COLORADO SPRINGS – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) has announced 10 Augustana student-athletes as 2021 All-American Athlete Award recipients. Nominated by the Augustana strength & conditioning staff, Daniel Bishop, Adam Dykman, Justin Kooiman, T.J. Liggett, Abigail Magee, Ashley Mickschl, Hannah Mitby, Bailey Parsons, Kali Ryan and Izzy Sommers all received the honor for their determination to improve in athletics while maintaining academic prominence.
 
"These student-athletes are the best in strength & conditioning," said Andy Stocks, assistant strength & conditioning coach. "They have shown tremendous effort and passion on a daily basis. Their work ethic and dedication to strength & conditioning is undeniable. Their progress and performance during their collegiate career have far exceeded expectation."
 
All 10 Vikings were nominated by head strength & conditioning coach Brett Chambers, graduate assistant Michael DiClementi and Stocks.
 
"We are proud to have the Augustana strength & conditioning staff join the NSCA in its mission to safely improve athletic performances," said Eric McMahon, NSCA's Coaching and Sport Science Program Manager. "Supporting our student-athletes like the ten Vikings guarantees a stronger future for the NSCA."
 
Daniel Bishop // Wrestling // Junior
Daniel is an NCWA Division II Scholar and a member of the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence. Broke the school record in career tech falls. Daniel leads by example no matter what he's doing. He has passion for strength and conditioning and credits it to being a better wrestler. It has been a true honor to coach Daniel and watch him grow as an athlete and person. - Coach DiClementi
 
Adam Dykman // Men's Basketball // Senior
Adam has been a constant leader within the strength & conditioning program. Even battling through injuries, Adam used the weight room to better himself as well as connect and lead his teammates. We look forward to following his success on the court and in all of his future endeavors. - Coach Chambers
 
Justin Kooiman // Men's Track & Field // Junior
Justin's love for lifting has been the foundation for his athletic career. He has overcome two severe injuries to record PR performances on the track. In 2019, Justin earned spot on the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence. Justin's positivity is infectious. His electric charisma led to great lifting sessions and will undoubtedly be an asset in his future career. – Coach Stocks
 
T.J. Liggett // Football // Junior
T.J.'s commitment to strength and conditioning has been incredible. He holds the school record in the clean with 420 pounds. T.J. was named Second Team All-NSIC in 2019 as well as earning a spot on the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence. His performances in the classroom, on the field, and in the weight room are a testament to his unwavering work ethic. All of the things that brought him success at Augustana will carry him to great things in the future. – Coach Stocks
 
Abigail Magee // Women's Swimming & Diving // Senior
Abigail's commitment to strength & conditioning has made her a great athlete to work with. The swim program has greatly benefited from her leadership. She was a part of the school record holding 400 medley team in 2018-19. She earned All-Academic NSIC honors in 2019-20. Abby's toughness and grit will be a tremendous asset throughout her future career. - Coach Stocks
 
Ashley Mickschl // Softball // Senior
Ashley's determination, toughness, and leadership has led her to being a top performer in the class room, on the diamond, and in the weight room. Her softball accolades include numerous All-American, All-Region, and All-NSIC honors. She was named to the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence in 2019. In the same year, Ashley led the Vikings to victory in the NCAA DII National Championship and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Her strength and athleticism also earned her the team record in the vertical jump. Ashley's passion and work ethic will lead her to great things in the future. – Coach Stocks
 
Hannah Mitby // Women's Basketball // Senior
Hannah was a two-time NSIC All-Academic Team member and holds multiple NSIC South Division Player of the Week accolades. She's a natural-born leader on the court and in the weight room. Hannah pushes her teammates to be better no matter the situation. It has been a true honor to coach Hannah and watch her grow as an athlete and person. - Coach DiClementi
 
Bailey Parsons // Soccer // Senior
Bailey's do-more attitude is the key to her success. She always takes challenges head on. Her relentless work ethic has made her a top performer in the weight room day in and day out. She earned All-Academic NSIC honors in 2018 and 2019. Bailey's persistent effort will propel her to success after college. – Coach Stocks
 
Kali Ryan // Women's Track & Field // Senior
Kali's pursuit of excellence has propelled her to success at Augustana. She is one of Augie's strongest student-athletes pound-for-pound, holding a team record in the squat. She was named to the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence in 2019 and All-Academic NSIC in 2018. The same things that made Kali successful as a student-athlete will allow her to be successful in the future. – Coach Stocks
 
Izzy Sommers // Volleyball // Junior
Izzy's leadership and desire for improvement has made her a pleasure to coach. She has been the model student-athlete during her time at Augustana. Her performance in the class room, on the court, and in the weight room have been tremendous. Izzy earned a spot on the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence in 2019 and was an All-Academic NSIC selection in 2018. She holds team and school records in the deadlift and vertical jump. Izzy's internal drive and positive attitude will serve her well in the future. – Coach Stocks
 
About the National Strength & Conditioning Association
 
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit professional association founded in 1978 and is dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession around the world. The NSCA advances the profession by supporting strength and conditioning professionals devoted to helping others discover and maximize their strengths. The organization disseminates research-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, and continuing education opportunities. The NSCA community is composed of more than 45,000 members and certified professionals who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength coaches, personal trainers, and other roles in related fields.
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, the NSCA serves as a valuable resource for its members, the fitness industry, general public, and the media. The association provides a wide variety of resources and opportunities designed to strengthen, build, advance, and unify.