KANSAS CITY, MO. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced today the 2026 NAIA Scholar-Athletes for spring 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 spring sports who have excelled academically, including baseball, softball, golf, lacrosse, track & field, tennis, flag football, beach volleyball and men's volleyball.  Blue Mountain Christian University had a strong showing on the list, as 27 Toppers were named to the prestigious group. 
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.
"Our student-athletes have demonstrated that excellence isn't limited to the field of play," BMCU Athletic Director Curt Fowler said.  "Their commitment, discipline and resilience truly represent the values of our program and university.  Watching them succeed academically while competing at a high level is a testament to their hard work and the support of the coaches, professors, staff and their families.  They've set a standard that will inspire those who follow, and we are thankful they are Toppers."
Below is the list of BMCU student-athletes who have met these rigorous standards.
 

Baseball
Jack Hearn
Jacob Bryant

Golf
Acen Lambert
Clay Adams
Cobey Riddle
Jeremiah Bell
Kayla Shaull
Morgan Dabbs
 
Softball
Chloe Shelton
Janna Shaw
Kelsey Camp
Maryn Macri
Neely Barrier
Neely Cooper

Tennis
Annalyn Housley
Lucia Rodriguez Garcia
Luis Lainer
 
Track & Field
Abby Laney
Braxton Enzor
Erick Flores
Jared Mooneyhan
Jonah Barnhardt
Lauren Paul
Leah Montgomery
Lelan Boulden
Lukas Dykes
Samuel Hopper