CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) announced today the six female and six male nominees for its 2024-25 Johanna Olson and Duane Schroeder Scholar-Athletes of the Year Awards. 
 
The nominees for the Johanna Olson A-R-C Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year are former Central College track & field and cross country student-athlete Addison Parrott, former Loras College volleyball and track & field student-athlete Sara Hoskins, former Luther College basketball student-athlete Kailey Jones, former Nebraska Wesleyan University track & field student-athlete Avery Decker, former Simpson College soccer and track & field student-athlete Madison Hayes, and former Wartburg College basketball student-athlete Jaedon Murphy. 
 
The Duane Schroeder A-R-C Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year nominees are former Central College basketball and track & field student-athlete Kaleb Brand, former Coe College football student-athlete Alex Aitchison, former University of Dubuque track & field student-athlete Otis Patterson, former Luther College soccer and swimming & diving student-athlete Jack Bell, former Nebraska Wesleyan University soccer student-athlete Zach Weis, and former Wartburg College football student-athlete Ben Bryant. 
 
This year’s nominees move before the Scholar-Athlete Recommendation Committee, comprised of three Faculty Athletic Representatives and three Athletic Communication Directors. The Scholar-Athlete Recommendation Committee will select a maximum of three male and three female finalists. The Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year are selected from among the finalists by a vote of the A-R-C Faculty Athletic Representative. 
 
The finalists will be announced on December 17, 2025. The Scholar-Athletes of the Year will be announced on January 7, 2026.  
 
About Scholar-Athlete of the Year Awards
The American Rivers Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards were first presented in December 2001 for the 2000-01 academic year. To be eligible for nomination, a student-athlete shall have graduated or exhausted their athletic eligibility during the academic year for which the award is given. The nominee must have demonstrated a high level of accomplishment and achievement in a varsity sport, have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale), and show evidence of scholarly achievements, community service involvement and leadership. Both awards were named originally for former Wartburg College and Conference sports information director Duane Schroeder in May 2002. The women’s award was renamed in 2013 for former Luther College student-athlete Johanna Olson - the inaugural winner of the women’s award - who lost a courageous battle with cancer in January 2013. 
 
About Johanna Olson
The American Rivers Conference Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is named in honor of the late Johanna Olson, a former cross country and track & field student-athlete at Luther College who was the inaugural recipient of the award. Olson battled brain cancer for over 15 years before her fight ended on January 3, 2013 at age 33. She was originally diagnosed with a brain tumor as a college freshman in 1997 but went on to win the 2000 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship three years to the day after her initial brain surgery. In addition to the national title in cross country, she won three Conference Individual Championships and three Conference Most Valuable Runner awards (1999, 2000, 2001). In track and field, she was the 2001 Conference Most Valuable Performer, earning All-America honors in the 3,000- and 5,000-meter runs. Olson was also a member of the 2001 distance medley relay team that captured the indoor national title. She was named the United States Track Coaches Association (USTCA) regional and national Athlete of the Year in both cross country and track and field in 2000-01. In 1991, Olson was presented the Honda Awards Inspirational Athlete of the Year after returning from radiation treatments to compete at the national level. 
 
About Duane Schroeder
The American Rivers Conference Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award is named in honor of the late Duane Schroeder, former sports information director (SID) at Wartburg College. Schroeder served as Wartburg’s SID for 43 years until his retirement in 2000. Upon his retirement from his sports information duties, he was named SID Emeritus and served as Wartburg’s News Director until 2001. During much of his four decades at Wartburg, Schroeder served as the Conference’s information director and secretary/treasurer. 
 
2024-25 Female Nominees: 
Addison Parrott | Central College
Parrott was a three-time All-American for the Dutch, while earning two A-R-C conference titles. Her highest national finishes were seventh in the 2024 indoor championship, 3,000 steeplechase, and 2025 outdoor championship, in the DMR. 
 
In the classroom, the sociology and psychology major with a minor in religious studies carried a cumulative GPA of 3.85 during her time at Central. She earned USTFCCCA All-Academic honors on five occasions as well as College Sports Communicators Academic All-District three times. She was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma and was a member of Psi Chi. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Parrott was involved as an intern at Heartland Christian Counseling. She served as a service leader and intern with Crisis Intervention Services. She was the team captain for the Dutch cross country team during her senior season as well as the track & field captain. She served as the Psi Chi Co-President during the 2024-25 academic year and the Psychology Club Co-President during the 2024-25 academic year, too. 
 
