Northwest College Leads NJCAAE in All-Academic Honorees

Each semester, the NJCAAE  honors student-athletes who excel in the classroom by naming them All-Academic students. To receive this honor, students must earn a 3.5 GPA or higher during the semester while meeting all NJCAAE eligibility and conduct requirements. In spring 2026, the NJCAAE celebrated 163 student-athletes representing 36 NJCAAE member institutions.

Northwest College led all institutions with 16 honorees from its team, followed by Daytona State College with 10. 

For Northwest College’s student-athletes, success in esports has gone hand in hand with success in the classroom. Caitlyn Duncan, a Super Smash Bros. player, said her commitment to academics grew stronger as she progressed through college. She emphasized that education is about more than grades, scholarships or recognition, saying, “the act of learning strengthens the mind and prepares you for the future.”

Balancing academics with other responsibilities can be challenging, especially during a demanding classroom schedule. Duncan said creating a schedule helped her manage her degree requirements and personal life while also participating in Northwest College’s esports program. She said the program helped her maintain a steady, healthy lifestyle during her time at school.

For George Kirkley, a Super Smash Bros. and Street Fighter player, attending college came with financial uncertainty. Kirkley said Northwest College helped him navigate those challenges and work toward his goals.

“It was very scary going to college because I wasn't sure if I could pay. But NWC has been incredibly helpful in my college journey, helping me achieve my dream,” Kirkley said. “The work and the world may be daunting. Take a deep breath, calm your mind and be dauntless.”

Collin Thomas, who competes in Super Smash Bros. and Rocket League, said esports has helped him develop a mindset that carries over into his academics. Competitive gaming has taught him not to let failure determine how he approaches future challenges.

Isaac Stensing, another Super Smash Bros. player, highlighted the relationships he has built through the esports program. “Esports has helped me gain friends I never would have met if I didn't join,” Stensing said. He added that the community has helped him manage the stress that can come with college.

Another member of the esports team, Blake Heindl, said “Academics are the foundation of everything we do. The same thing that makes us want to win in esports is what also motivates us to succeed in the classroom. Earning All-Academic this season is proof that with the right discipline and time management, you don't have to choose between your games and your education. You can tackle both and get it done with a winning mindset."

Coach Chris Dugger said the impact of the program extends beyond competition. He described esports as a “game changer” for some Northwest College students, noting that the structure and teamwork found in traditional sports can also help esports players work toward a common goal.

“These students put their heart and soul into their games and have to put the same energy into their academics to compete,” Dugger said. “Structure and teamwork make it all possible, extremely proud of our NWC Trapper Esports Athletes for their great work on the game and academically!”

While 163 student-athletes earned All-Academic honors across the NJCAAE, Northwest College accounted for 16 of them. For the Trapper esports team, the recognition is a reflection of the work its athletes put in both on and off the game.