Grand Rapids Reporter

Isaiah Schafer and Rachel Griffin have been recognized as the Davenport University Senior Athletes of the Year for the 2021-22 season. The announcement was made in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after a selection process involving multiple nominees from both men's and women's sports teams. The final decision was made by the athletic department's head coaches.

Schafer, a member of the men's track and field team, had an outstanding season. He became the NCAA individual champion in shot put during both indoor and outdoor seasons. Additionally, he secured sixth place nationally in discus outdoors. Notably, Schafer achieved the eighth-best throw in NCAA Division II history at the national meet. His accolades include receiving a GLIAC Spring Commissioner's Award and being named USTFCCCA Midwest Regional Field Athlete of the Year. Furthermore, he earned titles such as GLIAC Men's Field Athlete of the Meet and Year during outdoor season and was honored as a CoSIDA Second Team Academic All-American.

Rachel Griffin, representing the women's softball team, concluded her career with an impressive senior year performance. She made history by becoming the first Panther to be named GLIAC Player of the Year. Her achievements also include receiving a GLIAC Spring Commissioner's Award and being selected for D2CCA First Team All-Region and NFCA Second Team All-Region honors. In terms of statistics within GLIAC, Griffin ranked fourth in doubles, eighth in RBI, fifth in total bases, seventh in batting average, and fourth in slugging percentage. She holds several all-time records at Davenport University with 620 at-bats, 211 games played, and 204 games started.