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Mr. Joyce, Athletics Director
July, 2025
Excellence in Athletics
We're thrilled to spotlight two of our top athletes! At the 2025 graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 17, Athletic Director Thad Joyce proudly presented Brynn and Jeffrey with the Bernie Saggau and Lisa Brinkmeyer Awards. Dive in to learn more about these amazing awards and the exceptional athletes who earned them!
Jeffrey received this year's Bernie Saggau Award from the Iowa High School Athletic Association, in honor of Bernie Saggau—a man who spent more than 38 years shaping high school sports in Iowa.
Each year, the Bernie Saggau Award is given to a senior who truly stands out—not just on the field or in competition, but in how they carry themselves every day. It honors someone who represents the best qualities we can ask for: honesty, sportsmanship, and a genuine love for their school and community. If Jeffrey were a superhero, his powers would be kindness & integrity.
Now, kindness doesn’t exactly sound like a super power. In the words of Mr. Joyce, “To be honest, growing up I always thought of the word “kindness” as being weak. I never really cared much for the word, and I would definitely never hope to hear a coach or teacher say, “You are so kind!” But that all changed when I had cancer. And for the first time in my life, I understood what it felt like to be a recipient of kindness - the kindness of God. It is compassionate. It is merciful. And it is undeserved. And Jeffrey, more than any other student I know, could be described as kind, because the kindness of God is revealed in him.”
Jeffrey is also marked by integrity. While participating in track, cross country, and bowling over the last four years, he has brought honor to his teams, his school, and his family - not only by what he’s done, but by how he’s done it. Consistently, quietly, and without needing a spotlight. Congratulations Jeffrey!
Brynn received this year's Lisa Brinkmeyer Award, which recognizes a graduating female student-athlete who stands out for her academic excellence, athletic achievement, leadership, and service. It’s presented by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union to someone who not only earned a varsity letter as a senior, but who has truly made an impact—in school, in sports, and in the lives of others.
This award is named after Lisa Brinkmeyer; who, after helping her high school win the state basketball tournament, was named “Miss Iowa Basketball” in 1993. She then went to play for the Drake Bulldogs helping them win 3 conference championships. After graduating she stayed at Drake serving as an assistant coach for their women’s basketball team, along with Lisa Bluder. And when Bluder came to Iowa in 2000, she tried to bring Brinkmeyer with her. It was an incredible opportunity (she could've coached Caitlyn Clark!), but she was all Bulldog Blue and was not going to come over to the Hawkeye Black & Gold. It was widely known she was a relationship builder and connector, and she was happy to stay where she was.
Brynn has a similar story, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
At Isaac Newton Christian Academy we haven’t had enough student-athletes to field teams for most sports, including volleyball. But she never let that stop her. In fact, she played for three different schools over her four years—she was kind of like the volleyball version of a Free Agent, minus the million-dollar contracts. Whether it was Cedar Valley, Xavier, Marion, or PE Class, she was an absolute force on the volleyball court, leading in assists and racking up kills. She was all in. No complaints. No ego. Just playing hard because she loved the game. Not only that, but she surprised us all and decided to throw bowling into the mix as well. And because of her participation - Isaac Newton had its first ever Varsity Girls Bowling Team.
And in our hallways and classrooms, she’s been no different - a dedicated student, a faithful friend, a strong leader. She’s faced every challenge with grace, and every opportunity with gratitude. She’s led by example, and no doubt has left a legacy that will echo well beyond the stat-sheets. She has been an example to us all of what it looks like to live out Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Congratulations Brynn!