TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University athletic department inducted 70 student-athletes into the athletics honor society Chi Alpha Sigma this spring, the Lutes' largest induction class in school history.

The Lutes' 70 inductees represent student-athletes from all 19 varsity sport programs. Chi Alpha Sigma recognizes college student-athletes who receive a varsity letter in their sport, achieve junior academic standing or higher after their fifth full time semester, and earn a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average. 

"2020-21 has been an incredible year for PLU Athletics, and being able to induct 70 student-athletes in the National College Athlete Honor Society is a huge testament to the perseverance our student-athletes have, both on the field and in the classroom," said interim Athletic Director Jen Thomas.

"Continuing with asynchronous education was a challenge for many of our student-athletes, but being able to participate in practice and competition with their teams helped balance their student experience. To have that many inductees into Chi Alpha Sigma is an extraordinary feat in any academic year, but to be able to have this many members of the NCAHS this year is even more remarkable."
 
The 70 Lutes earning induction were honored during the 51st-annual PLU Athletics Awards Show held virtually on Youtube and Facebook Live on May 16.
 
Chi Alpha Sigma is the first and only nonprofit organization that was established to recognize collegiate student-athletes who excel both on and off the field of competition. Founded in 1996 by then DePauw University head football coach, Nick Mourouzis, Chi Alpha Sigma continues to provide outstanding student-athletes with an opportunity to become connected within a fraternal association that aligns their educational and athletic successes for a lifetime. PLU joined Chi Alpha Sigma in 2015.

2021 was PLU's largest induction class since joining Chi Alpha Sigma. The Lutes inducted 67 student-athletes in 2020 and 60 total in both 2019 and 2018. 
 
PLU is one of just three institutions in the State of Washington to have membership with Chi Alpha Sigma along with Division I Gonzaga University and Division II Saint Martin's University.

Chi Alpha Sigma Juniors:
Erick Arcos (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Hope Baldyga (Volleyball)
Riley Buckmaster (Track & Field)
Allie Burke (Swimming)
Nicolas Celebrado (Swimming)
Charles Cutter (Swimming)
Emily Dulaney (Volleyball)
Bridget Duven (Swimming)
Marley Dyer (Softball)
Chaella Galapon (Softball)
Bailey Hamilton (Swimming)
Jordan Haworth (Baseball)
Elizabeth Horner (Rowing)
Alicia Krivanek (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Connor Lemma (Baseball)
Raynna Mekaru (Softball)
Emily Metzler (Rowing)
Kristin Moniz (Volleyball)
Gunner Nielsen (Golf)
Kiyomi Okamoto (Soccer)
Tori Oshiro (Swimming)
Trey Robak (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Daniel Samson (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Allison Sheflo (Rowing)
Vivian Shinall (Soccer)
Jared Simarago (Soccer)
Alexia Sioda (Track & Field)
Tommy Snyder (Baseball)
Jordan Thomas (Basketball)
Kimber Thomas (Soccer)
Peter Thompson (Swimming)
Justin Tucker (Baseball)
Emily Zink (Volleyball)

Chi Alpha Sigma Seniors:
Nathan Anderson (Baseball)
Jared Beals (Golf)
Harper Bolz-Weber (Rowing)
Kelly Brown (Soccer)
Cassidy Crosswhite (Soccer)
Keegan Dolan (Soccer)
Megan Drake (Basketball)
Cole Forde (Baseball)
Bailey Forsyth (Track & Field)
Bayley Gochanour (Tennis)
Seth Hall (Basketball)
Katelyn Harris (Track & Field)
Phillip Hecksel (Swimming)
Emma Hunter (Soccer)
Ashton Huppert (Soccer)
Brittany Iverson (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Hannah Jeffries (Tennis)
Ellie Johnson (Soccer)
Sophie Kass (Golf)
Kiyomi Kishaba (Swimming)
Seth Koivisto (Swimming)
Maddie Landreth (Soccer)
Sydney Larson (Soccer)
Jordan Lau (Golf)
Jonny Maier (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Hailey Marsh (Basketball)
Nicole Matiatos (Golf)
Anna Norman-Wikner (Rowing)
Ryan Pearson (Golf)
Sarah Potwin (Softball)
Kenton Robillard (Baseball)
Madison Salisbury (Basketball)
Rainier Schlekewey (Soccer)
Savanna Service (Volleyball)
Emily Sugimoto (Soccer)
Jared Toschi (Swimming)
Lauren Wilson (Track & Field/Volleyball)