Joe Dunham, Central College Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach: “While her efforts on the cross country course and track were incredible, Addison will also leave a legacy for the Central College distance program, through the leadership she provided by example that other runners will emulate. Addison is never satisfied, always looking for new and better ways to achieve, and it is these qualities that I believe will give her incredible success in other areas of her life as she continues her academic pursuit of a master’s degree in counseling.”
 
Sara Hoskins | Loras College 
Hoskins was a standout performer for the Duhawks as a dual-sport student-athlete. Hoskins competed in both volleyball and track & field. She is an All-American in track & field and an All-Region performer in volleyball. She was named the A-R-C Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. Her top finish in track was as a national champion in 2024 in the high jump. 
 
In the classroom, the mechanical engineering and data science major, with minors in computer science, mathematics, and physics, held a cumulative GPA of 3.643 during her time at Loras. She was named to the American Rivers All-Academic each opportunity she had. Additionally, she was named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team (2021-24) and a College Sports Communicators Academic All-American in 2024. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Hoskins served as the Student Government President at Loras and was the Student Government Athletics Chair. She was a Resident Advisor on campus, a peer advisor, and a student ambassador. Hoskins coached first through eighth graders in various track events at Pleasant Valley track & field camps. 
 
Kristy Duncan, Loras College Head Women’s Volleyball Coach: “I had a front row seat to witness Sara’s struggles, her successes, and her individual growth throughout the five years I had the opportunity to coach her. From her first year at Loras as part of the COVID class, to seeing her flourish not only as a student and as an athlete, but as a person, was a blessing. Not only is she an amazing person, but she is also a wonderful example of making the most of being a Division III student-athlete. Now, when I talk with recruits and their families about making the most out of the college experience, Sara’s story is one I share openly. Most people respond with wide eyes or a ‘wow.’ But if you know Sara, you know that she would rather be busy than bored. During her time at Loras she was definitely busy and she left a legacy of what it means to get the most out of a Division III experience.”
 
Kailey Jones | Luther College
Jones was named a Jostens Trophy Finalist after an impressive career on the court and in the classroom while at Luther College. She was the first 1,000-point, 1,000 rebound player in school history, leading the Luther record books in rebounding (1,144) and free throw percentage (84.1%). She recorded 48 career double-doubles. Jones was named to the D3hoops.com All-Region team in 2025. 
 
In the classroom, the nursing major graduated from Luther with a 3.966 cumulative GPA. She was a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree as well as a three-time American Rivers All-Academic honoree. She was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Jones was a volunteer at the Free Clinic in Decorah and at a free Dermatology Clinic. Additionally, she volunteered in a kindergarten classroom, at youth basketball camps, and at the food pantry. She served on Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for three years, was a member of the Luther Student Nursing Association (LSNA), and was part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). 
 
Amanda Bailey, Luther College Head Women’s Basketball Coach: “What will never appear on a stat sheet, however, is Kailey’s extraordinary commitment and perseverance. During her junior year, she completed her nursing clinicals at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, located more than 70 miles from Luther College. For five months, she lived in Rochester, working long shifts at the hospital while commuting back to campus for practices and games. Despite this demanding schedule, she continued to give her full effort to both her team and her studies. That season, Kailey accepted a new role coming off the bench, embracing the opportunity to lead in different ways and support her teammates selflessly. Her maturity, humility, and dedication during that time defined what true leadership looks like.”
 
Avery Decker | Nebraska Wesleyan University
Decker is an NCAA Division III national champion in the javelin. Her consistent effort improved annually as she improved each season nationally. She won the conference javelin title three times (2023-2025) and is the Nebraska Wesleyan school record holder in the javelin (48.70 meters). Additionally, she holds the American Rivers Conference Championship record in the javelin (48.43 meters). 
 
In the classroom, the biology major, with minors in chemistry and modern language literacy: Spanish, held a cumulative grade point average of 3.741 during her undergraduate studies. Decker is earning her master's in business administration and currently holds a 4.00 GPA. She earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors on three occasions, capping it with Academic All-American honors in 2025. She was a member of Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society and was a three-time USTFCCCA All-Academic honoree. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Decker assisted at Hope’s Kitchen, with Special Olympics, Tabitha Meals on Wheels, and with the Alzheimer’s Association. Additionally, she assisted with philanthropic events with Delta Zeta Sorority and Huge-NWU Honor Society campus clean-ups. She was actively part of Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). 
 
