North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) student-athletes continue to demonstrate that success extends beyond competition, earning recognition from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for their outstanding academic achievement during the 2025–2026 academic year.

In addition to numerous individual NJCAA All-Academic honors, five NDSCS athletic programs were recognized as NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year after posting team grade point averages (GPAs) above 3.00. The honored teams include Baseball, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball.

“Student-athletes are asked to excel in the classroom while balancing the demands of practices, competition and travel, and these honors reflect the dedication they bring to every aspect of the student-athlete experience,” said Reggie Jackson, NDSCS Athletic Director. “We are incredibly proud of these students and coaches for making academic success a priority while representing NDSCS with excellence.”

One team’s academic achievement stood above the rest. The NDSCS Volleyball team earned the highest team GPA among all NJCAA Volleyball programs with a 3.87 GPA, making it the nation’s top academic volleyball program for the 2025–2026 academic year. The Wildcats also recorded the sixth-highest team GPA among all 31 men’s and women’s sports sponsored by the NJCAA. Adding to the team’s remarkable accomplishments, all 15 members of the volleyball program were named to the Academic All-Conference Team, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence in the classroom.

To earn NJCAA All-Academic recognition, student-athletes must complete at least 24 credit hours during the academic year and achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher. Honors are awarded in three categories:

First Team: 4.00 GPA

Second Team: 3.80–3.99 GPA

Third Team: 3.60–3.79 GPA

Volleyball

• Kenzy Beare, Estelline, S.D. – First Team

• Sheridan Brown, Bismarck, N.D. – First Team

• Riyan Eckert, Frazee – First Team

• Sydni Roberts, Breckenridge, Minn. – First Team

• Macee Smith, Hazen, N.D. – First Team

• Gracie Cadwell, Webster, S.D. – Second Team

• Samara Clemente, Wolsey, S.D. – Second Team

• Chloe Fuller, Moorhead, Minn. – Second Team

• Ashley Perish, Browerville, Minn. – Second Team

• Ingrid Rustad, Hawley, Minn. – Second Team

• Berlyn Strege, Lancaster, Minn. – Second Team

• Emerson Carter, Castlewood, S.D. – Third Team