SEWARD, Neb. – Two emerging student-athletes were recognized for making waves during the first full month of the 2026-27 academic year. Bulldog Athletics Association Member (BAAM) Athlete of the Month honors for September were handed out to Seohyeon “Lay” Jang of tennis and to Kaden Thompson of football.The winners emerged from a vote conducted on Tuesday (Oct. 6) among attendees at the BAAM luncheon. BAAM luncheons are held every Tuesday (when classes are in session) at 12 p.m. CT inside the Dog House Grill.
A first-year Bulldog from Seoul, South Korea, Jang burst onto the scene in September tournament play. In singles brackets, Jang went 3-0 at the GPAC Fall Individual Championships (Sept. 11-12) and 6-0 at the ITA Central West Regional Championships (Sept. 25-26) while winning championships at both events. Jang also teamed up with Chakira Derman for a GPAC doubles championship and for an appearance in the doubles semifinals at ITA Regionals. During tournament play, Jang defeated two players ranked in the top 10 of the final 2025-26 NAIA ratings: No. 4 Line Jensen of Morningside and No. 8 Maria Purizaca (twice) of Doane. As a reward for winning the ITA regional singles title, Jang will advance to play at the ITA Cup in Rome, Ga., on Oct. 15-18. She will be the first Bulldog to ever play in the ITA Cup. She will be accompanied by Head Coach Lisa Hart in Georgia. Jang is a Business Administration major.
A junior from North Platte, Neb., Thompson has performed impressively in his first season as a starter in the defensive backfield for Head Coach Patrick Daberkow’s squad. Thompson was named the GPAC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 21 after he snagged two interceptions in the 42-24 home win over Mount Marty. The Hershey Public High School product ranks second nationally with four interceptions this season (including two in the season opening win over Waldorf). On the year, Thompson has logged 39 tackles (2.5 for loss) and four pass breakups, in addition to the four picks, while starting all five games. Last week at No. 21 Northwestern, Thompson returned a blocked punt 51 yards for his first career touchdown. A 2025 NAIA Scholar-Athlete, Thompson is studying Business Administration.
BAAM Athletes of the Month are rewarded out of the pool of student-athletes that garner BAAM Athlete of the Week recognition throughout the month.
2025-26 BAAM Athletes of the Month
April – Adrianna Rodencal (track & field) / Nick Velders (tennis)
March – Nick Velders (tennis) / Katie Welker (shooting sports)
February – Jonny Jurchen (track & field) / Adrianna Rodencal (track & field)
January – Hayden Kluthe (track & field) / Adrianna Rodencal (track & field)
December – Brooks Kissinger (basketball) / Adysen McCarter (track & field)
November – Ava Greene (volleyball) / Brooks Kissinger (basketball)
October – Kierstynn Garner (soccer) / Adam Van Cleave (football)
September – Carson Fehlhafer (football) / Katie Welker (shooting sports)
2024-25 BAAM Athletes of the Month
April – Christian Gutierrez (baseball) / Adrianna Rodencal (track & field)
March – Jennifer Katz (softball) / Jaidan Quinn (baseball)
February – Abby Krieser (basketball) / Noah Schutte (basketball)
January – Adrianna Rodencal (track & field) / Tristan Smith (basketball)
December – Gabi Nordaker (volleyball) / Tristan Smith (basketball)
November – Austin Jablonski (football) / Kristin Vieselmeyer (basketball)
October – Carson Fehlhafer (football) / Kierstynn Garner (soccer)
September – Mark Arp (football) / Gabi Nordaker (volleyball)