COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --- A total of 16 Minnesota State student-athletes were recognized as All-American National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Athletes of the Year for their sport this season.

The All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year program recognizes those collegiate and high school athletes whose athletic accomplishments reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning.

"These student-athletes are the best of the best in Strength & Conditioning," Andy Stocks said. "They have shown tremendous effort and passion on a daily basis. Their work ethic and dedication to Strength and Conditioning is undeniable. Their progress and performance during their collegiate careers have far exceeded expectations."

2025-26 Minnesota State NSCA All-American Athletes of the Year
Caleb Paulus (Football)
Natalie Bremer (Women's Basketball)
Delaynie Luneckas (Women's Basketball)
Maddie Helin (Softball)
Aubri Brown (Women's Track & Field)
Peyton Byrne (Men's Track & Field)
Drake Hayward (Wrestling)
Jade Jackson (Soccer)
Brandon Vlcko (Baseball)
Ellie Kline (Volleyball)
Emily Kern (Volleyball)
Chase Bartlett (Men's Basketball)
Alexa Post (Women's Track & Field)
Keaton Wattier (Men's Track & Field)
Claudia Schwartz (Swimming & Diving)
Alexi MacDonald (Women's Cross Country)
 
Caleb Paulus (football) – Quote from Andy Stocks
"Caleb values his work in the weight room as essential to his success on the field. His work ethic is second to none as is his affinity for lifting. Caleb's leadership helped push his teammates to new heights and was vital to the team's success. The same qualities that brought him success on the field and in the weight room will propel him to great things in the future!"

Natalie Bremer (basketball) – Quote from Andy Stocks
"Natalie's determination and competitive attitude has been contagious. Her hardnosed mindset and drive for success have been paramount in furthering the culture of the basketball program in the weight room. Natalie's leadership challenges her teammates to push beyond their limits. She undoubtedly left her mark on Maverick Strength & Conditioning."

Delaynie Luneckas (basketball) – Quote from Andy Stocks
"Delaynie has shown tremendous dedication to the weight room during her career. She shows great effort and attention to detail day in and day out. Delaynie strives for quality execution in all movements and encourages her teammates to do the same. She has been a joy to have around the weight room!"

Maddie Helin (softball) – Quote from Andy Stocks
"Maddie's grit and toughness has been a great asset to the softball team. She takes challenging practices and training sessions head on no matter what the circumstances. Maddie always strives to be the best version of herself in the classroom, on the field, and in the weight room. She has set an incredibly high standard for all future Mavericks!"

Aubri Brown (track & field) – Quote from Andy Stocks
"Aubri has far exceeded expectations in the weight room. She deeply values toughness and a blue-collar work ethic in all aspects of life. Her hard work in the weight room has translated to personal record performances in the ring. Aubri is truly a great representative of Maverick Strength & Conditioning!"

Peyton Byrne (track & field) – Quote from Andy Stocks
"Peyton always brings outstanding energy to the weight room and the ring. He has battled back from injuries but has never let a setback define him. Peyton trains with high intensity no matter the circumstances and pushes his teammates to a higher standard. He is a true Maverick!"

Drake Hayward – Quote from Brett Nelson
"Drake has used the weight room to transform himself into an incredible wrestler and leader for Minnesota State. He brings a blue-collar work ethic from the mat into the weight room and inspires others to follow his lead. Through consistent effort in training Drake has been able to put himself on the national stage year after year and maximize his potential."

Jade Jackson (soccer) – Quote from Sam Lee
Jade approaches each day with a positive attitude to better herself in all aspects of her life and it showed when she stepped foot in the weight room. She used all training sessions to help build herself to being the strongest, fittest, and most powerful athlete she could be. Her energy was contagious to not just her teammates, but to all our coaches here on staff as well. Jade was truly a joy to have around in the weight room during her time here on campus and she will do great things in her future!

Brandon Vlcko (baseball) – Quote from Sam Lee
"Brandon fully bought into the strength training program the minute he stepped on campus. He is a tough, resilient, and driven athlete. He used the weight room as a place to thrive and ensured his body stayed strong and durable to be able to catch multiple games here for our Baseball program. He pushed himself always and consistently found a way to improve every session. He led by example to make sure the standard of training was held high for our baseball program! Brandon's hardworking attitude will propel him to success in his future!"

Ellie Kline (volleyball) – Quote from Sam Lee
"Ellie came in every day with an energy and attitude that was contagious for anyone in the weight room! She consistently pushed herself to a new level that propelled her to historic success on the Volleyball court. She was a key component in building a hardworking and "Hungry" attitude within our program. She showed great leadership for her teammates and made sure the standard stayed high. Ellie truly brought the "Juice", and it was a delight for me to be able to coach her!"

Emily Kern (volleyball) – Quote from Sam Lee
"Emily's approach to the weight room was admirable to see as her strength coach. She completely bought into the process to become the strongest and most powerful athlete she could be. This determination helped propel her to great success on the Volleyball. She was a key component to have around in the weight room for the rest of her teammates. It was such a pleasure to have been able to coach an athlete like Emily during her time here at MSU."

Chase Bartlett (basketball) – Quote from Sam Lee
"Chase came in the weight room every day with a mindset to get better. He approached all our training sessions with positivity, grit, and a toughness to further his strength and power capabilities as an athlete. He consistently pushed his teammates and helped create a great environment for training on the Men's Basketball team. His tenacious attitude will bring Chase great success in his future! It was a pleasure to have been able to train Chase during his time here at MSU!"

Alexa Post (track & field) – Quote from Sam Lee
"Alexa has used the weight the room to her advantage to help build herself into a strong and powerful Multi athlete here on the MSU Track Team. The consistent improvement in her success she had from year to year is a testament to the effort she put into her training every day. She brought great energy into the training sessions and was a great example to her teammates of pushing yourself even when you don't feel like it. Alexa was so enjoyable to train and the attitude she brought into our weight room was contagious for everyone around!"

Keaton Wattier (track & field) – Quote from Sam Lee
"Keaton is the prime example of using the weight room to your advantage as an athlete. He bought into the process to make sure his body was Strong, Powerful, and Resilient to become one of the nation's top hurdlers. His approach to training is very diligent, consistent, and tenacious. He was great example for the rest of our Track Team on how hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude can propel you to a new level. Keaton was also a great teammate in the weight room and helped build a contagious training culture for all. It was always a wonderful time being around Keaton and he will do great things in his future!"

Claudia Schwartz (swimming & diving) – Quote from Spencer Wright
"Claudia approaches every lift with purpose and intensity, understanding that her work in the weight room directly translates to success in the pool. She leads by example in every training session, holding herself to a high standard while encouraging her teammates to do the same. She inspires those around her with her drive, competitiveness, and excitement to train, helping create a culture of hard work and passion within the program. Claudia is truly one of a kind and capable of accomplishing anything she sets her mind to. She has been an absolute treat to have in the weight room!"

Alexi MacDonald (cross country) – Quote from Spencer Wright
Alexi challenges herself to improve every single day in everything she does. Whether she's in the classroom, running, or training in the weight room, she consistently gives her full effort. She takes pride in doing things the right way and never cuts corners. Her steady work ethic and positive attitude make her someone her teammates can always count on. She leads by example through her actions, supports those around her, and carries herself with genuine kindness. She truly deserves this recognition!