(By Mia Bucher ’25, staff writer)
An LVC student becomes the first football player to receive a prestigious academic award.
Evan Kutzler, a fourth-year exercise science major, earned the College Sports Communicators Academic All-American award.
Eight football student-athletes were awarded CSC Academic All-District after the 2024 season. Kutzler was selected as a finalist and later voted for the First Team.
“I feel honored to receive such an award because not only does it represent my achievements on the field but off as well,” Kutzler said.
The college has had 34 previous honorees across all sports. This year marks the second consecutive year a Dutchman has been selected for this honor.
“I’m proud to be named a First Team Academic All-American, and I feel that it represents us as a school and, more specifically, as a football team. It’s something that I’ll carry with me forever and is a testament to my coaches, teammates and professors,” Kutzler said.
When asked about the challenges of being a student-athlete, Kutzler mentioned how confidence, time management and discipline are key factors in progressing in his studies and on the field.
Kutzler plans to become a physical therapist and continue working with athletes in his career.
“Have confidence in your abilities that got you to where you are. Trust in yourself, and when you fail, lean on the support system that is around you. Trust in your preparation and hard work, and the results will come,” Kutzler said when asked about advice he would give current and future student-athletes.