– 2024 VCSU Viking Awards Announced

VCSU – The Valley City State University athletic department held its annual Viking Awards on Monday night, recognizing senior student-athletes and announcing its major student-athlete awards.

Sadie Hansen (volleyball/track and field) and Jaiden Peraza (track and field) were named the 2023-24 VCSU Athletes of the Year. Hansen helped the Viking volleyball team to its first national tournament appearance in school history and was named the NSAA Setter of the Year and 3^rd Team All-American. Peraza placed 4^th in high jump at the NAIA Indoor National Championships and won conference championships this season in both high jump and long jump.

Seniors Saige Forseth (softball) and Avery Thorsgard (football) received the Viking Impact Award. This award goes to standout senior student-athletes who have made a major impact on the VCSU campus and community during their time at VCSU.

Logan Gronberg (softball) and Takao Cookson (baseball) were named the VCSU Newcomers of the Year. Gronberg led the conference in batting average (.430) and was second in the conference in both home runs (8) and RBIs (44). She was also third in the NSAA in ERA (3.00) and had six saves. Cookson emerged as one of the conference’s top pitchers during his freshman season. He finished the year with a 2.96 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 67 innings. He was named the NSAA Baseball Freshman of the Year.

The Iron Viking Award went to Alyssa DePoorter (softball) and Keeton Clark (baseball). This award is presented by the VCSU Strength and Conditioning staff to standout student-athletes in the weight room.

Joelle Lamontagne (softball) received the Golden Crutch Award, which is presented by the VCSU athletic training staff. This award goes to a student-athlete who has been a model patient for VCSU’s athletic trainers, encourages others in the training room, and continually works hard at making their health a priority.

The VCSU athletic department also recognized its senior student-athletes and NSAA Champions of Character representatives, along with school record breakers at the event.