Concordia University, Nebraska Athletics has announced its 2024-25 Concordia Senior Athletes of the Year. As voted upon by members of the athletic department, Gabi Nordaker (volleyball) has been selected as the 2024-25 Concordia Female Senior Athlete of the Year while Jaidan Quinn (baseball) have been recognized as 2024-25 Concordia Male Senior Athletes of the Year. As senior athletes of the year, the three standout Bulldogs will automatically be nominated for future consideration as members of the Concordia Athletic Hall of Fame.
As this year’s award winners, Nordaker and Quinn are invited to attend the 2025 Concordia Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony slated for the night of Oct. 10. The ceremony represents one of the highlights of homecoming weekend on the Concordia University, Nebraska campus.
Said Director of Athletics Devin Smith, “We are pleased to recognize Gabi and Jaidan for their outstanding careers as student-athletes. They have earned this distinction not only for what they achieved athletically, but also because they represent the best in Bulldog Athletics as exemplified by their Christian faith and pursuit of excellence in all areas of life. The leadership and incredible achievements of both athletes were influential in their respective programs enjoying championship seasons and national tournament runs. Congratulations to Gabi and Jaidan!”
Gabi Nordaker, Volleyball
An Omaha native and Millard West High School alum, Gabi Nordaker established herself as one of the greatest student-athletes in the history of the Concordia Volleyball program. The three-time NAIA All-American led the Bulldogs to five-straight appearances at the final site of the NAIA National Championships while starring as a middle blocker. While making use of the COVID exemption, Nordaker played in 145 matches during the 2020 through 2024 seasons and posted a career .343 hitting percentage. On the program’s all-time lists, Nordaker ranks third in blocks (597) and fourth in kills (1,433). As a consistent force, Nordaker produced at least 218 kills and 98 blocks in every season of her career. The program’s five-year record during Nordaker’s run stood at 114-31 (62-17 GPAC). Other team accomplishments included a GPAC regular season title in 2023, three national tournament quarterfinal advancements and final NAIA top 10 national rankings each year.
Nordaker wrapped up her career by being named a 2024 NAIA Second Team All-American, following a All-America honors in 2022 (second team) and 2023 (third team). Nordaker was named GPAC All-Conference five times – second team in 2020 and first team 2021 through 2024. In addition, Nordaker was a five-time NAIA All-Region selection by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and a was chosen to the Omaha World-Herald’s All-Midlands Team four times. Throughout her career, Nordaker pulled in six GPAC Athlete of the Week and two NAIA National Athlete of the Week awards. Nordaker has been a key figure in all three of the program’s trips to the national quarterfinals. She earned her degree from Concordia in Exercise Science. Nordaker is pursuing a career in coaching and is currently a graduate assistant at the University of Jamestown.
Said Head Volleyball Coach Ben Boldt, “I am so excited for Gabi to have earned the honor of being named Concordia’s Female Senior Athlete of the Year! Gabi has been a constant for the volleyball team for five straight years. The work she has put in is reflected in the consistency of her production. She has been a huge part of the growth of this program during her time at Concordia. I know that she loves volleyball, loves her teammates and loves this university. We are thankful that she chose to become a Bulldog. She has left a legacy that will live on for those that come behind her.”
Jaidan Quinn, Baseball
Jaidan Quinn arrived at Concordia in 2021 as a Bonner Springs, Kan., native and Olathe West High School alum. Quinn proceeded to enjoy a career that puts him in the conversation as the top hitter in Concordia Baseball history and one of the most prolific hitters in NAIA history. As a senior this past 2025 season, Quinn rose to the top of the program’s all-time home runs list while finishing his career with 98 long balls. In Bulldog history, Quinn also ranks first in walks (182), second in RBIs (278), second in runs scored (280), third in games played (227), fifth in hits (259), fifth in batting average (.360), fifth in doubles (48) and eighth in assists (319). The star third baseman posted incredible career rates with a .527 on-base percentage and .838 slugging percentage for a 1.365 OPS (on base plus slugging). The three-time NAIA All-American paced the program to considerable heights as Concordia went 163-73-1 with four GPAC championships, four national tournament appearances and three NAIA top 25 finishes during Quinn’s four-year career.
Quinn’s senior season saw him slug his way to GPAC Player of the Year accolades for the second-straight year. His NAIA All-America honors included recognition as second team in 2023, first team in 2024 and second in 2025. Also an excellent student, Quinn garnered three Academic All-District and two Academic All-America awards from College Sports Communicators. In another major achievement, Quinn was tabbed the Honorary Captain of the 2025 Omaha World-Herald All-Midlands Team, marking his fourth career All-Midlands Team award. The three-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete pulled in seven career GPAC Player of the Week honors and seized an NAIA National Player of the Week award in 2024. By season, Quinn posted respective home run totals of 19, 27, 27 and 25. His 27 home runs are tied for a program single season record. Quinn graduated from Concordia with a degree in Exercise Science. In June, Quinn signed a professional contract with the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League.
Said Head Baseball Coach Ryan Dupic, “Jaidan’s impact on the Concordia Baseball Program and Concordia Athletics will be remembered for years to come. If you were a part of Concordia Baseball during his time, you have a story of Jaidan doing something on the baseball field that you’ve either never seen, or rarely ever seen. He performed at a higher level than anyone in the history of the program. In addition to his tremendous athletic achievements, Jaidan’s character and selflessness stand out. He was an excellent teammate and leader and while he had tremendous individual accomplishments, his primary focus was the team’s journey. Concordia is lucky to have had him here, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to coach him.”