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Bergen Community College Student-Athletes Earn NJCAA Academic All-American Honors

Bergen Community College Student-Athletes Earn NJCAA Academic All-American Honors
June 16, 2026

PARAMUS, N.J.-Bergen Community College proudly announces that 18 student-athletes have earned NJCAA All-Academic honors, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements while competing in intercollegiate athletics.

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Academic program honors student-athletes who excel in the classroom while balancing the demands of collegiate athletics. To be eligible, student-athletes must complete at least two full-time semesters of coursework and maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.60 or higher.

NJCAA All-Academic honors are awarded in three categories:

First Team: 4.00 GPA
Second Team: 3.80-3.99 GPA
Third Team: 3.60-3.79 GPA

NJCAA All-Academic First Team (4.00 GPA)

  • Valencia Botero (Women's Volleyball)
  • Helayna Stammer (Softball)

NJCAA All-Academic Second Team (3.80–3.99 GPA)

  • Eli Dzwonkowski (Track & Field)
  • Kaitlyn McQuade (Softball)
  • Michael Kim (Baseball)
  • Julia Semon (Women's Volleyball)
  • Nathaly Gonzalez (Women's Soccer)
  • Heidy Gonzalez (Women's Soccer)

NJCAA All-Academic Third Team (3.60–3.79 GPA)

  • Manuel Urquia (Men's Soccer)
  • Paul Mielke (Track & Field)
  • Cheikh Diarre (Track & Field)
  • Jorge Pelaez (Track & Field)
  • Hemang Patel (Track & Field)
  • Daniel Lin (Men's Soccer)
  • SeungWoo Jeon (Baseball)
  • Michelle Guadalupe (Women's Soccer)
  • Leo Moura (Men's Soccer)

"Our student-athletes continue to raise the standard for excellence at Bergen Community College," said Director of Athletics Erin Van Nostrand. "The dedication required to succeed academically while competing in collegiate athletics is extraordinary. These students have demonstrated exceptional discipline, time management, and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and the example they set for our campus community."

The recognition reflects Bergen Athletics' commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and personally. Bergen student-athletes come from diverse backgrounds and many balance rigorous academic schedules with athletics, employment, family responsibilities, and community involvement.

The 18 NJCAA Academic All-Americans represent six different athletic programs, highlighting the department-wide culture of academic achievement and student success that continues to grow throughout Bergen Athletics.

"As proud as we are of championships, postseason appearances, and athletic accomplishments, academic success remains our highest priority," Van Nostrand added. "These honors reflect the hard work of our student-athletes, the dedication of our coaches, and the support provided by faculty, staff, and administrators throughout Bergen Community College."

Bergen Community College congratulates all 18 NJCAA Academic All-Americans for their outstanding achievements and thanks them for representing the College with distinction both on the field of play and in the classroom.