Derrick McKenzie, Nebraska Wesleyan University Director of Cross Country and Track & Field: “More than her domination in the javelin and her academic excellence, Avery is a natural when it comes to leadership. Her ability to relate to all athletes, the best in the program or those that are developmental, is one of her best qualities. Avery set the tone at practice and showed everyone what it takes to excel as a human being. I am 100% convinced that Avery Decker elevated every single person in our program to be not only the athlete they needed to be, but the person they were destined to be.”
 
Madison Hayes | Simpson College
Hayes was a dual-sport athlete while at Simpson College, in soccer and track & field. Additionally, Hayes competed in tennis in 2021. She earned All-Region honors in track & field and soccer during her career. She is a three-time Simpson record holder in track & field and a four-time record holder in soccer. 
 
In the classroom, a double major in marketing communication and management, she carried a 3.982 cumulative grade point average. She is a three-time USTFCCCA All-Academic Selection and five-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree. She was an Epsilon Sigma honor society member and earned American Rivers All-Academic honors each time she could. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Hayes was a marketing intern for the Ronald McDonald Charities of Iowa and a huddle leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes for Indianola High School. She was an assistant soccer coach for U10/U11 teams in Indianola and was involved with the Simpson College Dance Marathon. She served as a board member at Hospital Homies pediatric visitation non-profit and a volunteer at Upward Bound Poverty Simulation.
 
Jaedon Murphy | Wartburg College
Murphy was a standout basketball student-athlete for the Knights during her career. She is a two-time D3hoops.com All-American as well as a WBCA All-American. Murphy earned five American Rivers Conference all-conference honors as well. During her career, she compiled 1,921 points and 808 rebounds. 
 
In the classroom, the business administration major, with minors in leadership and Spanish, compiled a 3.932 cumulative grade point average. She earned three College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors and earned American Rivers All-Academic honors each year while at Wartburg. Additionally, Murphy earned the Outstanding Marketing Senior award in 2025. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Murphy volunteered at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Wartburg’s TriByKnight, and at the annual Wartburg Unified Sports Day. She was an executive team member with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a morale captain with the Wartburg Dance Marathon, and was a lead team member for the female student-athlete workshop. 
 
Bob Amsberry, Wartburg College Head Women’s Basketball Coach: “Jaedon Murphy is a scholar-athlete in the truest sense - intellectually curious, athletically gifted, and deeply committed to service and leadership. I wholeheartedly believe she represents the very best of what the American Rivers Conference stands for.”

2024-25 Male Nominees:
Kaleb Brand | Central College
Brand was a dual-sport student-athlete in basketball and outdoor track & field for the Dutch. He is Central’s all-time single-season assist leader with 158 during the 2024-25 season. He earned all-conference honors following the 2024-25 season for basketball. 
 
In the classroom, Brand graduated with a 3.81 cumulative grade point average, majoring in business management with a minor in finance. He is a five-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree, a seven-time American Rivers All-Academic honoree, and a two-time USTFCCCA All-Academic honoree. He was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Brand was a weekly volunteer with the Christian Opportunity Center. He helped rebuild and restore homes for families in Des Moines through Habitat for Humanity and assisted with Central College’s annual service day. Additionally, he went on a mission trip to Haiti through Many Hands for Haiti, a Pella organization. He served at the annual pancake breakfast as a volunteer with Third Church. Brand served as the team captain for basketball during his senior campaign and led the basketball program’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) huddle group. 
 
Joe Steinkamp, previous Central College Head Men’s Basketball Coach: “Kaleb’s impact transcends statistics and accolades. He is the heartbeat of every team he is on - an athlete who leads by example, uplifts others, and puts the team above himself. His humility, work ethic, and emotional intelligence make him a role model for his peers and a cornerstone of our athletic program.”
 
Alex Aitchison | Coe College
Aitchison was a successful football student-athlete for the Kohawks. His defensive efforts ranked among the best in the conference and nationally during his career. He earned AP and D3football.com All-American honors, as well as being a four-time all-conference performer. 
 
In the classroom, Aitchison maintained a 3.897 cumulative grade point average while majoring in kinesiology and minoring in education. He earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-American honors twice during his career after being named to All-District on three occasions. He earned American Rivers All-Academic four times during his career. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Aitchison was a three-year football team captain. He took part in Read Across America Day, the Cedar Rapids residential tree program, Cascade Pride Days, and derecho recovery and clean-up. He consistently volunteered at youth sport camps and summer camps. 
John Chandler, Coe College Associate Professor of Kinesiology: “Alex was a team captain for three years in our football program, which is quite unusual. The respect he has from players and coaches goes well beyond his success on the playing field. Alex has led both verbally and by physical example with the football team, and the results were very apparent. In game after game on the football field the past five years, his leadership came forward at critical moments and helped Coe to achieve victory. This is the kind of leadership that is not seen often, and many times, it can make the difference between success and failure.”
 
