News

Story written by Alex Freeman 
MCC Communications Coordinator  

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) recently announced its prestigious All-Academic Awards for the 2024-2025 school year. 

An impressive 16 individuals from Montcalm Community College, along with four teams, were formally recognized for their achievements in the classroom over the past year. Students must complete 24 credits during the fall and spring semesters in order to qualify for NJCAA All-Academic Awards. Student-athletes who graduate early, or those who need less than 12 credits to earn their degree, are also eligible for the awards. 

The NJCAA recognizes student-athletes in three tiers of academic excellence. Those who maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout the school year are placed into First-Team All-Academic. A GPA between 3.8-3.99 is required for Second-Team All-Academic and those with a GPA between 3.6-3.79 earn Third-Team All-Academic status. 

“The NJCAA academic awards represent a higher level of academic excellence, as the GPA requirements surpass those of the MCCAA,” said Amanda Glaza, MCC Assistant Athletic Director and Student Success Coach. “Receiving this recognition not only speaks to the dedication and discipline of these student-athletes but also sets a strong example for what it means to truly represent MCC Athletics, both in the classroom and in competition. These honors help reinforce the standard we hope all our student-athletes strive for.” 

NJCAA All-Academic First Team (4.0 GPA) 

• Annette Fare — Women’s cross country 

• Geronimo Mozzi — Men’s basketball 

• Jack Ruggles — Men’s basketball, men’s cross country 

• Alyssa Unger — Volleyball, women’s cross country 

NJCAA All-Academic Second Team (3.8-3.99 GPA) 

• Andrew Badder — Men’s basketball and men’s cross country 

• Ryan Clingenpeel — Men’s golf 

• Josiah DeMeester — Men’s basketball 

• Dawson Dunn — Men’s basketball and men’s cross country 

• Madyson Hartman — Women’s bowling 

• Makenna Rautio — Women’s basketball 

• Emma Rewa — Women’s basketball and women’s bowling 

• Tiana Whitacre — Volleyball 

NJCAA All-Academic Third Team (3.6-3.79 GPA) 

• Jerald Brownell — Men’s golf and men’s cross country 

• Mason Dunn — Men’s basketball and men’s cross country 

• Kenny Mitchell — Men’s golf 

• Hannah Reed — Women’s basketball, women’s bowling and women’s cross country 

The NJCAA also recognizes teams who earned a team GPA of a 3.0 or higher. The MCC women’s cross country program topped the team charts with a combined GPA of 3.28, placing them 48th among NJCAA DI, DII and DIII women’s cross country programs. Other teams receiving NJCAA All-Academic recognition: 
 

• Men’s golf — 3.19 GPA (41st in NJCAA among all Divisions) 

• Men's cross country — 3.11 GPA (31st in NJCAA among all Divisions) 

• Men's basketball — 3.08 GPA (55th in NJCAA among all Divisions)