KANSAS CITY, MO – The national office announced the list of 2025 NAIA Scholar-Athletes on Tuesday, and 24 LC State student-athletes earned the honor. Cross country had 15 Warriors meet the criteria and volleyball was represented by nine student-athletes.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be at least a sophomore in standing with a minimum 3.5 grade point average. The student-athlete must have been enrolled at LC State for at least one year.

“LC State Athletics is proud to recognize these 24 exceptional student-athletes named to the NAIA Scholar-Athlete list,” Athletic Director Jim Klemann said. “This honor reflects their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and athletic achievement. Balancing rigorous coursework with the demands of competition requires discipline, perseverance and integrity. These Warrior student-athletes’ accomplishments serve as a testament to the values of our institution and the true spirit of collegiate athletics.”

Warrior Men’s Cross Country had nine runners earn the honor, led by seniors Connor Alexander, Alexander Fry, Trenton Johnon, Tristin O’Brien, Clay Shumaker, Ben Vernon, Kobe Wessels and Christian Lybyer. Sophomore Manuel Valdez was the lone underclassman to receive the award.

On the women’s side, seniors Emily Collins, Madigan Kelly, Grace Tiegs and Camille Ussher added the accolade to their resumes, as did sophomores Lily Bennett and Leila Flannery.

LC State Volleyball was represented by seniors Abby Beaton, Esther Kailiponi and Juliauna Forgach Aguilar, junior Makenzie Stout and sophomores Ella Stosich, Taylor Boyce, Kate Schneider, Teagan Scott and Hannah Dotson.