Two UM-Dearborn Student-Athletes Receive NAIA Awards Day Nominations

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference announced its nominees for the NAIA National Awards Day. Two University of Michigan-Dearborn student-athletes were recognized after receiving nominations from their host institution or being selected by a committee of their peers within the conference to represent the WHAC at the national level. All of these award winners have been submitted to the NAIA and will be included on the national ballot alongside other conference representatives from across the country. The NAIA will announce National Award winners on Sept. 15. 

A. O. Duer Scholarship Award
Named in honor of the NAIA's former executive secretary, the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award recognizes one male and one female junior student-athlete who has excelled in scholarship, character, and citizenship. 

Marisa Fetterley (UM-Dearborn) - Female Nominee

A Health and Human Services major, Fetterley has proven herself as a standout both on the volleyball court as well as in the classroom and the campus community. Fetterley was selected to the WHAC All-Freshman team in 2023, and was named to the WHAC All-Academic Team in 2025. She also serves as the Co-President of the UM-Dearborn SAAC and gives back to the local community as a youth volleyball coach. 

Brett Leidal (UM-Dearborn) - Male Nominee

A Political Science major and member of the Men's Cross Country Team, Brett Leidal was chosen as the WHAC's Male Nominee for the A. O. Duer Scholarship. Leidal is the 8k school record holder on the course and excels both in the classroom and in the community. He earned second-team all-WHAC honors in 2024 and has twice been named the team MVP. Leidal also has twice earned WHAC All-Academic team honors and serves on the advisory board of the UM-Dearborn SAAC.