ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) announced their Athlete of the Week award winners Wednesday in the sports of men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball. The awards are nominated by UMAC coaches and athletics communications staff and selected each week by the latter group.
Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week
Tyler Dueber, Jr, Northwestern
Bloomington, Minn./Homeschool
Tyler opened his UNW cross country career with an impressive win in the Eagle's Triangular with North Central University and Oak Hills Bible College. Dueber turned in a 5K time of 18:18, crossing the finish line 38 seconds before the next runner.
Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week
Sylvia Pesch, Jr, Minnesota Morris
Pelican Rapids, Minn./Pelican Rapids
Sylvia paced the Cougars in their opening meet of the season. The junior set a new personal best at 20:47.9 for the 5K race.
Men’s Golf Athlete of the Week
Andrew Rude, Sr, UW-Superior
Superior, Wis./Superior
Andrew led the ‘Jackets in this past weekend at the Augsburg Fall Invite. In round one he fired four birdies and 10 pars for an even-par round of 72 before finishing his weekend with a one-over 73, featuring 14 pars and a pair of birdies. On the individual leaderboard he ended the tournament tied for second place.
Women’s Golf Athlete of the Week
Morgan Eckman, Jr, Northwestern
Jordan, Minn./Jordan
Eckman bounced back from an 83 in Friday's opening round of the Ives Grove Firebird Fall Classic to shoot an even-par 72 on Saturday and tie for 7th place. That score broke her previous school record of 74 and helped UNW to both a second-place finish and a program record low round of 308, 10 shots clear of the previous mark.
Men’s Soccer Offensive Athlete of the Week
Aaron Mackall, Sr, Minnesota Morris
Nerstrand, Minn./Woodbury
Aaron had the first goal for the Cougars in the 2025 season six minutes into the first game, and would later double the score three minutes later. The senior forward would have his second five-point game with the Cougars with his two goals and one assist. He finished the contest with four shots, two on target that both beat the keeper.
Men’s Soccer Defensive Athlete of the Week
Roque Leo, Sr, Crown
Cancun, Mexico
Roque posted a clean sheet with three saves in a season opening draw with UW-Stout.
Women’s Soccer Offensive Athlete of the Week
Naomi Meehan, So, Northwestern
Waconia, Minn./Homeschool
Naomi delivered the season-opening goal of the 2025 campaign. She did so with style from nearly 35 yards away on her sole shot attempt. Her goal brought the Eagles even with Bethel during their season opener on Friday.
Women’s Soccer Defensive Athlete of the Week
Rachel Fuller, Jr, Crown
Becker, Minn./Becker
Rachel totaled 24 saves against UWRF in the Polars’ first contest of the season.
Volleyball Offensive Athlete of the Week
Makenna Hohbein, So, UW-Superior
Holdingford, Minn./Holdingford
Makenna led the Yellowjackets' offensive output this weekend at the Ripon College Classic. Playing in all 17 sets, she logged 60 kills while adding five assists and four service aces.
Volleyball Setter of the Week
Addeson Jenniges, So, Northwestern
Walnut Grove, Minn./Westbrook-Walnut Grove
Addeson was named to the Kathryne Pals Legacy Invitational All-Tournament team over the weekend after dishing out 105 assists (9.55/set) over UNW's three matches. The sophomore also tallied 24 digs, 5 kills, 1 ace and 1 block. Her best showing was against (RV) Coe, where she finished with 36 assists, 11 digs and 2 kills.
Volleyball Defensive Athlete of the Week
Marley Aune, Sr, Northwestern
New Brighton, Minn./Avail Academy
Aune's weekend was one to remember, as the senior reached the 400-career block milestone and was named to the Kathryne Pals Legacy Invitational All-Tournament Team. Of her 14 blocks (1.27 per set), 9 were solo. She also had 27 kills and put up a team-high 3.59 points per set--an impressive number for a middle blocker.