SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2025-26 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes for winter sports. This honor recognized student-athletes who excelled academically in the fall sports of men's basketball, women's basketball, men's bowling, women's bowling and competitive cheer.
 
Spring Arbor had 32 student-athletes receive the award while the Crossroads League had a total number of 223.
 
In total, 3,143 student-athletes from around the country earned the distinction.
 
To qualify as a Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport, and have attended their institution for at least one full year.
 
 
Men's Basketball
Joey Ballagh
Nathan Crane
Warrick Elder
Dante Favor
Max Ilies
Jayden Nimako
Sam Olson
Shane Rykse
Isaac Waldron
Eli White
 
Women's Basketball
Abbey Janson
Alayna Kulesza
Lexi Linder
Emma Smieska
Jasmine Smith
Lillian Stiles
Kylie Summer
Avery Vogel
Ashley Weller
 
Men's Bowling
Carson Kohler
Tyler Ledbetter
Owen Williams
 
Women's Bowling
Paige Morris
Paige Shankland
Ella Steinke
Kayla Tafanelli
Brooklyn Woughter
 
Competitive Cheer
Genevieve Cook
Keira Etzelmiller
Makayla McGarry
Whitney Ruger
Lily Taraskiewicz