Valpo Victory Report Your Monthly Valparaiso University Beacons Update

Dear Valpo Friends and Supporters,

During my senior year as an undergraduate student, I had a tremendous opportunity to work as an intern in the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics. Donna Sanft, who was a senior associate athletic director at Pitt, gave me a life-changing opportunity. Subsequently, I earned an opportunity to work as a graduate assistant and eventually, Donna hired me in a full-time position. She saw something in me and I was blessed that my work ethic and preparation aligned with a wonderful opportunity that laid the foundation for my career journey. I am extremely excited to be surrounded by so many talented student-athletes at Valpo. It will be fascinating to follow their careers and impact in society after their time at Valparaiso University. It is an honor to know that I am serving future Valpo Athletics Hall of Famers.

A few of the shining examples of exemplary Valpo student-athletes include Nikki Coryell, who holds a special place in Valpo Athletics history as she helped lead the soccer team to our department's first Missouri Valley Conference regular season championship in any sport in 2022 followed by our first MVC Tournament championship in any sport in 2023. A three-time MVC Goalkeeper of the Year, Nikki is a sport management and accounting double major, the sports editor of The Torch student newspaper, an active member of Chi Omega and a member of Christ College, Valpo's Honors College. Cooper Schwieger of men's basketball leads all Missouri Valley Conference freshmen in scoring average and rebounding average, both overall and in league play. A four-time MVC Freshman of the Week, Cooper is one four freshmen in the country averaging at least 13.0 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game in conference play. In the classroom, Cooper is studying business.

Anthony Delisanti and Caleb VanArragon of men's golf are in the midst of special careers and will someday claim their places in the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame. Caleb was a First Team Academic All-American last year after owning a perfect 4.0 GPA as a biology and statistics double major. Caleb earned an at-large NCAA Regional bid, while Anthony - also a standout in the classroom in sport management - won the MVC individual title for the second straight year and earned an automatic NCAA Regional berth. Caleb was a member of Christ College during undergrad and is currently pursuing a master's in analytics and modeling. Olivia Czerwonka of tennis has shattered program records for both career singles wins and career doubles wins, all while pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Olivia and her older sister Claire, now a graduate assistant coach for the program, have raised the bar for Valpo tennis in competition while also both excelling as nursing majors during their time on campus.

Every day, I am motivated because I have an opportunity to utilize sports to help young people and members of our community be prepared to walk through doors of opportunity. I was fortunate to have coaches, faculty and administrators like Donna Sanft who helped me to flourish during my time as an undergraduate student.

This month on AD’s Insight, we were joined by Ignacio Veloz Bonilla and Alejandro Chaves of men’s cross country and track & field to discuss their experience competing in the Puerto Rican National Championships. In addition, head men’s basketball coach Roger Powell Jr. provided insight on his DNA Wall, exciting young players in the program and student-athlete community engagement opportunities. Click here to view the interview. I hope you enjoy reading and watching the videos that we have featured in this edition of the Valpo Victory Report.

We truly appreciate your support and commitment to Valpo Athletics.

Go Valpo!

Dr. Charles Small, Director of Athletics