Six Mercyhurst student-athletes have been honored as 2026 NEC Scholar-Athletes of the Year, all graduating with perfect 4.0 GPAs. Joey Balgo and Aidan Lin represented the football team, while women鈥檚 tennis, volleyball, and basketball also had standout scholars, including Kiersten Brown, Brice Hansen, Lauryn Stover, and Jenna Van Schaik. This recognition comes from the NEC Faculty Athletic Representatives, awarded to those who have completed athletic eligibility and achieved the highest GPAs in the conference. Mercyhurst has the most recipients this year, highlighting their academic and athletic prowess.

By the Numbers
  • Six Mercyhurst athletes recognized with 4.0 GPAs
  • Two football players named NEC Scholar-Athletes of the Year
State of Play
  • The NEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is now in its 20th year.
  • Mercyhurst leads with the highest number of honorees, showcasing academic excellence in athletics.
What's Next

Expect continued recognition of academic excellence in collegiate athletics, with Mercyhurst likely to build upon its successes in both sports and academics in future seasons.

Bottom Line

The achievements of Mercyhurst鈥檚 athletes underscore the importance of balancing academics and athletics, setting a strong precedent for future student-athletes within the NEC.