SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Kayla Vrieze (Sr., Eagan) of Gustavus women’s hockey is the recipient of the Elite 90 award for the 2023 NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey Championship, which was announced Thursday by the NCAA.
Vrieze, majoring in public accounting, currently carries a 3.989 GPA. Vrieze, who earns the honor for the second consecutive season, was presented with the award during the NCAA Championships banquet on Thursday night.
The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s championships.
Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above academically who have participated in a sport for at least two years with their school. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.
Vrieze is the second Gustie to earn the Elite 90 twice, joining Elizabeth Weiers of women’s track & field (2014, 2015), and garners the College’s 13th award. Vrieze earns the women’s hockey program’s eighth Elite 90 Award, joining Sarah Moe (2002), Nara Higano (2009), Melissa Mackley (2010), Sara Yungner (2011), Marah Sobczak (2012), and Carolyn Draayer (2013).