IWU’s Joldersma, MU’s McNally Share CL Female Athlete-of-the-Year Award

JACKSON, Mich. – The Crossroads League announced on Wednesday that Eva Joldersma of the Indiana Wesleyan volleyball program and Abbey McNally of the Marian women's basketball program had been named its 2025-2026 Co-Female Athletes of the Year.

Joldersma and McNalley each powered their team to NAIA National Championships and sweeps of the Crossroads League regular season and tournament titles on their way to a string of individual postseason honors.

Joldersma once again led Indiana Wesleyan to the NAIA National Championship, helping the Wildcats secure a historic third-straight title. Along the way, IWU posted a 33-4 mark and went 17-1 in CL play for a third-straight sweep of the CL regular season and tournament championships.

For the third-straight year, Joldersma was celebrated as the NAIA National Player of the Year, a NAIA First-Team All-American, the Crossroads League Player of the Year and a First-Team All-CL selection. The talented senior was also recognized for her academic excellence, receiving a third-straight CSC Academic All-American nod.

Joldersma posted another sparkling stat line on the way to the haul of postseason awards, totaling 383 kills and averaging 4.2 kills per set on a .242 hitting percentage. She also added 220 digs, 46 blocks and 22 aces.

"Eva's legacy is not just written in awards and accolades, but in the quiet moments of humility, the selfless actions on the court, the uplifting words to a teammate, and the unwavering strength of her faith," said Indiana Wesleyan head volleyball coach Candace Moats. "Three-time NAIA National Player of the Year, yet still the first to credit her team, her family, and her Lord. She does not just play volleyball at the highest level, she leads with grace, serves with love, and inspires with every step. Eva achieved excellence in the sport of volleyball, but character was chosen and that is what truly makes her the CL Female Athlete of the Year. It was a privilege to coach her for four years and I am excited to see her success in the beach game at California Polytechnic State University!"

McNally turned in a dominant stretch to fuel Marian's run to the NAIA National Championship and its second sweep of the Crossroads League regular season and tournament crown in three years. On the strength of McNally's terrific play, MU closed its season with 18-straight wins to finish at 35-2 and 16-2 in league play.

McNally was widely recognized for her play, earning NAIA First-Team All-American honors and being voted the CL Player and Defensive Player of the Year. The senior was also selected as a First-Team All-CL standout and was named to the CL All-Defensive Team.

During her final collegiate season, McNally averaged 19.5 points per game to set MU's single-season scoring record with 721 points. She also averaged 11.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, while making nearly 60-percent of her shot attempts.

"Every accolade Abbey has earned is a testament to her hard work, dedication and character," commented Marian head women's basketball coach Suntana Anderson. "I am glad to see her receiving the recognition she truly deserves. Abbey is an exceptional player, but what makes her even more special is who she is beyond her talent on the court. She is an amazing person with a humble heart, strong work ethic and unwavering determination. This is an incredible honor for someone so deserving. I could not be more proud to have been her coach. Congratulations Abbey, I know Mrs. Kathy is smiling down from heaving, saying "That's my girl!"

The Crossroads League Female Student-Athlete of the Year award is nominated and voted on by the 10 Athletic Directors from the Crossroads League and announced each summer.

Crossroads League Female Student-Athlete of the Year Recipients
2025-2026 – Eva Joldersma, Indiana Wesleyan (volleyball), Abbey McNally, Marian (women's basketball)
2024-2025 – Eva Joldersma, Indiana Wesleyan (volleyball)
2023-2024 – Eva Joldersma, Indiana Wesleyan (volleyball)
2022-2023 – Addy Wiley, Huntington (cross country/track and field)
2021-2022 – Erin Oleksak, Marian (soccer/track and field)
2020-2021 – Erin Oleksak, Marian (soccer/track and field)
2019-2020 – Erin Oleksak, Marian (soccer/track and field), Hannah Stoffel, Huntington (cross country/track and field)
2018-2019 – Bethany Balcer, Spring Arbor (soccer)
2017-2018 – Bethany Balcer, Spring Arbor (soccer)
2016-2017 – Bethany Balcer, Spring Arbor (soccer)
2015-2016 – Bethany Balcer, Spring Arbor (soccer)
2014-2015 – Alex Berends, Taylor (cross country/track and field)
2013-2014 – Geandra Almeida, Bethel (golf)
2012-2013 – Paige Smith, Indiana Wesleyan (basketball)
2011-2012 – Kelsey Pritchard, Taylor (volleyball)