MILWAUKEE, Wis. – USA Triathlon has announced that Trine University's Grace Huisman has been awarded the 2025 edition of THE ALEXANDER award. The announcement came during today's USA Triathlon Foundation Celebration of Sport Gala presented by TicketSocket.

THE ALEXANDER, which is funded by the USA Triathlon Foundation and The TriDave Legacy Trust, is college triathlon's most prestigious honor recognizing outstanding individuals who excel not only in triathlon but also demonstrate exemplary achievements in academics and community service. The award is dedicated to accelerating the growth of triathlon as an NCAA Championship sport.

Finalists are selected on three criteria including academic achievement, athletic performance and volunteerism and community involvement. Nominees must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, must exhibit competitive success and leadership on their triathlon team and must demonstrate commitment to community service related to sports, health or education.

Huisman becomes just the second winner of the award, with North Central College's Hailey Poe winning the inaugural edition in 2024. The three finalists for this seasons award were all in attendance at the event.

The senior has been a cornerstone for the Thunder over the past three seasons, leading the way to three-straight runners-up finishes at the national championship. The Muncie, Ind. native, has never finished lower than eighth at the national event among Division III opponents. The last two seasons she has finished in the top five and led the way for the team.

Huisman and the Thunder are set return to competition later this month when they open their season at the Geist Triathlon which will take place in the Geist Waterfront Park in Fishers, Ind.