KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released its 2026 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete list for spring sports this week. Columbia College led the way for the American Midwest Conference (AMC) with 51 student-athletes earning the honor across women's and men's track and field, softball, baseball, and women's and men's golf.

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.

Below are the individuals earning recognition:

Women's Track and Field: Brynn Hanway, Caleigh Huot, Claudia Dixon, Ellie Berendzen, Ellie Reynolds, Emma Prettyman, Hayden Kramer, Kierstin Maddox, Madeline Burton, Marianna Tomc, Paige Thielen, Rachel Hargis, Xavia Cullers

Men's Track and Field: Brenin Howell, Cameron Elder, Easton Haslag, Grant Erisman, Griffin Booth, Harrison Knernschield, Jace Carr, Kalieb Haileselassie, Laik Graham, Max Stephan, Nick Hunkins, Noah Richardson, Reed Layton, Ryan Harvey, Sheldon Bergheger, Will Cherrington

Softball: Abigail Zismer, Cassidy Avery, Ella Schouten, Megan Graver, Rosalie Schneider, Sophia Angel
 
Baseball: Alex Hagan, Cooper Thornhill, Dylan Carlton, Eli Cornish, Hunter Shoulta, Jackson Forck, Jason Pearl, Joe Hoerchler, Kaelin Tindall, Zac Fruend

Women's Golf: Alyssa Joyce, Camryn Swinfard, Elizabeth Bigler, Ellie Soderholm

Men's Golf: Kelly Welby, Landon Mabe

To view the full release, click here.