a second consecutive year.

Rylie Bisballe, a key player in Grand Valley State's women's basketball team, has been recognized as the GLIAC Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year. During her fifth year, she contributed to her team's National Championship victory and an impressive 38-2 season record. She led her team with averages of 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and achieved five double-doubles throughout the season. Her shooting accuracy stood at 51.8% from the field and 72.1% from the free throw line. Bisballe also ranked second on her team in steals and blocks with totals of 67 and 31 respectively. Over her career, she has moved into the top-five in program history for points, made field goals, and rebounds.

Bisballe's accolades include being a two-time WBCA All-American and D2CCA All-American, as well as earning titles such as D2CCA Midwest Region Player of the Year and GLIAC Player and Defensive Player of the Year twice each. She has been selected for four All-GLIAC teams and four GLIAC All-Defensive teams while maintaining a GPA of 3.71 in her accounting degree.

Myles Kerner has once again been honored as GLIAC Men's Scholar-Athlete of the Year following his successful final season at Grand Valley State University. At the start of his indoor season in 2024-25, he broke a shot put record at GVSU Kelly Family Sports Center with a throw measuring 19.69 meters (64-7.25). He continued his strong performance by competing at both USATF Indoor Championships and GLIAC Indoor Championships where he secured first place in shot put.

Kerner's achievements extended to NCAA Division II Indoor Championships where he became back-to-back champion in shot put with a mark of 19.22 meters (63-0.75) along with placing fourth in weight throw at 20.29 meters (66-7). Academically accomplished too; Kerner graduated with an M.S., Communications holding a cumulative graduate GPA standing at around approximately or near about three point seven (3 .7).

He previously earned recognition like CSC Academic All-America honoree twice whilst appearing consistently either on Dean’s List(3 .5+GPA )or President’s List(4 .0+GPA)during semesters spent enrolled within institution itself.