Otis Patterson | University of Dubuque 
Patterson is a four-time All-American and seven-time NCAA qualifier. He earned seven A-R-C titles and 12 total all-conference honors. He was named the 2025 Indoor Track Athlete of the Year as well as the 2025 Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year. 
 
In the classroom, Patterson held a 4.00 cumulative grade point average during his undergraduate studies in communications. He now holds a 3.92 GPA during his master’s studies in management - sport management. He is a three-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-American honoree and a four-time American Rivers All-Academic honoree. He is a UD Wendt Character Scholar-Athlete of the Year and has earned the Spartan Academic Achievement Award. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Patterson has served as a food pantry volunteer and took part in the UD Spartans Make a Difference Day. He has been a back to school drive worker and a high school heritage tour guide. Patterson has been a role model for young men through the YMCA Dubuque and has attended numerous community diversity and inclusion meetings. 
 
Jake Malam, University of Dubuque Head Track & Field Coach: “I know Otis to be a person of high character. Despite all his successes, he has remained humble, soft-spoken, and someone who cares about his team's success just as much as his own. Perhaps this is due to the fact that he has worked himself into the student-athlete he is today and nothing was gifted to him. He has seen the results of his work ethic and perseverance and he has used that experience to inspire his teammates.”
 
Jack Bell | Luther College
Bell was an impressive dual-sport student-athlete at Luther College, in soccer and swimming & diving. On the diving board, Bell was a three-time NCAA Division III Regional qualifier and was named A-R-C Diver of the Meet in 2022 and 2024. He earned three conference crowns during his career from the diving board. 
 
In the classroom, the exercise science major and applied leadership studies minor maintained a 3.757 cumulative grade point average during his undergraduate journey. Bell earned the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma. He was named to College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team six times during his career and was a three-time CSCAA Scholar All-American. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Bell pushed himself on the NCAA Division III National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC. He served as the Luther College SAAC President during the 2023-24 academic year. 
 
Aaron Zander, Luther College Head Swimming & Diving Coach: “Jack has done it all! He is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete, a leader, and a champion.”
 
Zach Weis | Nebraska Wesleyan University
Weis was a four-time all-conference performer in the American Rivers Conference. He ranks fourth all-time in Nebraska Wesleyan history in career savers and career shutouts, and fifth all-time in season shutouts. 
 
In the classroom, Weis double majored in philosophy and religion and political science and maintained a 4.00 cumulative grade point average. Weis earned first-team College Sports Communicators Academic All-American honors his senior campaign and was honored with the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. Additionally, was the Chi Alpha Sigma Nick Mourozis Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. Weis is now enrolled at Harvard Law School. 
 
In volunteer and community service roles, Weis was the co-founder of NWU TEDx and the co-founder and vice president of the philosophy club at Nebraska Wesleyan. He was active in Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and served as a junior varsity soccer coach at Pius X High School. He helped teach a class at a Lincoln, Nebraska, prison. 
 
James Perry, JD, Nebraska Wesleyan University Associate Professor of Professional Studies: “Zach is a rare bird. He is the top scholar at Wesleyan, he is the top athlete at Wesleyan, he and his entrepreneurial partner won the Pitch Contest for the best entrepreneurial idea, and he is a good and sincere person.”
 
Ben Bryant | Wartburg College 
Bryant was an instrumental part of the Knights' success on the football field during his career. He is a two-time all-conference honoree as he was part of three NCAA postseason playoff trips with Wartburg, including two national semifinal appearances. He is a career leader in punt return yards and punt returns. 
 
In the classroom, Bryant carried a 3.634 cumulative grade point average while majoring in business administration and having a minor in leadership. During his career, he was a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree as well as a first-team CSC Academic All-American. 
 
In leadership and community service roles, Bryant was part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) leadership team, a football team captain, and was active in Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). He helped lead bible studies weekly for the football team. He was a Dance Marathon morale captain during the 2022-23 academic year. 
 
Chris Winter, Wartburg College Head Football Coach: “We believe the greatest measure of a player’s worth to our football program is his ability to positively impact team morale. Ben took this statement to heart and proved his worth daily. He possessed the combination of being a standout athlete, superior student, top-notch teammate, and excellent representative of Wartburg College.”