Grace Christian University is excited to announce five new inductees to their athletics Hall of Fame for the class of 2025!

Austin Jackson (Basketball 2015-20)
Austin Jackson helped lead the Tigers men's basketball team to a National Championship in 2019 and capped off an illustrious career with NCCAA National Player of the Year honors in 2020 – two distinguishing honors that naturally resulted in his newest accolade of First Ballot Hall of Famer. Austin finished 7^th all-time in both points and rebounds for the Grace basketball program. Austin is now a teacher at Kelloggsville Public Schools and resides in Jenison, MI with his wife, Ashley (Bearden) Jackson, who was also a standout athlete for the Grace volleyball team, and their two daughters Eliza and Sunday.

"It's an incredible honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I'm deeply grateful to my family and friends who have always stood by me, and to God for opening doors and guiding me through every step of the journey. This honor is as much theirs as it is mine" – Austin Jackson

Bernard Smith (Basketball 2014-19)
Bernard Smith is one of three men's basketball players to ever reach the 1,000 point/1,000 rebound club – the others being current Grace Hall of Fame members Allen Durham and Randy Lockyear. Bernard earned All-Region honors four years (2x 1^st-Team, 2x 2^nd-Team) and was a 2^nd team All-American in 2015. He capped off his career with 4 Regional Championships and 1 National Championship. Bernard and his family now live in Arkansas and he works at the corporate office at Sam's Club. He is married to Adrianna (also a 2025 inductee) and their two boys – Hudson and Wesley.

"This is such an incredible honor, and being inducted alongside my wife truly feels like a dream come true. My dad taught me the values of dedication, drive, and discipline, and those lessons have stayed with me every step of the way. We're so grateful for the Grace community and all the memories this place has given us. Sharing this special moment with our family by our side makes it even more unforgettable." – Bernard Smith

Naomi (Kemper) Caprari (Volleyball 2009-2013)
Naomi (Kemper) Caprari's name can be found stamped all over the women's volleyball record books. Naomi ended her career second in the record books in both digs (1,254) and kills (1,192) and holds the top spot with the most aces ever by a Tiger (213). Naomi's induction is the second parent/child duo in the Grace Hall of Fame, as her Father Ken Kemper (basketball standout in the mid-80's) is also a Hall of Fame member. Naomi is married to John Caprari and they have been working in Africa since leaving Grace, and they are now accompanied by their four daughters, Junia, Eva, Esther, and Jael.

"I feel deeply honored by this induction, and even more grateful for the journey of growth, the teammates, and the lasting memories it represents." – Naomi Caprari

Debbie Pekel (Soccer 2013-2017)
Debbie Pekel was a program changer for the women's soccer team. She entered a new program that was still finding its feet, and left the program as a national contender after four years of her impact. Debbie was named the NCCAA Midwest Regional Player of the Year in 2016 as well as a 1^st Team All-American. She was a three-time captain, two-time golden boot award winner, and received 1^st-Team All-Region honors all four years. She left the program as the all-time assists leader (33) and is currently third in goals scored in a career (56). Debbie has elevated herself to a high level in coaching collegiate soccer since her playing days, currently residing in the state of South Carolina as the Head Coach of NAIA program Spartanburg Methodist University.

Adrianna (Bunce) Smith (Volleyball 2015-2018)
Adrianna (Bunce) Smith is only the third volleyball player in Grace history to receive All-American honors multiple times, receiving 2^nd-Team honors in 2016 and honorable mention in 2017. She was named All-Region three straight years from 2015-17. Adrianna was a key member on the 2016 team that qualified for NCCAA Nationals and finished in 5^th place in their first appearance since 1996. Adrianna now lives in Arkansas with her husband Bernard and her two boys – Hudson and Wesley.

"Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is such an honor, and sharing this moment with my husband makes it even more joyful and meaningful. We're deeply grateful for the support and encouragement we have received from the Grace community over the years. Above all, I owe a special thanks to my family because their unwavering faith in me made this achievement possible. To the athletes who paved the way and to those who will follow, Go Tigers!" – Adrianna Smith
 
These five will be honored in the Aldrich Athletic Center on Friday, September 26 at the Hall of Fame Athletic Banquet, which in addition to these inductions will also include a celebration of what God is currently doing in Grace Athletics, dinner and dessert, and a raffle and giveaways. Whether it be to support these five or just for a needed date night, please join us! Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased by following the link below: Purchase Tickets