Kansas City, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) proudly announces the 2026 NAIA Scholar-Athletes for winter sports. Each semester, the NAIA Scholar‑Athlete list celebrates student‑athletes who excel in both academic and athletic arenas. This honor recognizes student-athletes in each of the winter sports who have excelled academically, including basketball, bowling, competitive cheer, competitive dance, swimming & diving and wrestling.
To qualify as an 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. This year, the list features an impressive number of student-athletes who have met these rigorous standards.
Sterling College had 19 student-athletes earn this prestigious honor. The honorees span a diverse array of sports, reflecting the broad scope of talent and dedication among Sterling College’s athletes. For women’s basketball seven athletes represented the Lady Warriors including Bailey Young, Bri Hochstetler, Erika Felker, Kali Briar, Karlee Jacobs, Megan Ricke and Trinity Lutters.
Both men’s basketball and competitive cheer each had four honorees. Men’s basketball included: Camden Carr, Erik Smith, Isaac Briar and Julian Smith. Competitve cheer included: Addie Struckhoff, Kayleann Harrington, Morgan Urwiller and Sheridan Nguyen.
Warrior Swimming and Diving rounded out the field with two honoreer: Allison Reed and Campbell Elliott.
