KANSAS CITY, Mo - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the 2026 NAIA Scholar-Athletes for spring sports.  Four Mount Mary Blue Angel athletes were among the honorees.

Taylor Hames, Amanda Nance, Alex Eads and Vanessa Diaz were recognized as NAIA scholar athletes.  While this is the first time the students were honored by the NAIA (this is MMU's first academic year in the NAIA), each student athlete had received academic recognition in previous years from Mount Mary's previous conference and national affiliations.

To qualify as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport, and have attended their institution for at least one full year. 

Full Daktronics Scholar-Athletes lists

Scholar-Athletes by institution CLICK HERE

Scholar-Athletes by name CLICK HERE

Scholar-Athletes by conference CLICK HERE

Scholar-Athletes by sport CLICK HERE