National Champions; Grace Christian University Tigers Finish Record Breaking Season

Kimberly Proctor, Grace Christian University Senior, has become the first ever Track & Field National Champion in the 5K, winning by 26 seconds over the next closest competitor. Less than 48 hours prior, Proctor became the first ever NCCAA All-American national runner up in the 10K for the university, with another record-breaking personal best. Before these National wins, Proctor ran a personal best at GVSU for the 5K.

Teammate Sarena Overbeek finished the 10K with an amazing personal best, shaving off two minutes from an already incredible finish time. Kimberly Proctor was the first ever automatic qualifier from Grace Christian University's Track & Field for the NCCAA Outdoor Track & Field Nationals during her freshman year. Doing so again this year, she accomplished this alongside Overbeek, who was the third university athlete to qualify. These athletes not only have to succeed during the season as a D2 school, they also are required to meet the standards of D1 athletes in order to qualify for Nationals - which is a significant accomplishment.

Leading up to this strong finish for the women's team, April Invitationals included Senior Nat Mercer breaking both shot put and hammer throw records. Men's events at this same competition resulted in freshmen Kent Herring and Angel Rangel shattering personal records for the 1500m (Herring) and shot put and discus (Rangel). Herring previously broke the 800M school record.

Spring showcased amazing Track & Field and Cross Country athleticism but this success does not stand alone. Amiah Lake was the first ever Tiger to finish the Women's Tennis season undefeated in singles. Lake also shines on the field as a successful player for the Tigers Women's Soccer team. This year the university had their first ever Decathlete, Senior Joseph Craesmeyer, who finished 9th overall in the NCCAA Championships. Craesmeyer, along with classmates Nat Mercer and Kimberly Proctor were also named NCCAA's Scholar Athletes.

Grace Christian University Women's Basketball achieved success this spring with a regional championship as well as an appearance in the NCCAA Final Four. Coach Ashley Xiong Vang officially assumed the role of Head Coach for the Women's team this year, replacing the "interim" title she held for a brief time following more than two years as the teams' assistant coach. Vang has been busy signing some strong incoming athletes for the class of 2021 and is eager to see their contributions.

Character along with competence is shared throughout the season with Mindset Student-Athlete of the Month recognition. Freshman Kent Herring (Track & Field) and Senior Mikyala Reynolds (Tennis) were applauded for their leadership and dedication to their teammates. Reynolds serves as Team Captain and is a leader in student government On Campus as well as in her church community. Athletes at Grace Christian spend time throughout the season volunteering at athletic events with high schools in the community. Each athlete at Grace Christian University seeks to serve others and show the love of Christ in their community while remaining committed to their teams and academic pursuits.