Graceland University

Graceland University Volleyball's Megan Kneib was named to second team All-District by the 2017 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). The Academic All-District Volleyball Team recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. Kneib is a junior Business Administration/Accounting Major with a 4.0 GPA for the Yellowjackets. In 19 matches (72 sets), Kneib totaled 224 kills, averaging 3.11 kills/set. She added 95 digs, 15 blocks, six assists and three service aces.

Preston Compton, a red-shirt junior quarterback set two individual NAIA records. He set the single-game record for total offensive plays by an individual with 103 total plays and, in the same game, Graceland set the NAIA record for total offensive plays with 124. Compton also set the individual offensive plays per game record, averaging 72.2 plays per game.

Caleb Thomas marked an impressive season in his first year as a collegiate football player, setting three NAIA records, two All-Divisions records, and tying another All-Division record. In just the fourth game of the season, Thomas snapped the NAIA record for most receptions in a game - previously held by two people at 21 - with an impressive 27 receptions in a single game. The record was an All-Division Record as well. Thomas continued to be a target and threat offensively for the Yellowjackets, consistently posting double-figure receptions throughout the year. In only 10 games, he caught 158 catches for 1,235 yards. He accounted for 10 touchdowns and averaged 123.5 yards per game. Thomas now owns the NAIA and All-Division record for most receptions in a season. He averaged 15.8 catches per game to set the NAIA and All-Divisions records.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference named Graceland University Women's Volleyball student-athletes among the 2017 All-Heart Conference selections, selected by the Heart coaches.

Graceland University Women's Soccer goalkeeper Manaia Siania Unutoa was named the Heart Defensive Player of the Week by the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference named Graceland University Men's Soccer student-athletes among the 2017 All-Heart Conference selections.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference named Graceland University Women's Soccer student-athletes among the 2017 All-Heart Conference selections.

The 2017-18 Street and Smith's College Men's Basketball Yearbook has selected Graceland University senior center Jeremy Deemer as a preseason honorable mention All-American. Deemer was just one of 29 NAIA men's basketball players recognized by the publication.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, Graceland Football quarterback, Preston Compton, threw 501 yards for a career-high and a new school record for Graceland University in the 39-32 win over Central Methodist University.

Graceland University Football's Caleb Thomas was named the Heart of America Offensive Player of the Week after the freshman wide receiver set an NAIA record for most receptions in a single game.

Graceland University Women's Soccer's Megan Kimrey was named the Heart of America Offensive Player of the Week. Kimrey, a sophomore forward, totaled four goals last week, two in each game. Both of her goals against Park were scored on headers. Kimrey also accumulated an assist against Park. On the year, Kimrey has taken 10 shots, placing eight on frame.

Graceland University Women's Soccer's Manaia Siania Unutoa was named the Heart of America Defensive Player of the Week.

Graceland University Women's Soccer's Jady Polson was tabbed as the Defensive Player of the Week by the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Polson, a junior captain, was and has been a solid player in the backline for Graceland. She has stepped up to organize not only the backline, but the rest of the team as well. Polson is known to challenge anyone for a ball, never backing down from a challenge.

Graceland University student-athletes were recognized at the annual athletic banquet as outstanding contributors to Graceland University Athletics during the 2016-17 seasons.

Graceland University Men's Basketball's Jeremy Deemer received All-American Honorable Mention recognition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Graceland University Women's Basketball's Sydney Vaughn received All-American Honorable Mention recognition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). It is the second time in her career to garner the honor - she also earned it following the 2014-15 season.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) named Graceland University Men's Basketball's Jeremy Deemer as 2016-17 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes. In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) named two Graceland University Women's Basketball student-athletes as 2016-17 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes. In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) named seven Graceland University Gadets dance team student-athletes as 2016-17 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Graceland tops the list for dance programs, with seven individuals named.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) named four Graceland University competitive cheer student-athletes 2016-17 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

Graceland University Track and Field's Cedric Shell earned his ticket to nationals at the Cornell Invite on Jan. 21, where he solidified his place with a mark of 14.19 m in the triple jump. That jump placed him at 16th in the nation entering the competition. Shell proceeded to bust out his best jump of the season on his first attempt at nationals, soaring 14.47 m. That jump would hold its place through all six rounds of jumps and earn Shell All-American status with a fourth place final result.

Three Graceland University Men's Basketball players garnered All-Conference honors from the Heart of America Athletic Conference for their performance on the court this year.

Jeremy Deemer was named to the 2016-17 Academic All-America College Division Men's Basketball Team, as released by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Cartland Allen punched his ticket to the NAIA National Tournament in Topeka, Kan., on March 4-5 with his third place finished in the Central Region Qualifier. Allen led three total players who marked top six finishes.

Two members of the Graceland University Women's Basketball team received recognition from the Heart of America Athletic Conference for their performance on the court this season.

Graceland University students are among the official qualifiers for the 2017 NAIA Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field National Championships. The 52nd annual men's and 37th annual women's events will take place March 2-4 in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Graceland University track and field competed at the 2017 Heart Conference Championships over the weekend of Feb. 11, where several student athletes received All-Conference recognition over 20 events.

Graceland University Softball junior Breanna Fortune was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week Feb. 13.

Graceland University Softball junior Brennan Banks was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Softball Player of the Week Feb. 13.

Graceland University Wrestling junior Brandon Seward was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Wrestler of the Week Feb. 13.