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Alexey Topolyanskiy '15 and Meghan Vodopich '15 have earned Wittenberg's NCAC Scholar-Athlete Awards for 2015.

Photos by Nick Falzerano and Erin Pence

Springfield, Ohio – Wittenberg University’s Department of Athletics can boast of a variety of outstanding team and individual athletic accomplishments during the 2014-15 school year, in addition to another stellar performance by Tiger student-athletes in the classroom. 

For starters, Alexey Topolyanskiy (Moscow, Russia/School 712) and Meghan Vodopich (Canton, Ohio/Massillon Perry) have earned North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Student-Athlete Awards, presented annually to Wittenberg student-athletes who perform with distinction both in the classroom and on the playing field. One male and one female student-athlete from each of the NCAC’s 10 member institutions are selected for the award annually. 

Topolyanskiy was a four-year starter for the Tiger men’s tennis team, playing mostly No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles. In addition to compiling an exemplary grade point average while studying financial economics, Topolyanskiy earned team Most Valuable Player honors following his junior and senior seasons and picked up All-NCAC honors three times in his career. 

As a team, Wittenberg compiled a four-year record of 45-40 in dual matches with Topolyanskiy in the lineup. Topolyanskiy posted career records of 44-31 in singles and 35-35 in doubles while playing with a dozen different partners. 

Vodopich was a four-year standout for the Tiger women’s volleyball team, starting with her invaluable contributions to the 2011 team that won the NCAA Division III Championship. Vodopich earned NCAC Newcomer of the Year honors after leading the team in assists and breaking a school record for service aces in a season, setting the stage for four tremendous years in the Red & White. 

Vodopich went on to lead Wittenberg assists three times in four years en route to a career total of 3,036, which stands fourth in program history. She was named first-team All-NCAC in 2013 and 2014, and she earned a spot on the NCAC All-Tournament team both years as well, including Tournament MVP honors in 2013. In addition, Vodopich was selected honorable mention All-Great Lakes Region in 2013 and first-team all-region in 2014. 

Off the court, Vodopich made the most of the liberal arts experience Wittenberg offers. She compiled a tremendous grade point average while working toward a pair of majors in political science and economics, and she was active on campus, including leadership positions in Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, serving as the Student Senate Faculty Student Coordinator, and membership in various honoraries, including Ivy Ring and Pick-N-Pen. Vodopich also served as a student representative on Wittenberg’s Budget and Compensation Advisory Committee. 

In addition, 38 Wittenberg student-athletes have been selected for induction into Chi Alpha Sigma, a National College Athlete Honor Society that recognizes student-athletes for their ability to excel in both academics and athletics. Nominees must have at least a 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale, have earned at least one varsity letter and have achieved junior or senior academic status. 

Wittenberg’s 2015 Chi Alpha Sigma inductees are:
John Chaney, class of 2015 from Gates Mills, Ohio (Golf)
Thomas Chuna, class of 2016 from Kettering, Ohio (Swimming and Diving)
Tyler Compston, class of 2016 from Springfield, Ohio (Football)
Brandon Cottman, class of 2016 from Franklin, Ohio (Track and Field)
Zoe Curry, class of 2016 from Milford, Ohio (Soccer)
Becah Delp, class of 2016 from York, Pa. (Track and Field)
Sara Ellis, class of 2016 from Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. (Lacrosse)
Sarah Ellis, class of 2016 from Grove City, Ohio (Cross Country/Track and Field)
Emma Ficke, class of 2016 from Cincinnati, Ohio (Softball)
Kristina Fultz, class of 2016 from Batavia, Ohio (Volleyball)
Kaylee Gialamas, class of 2016 from Willoughby, Ohio (Soccer)
Dennis Gleason, class of 2016 from Columbus, Ohio (Tennis)
Megan Heitkemper, class of 2016 from Maineville, Ohio (Cross Country/Track and Field)
DJ Inman, class of 2015 from New Albany, Ohio (Cross Country)
Bryanna Jay, class of 2016 from Girard, Ohio (Volleyball)
Jessica Jeffries, class of 2016 from St. Mary’s, Ohio (Cross Country/Track and Field)
Courtland Johnson, class of 2016 from Versailles, Ky. (Cross Country/Track and Field)
Madeline Kraft, class of 2016 from Cape Elizabeth, Maine (Swimming and Diving)
Maggie Kramer, class of 2016 from Glenview, Ill. (Swimming and Diving)
Carrie Kubasta, class of 2016 from Medina, Ohio (Lacrosse)
Shannon Lance, class of 2016 from Loveland, Ohio (Softball)
Allie Lawwill, class of 2016 from Springboro, Ohio (Golf)
Andrea Mattingly, class of 2016 from Louisville, Ky. (Field Hockey)
Zack Moore, class of 2016 from Kettering, Ohio (Soccer)
Ryan Mumma, class of 2016 from Mason, Ohio (Cross Country/Track and Field)
Ali Newton, class of 2016 from Dublin, Ohio (Softball)
Kara Seidenstricker, class of 2016 from London, Ohio (Volleyball)
TJ Smith, class of 2016 from Atlanta, Ga. (Lacrosse)
Corey Stump, class of 2016 from Lima, Ohio (Football)
Callan Swaim, class of 2016 from Mooresville, Ind. (Volleyball)
Lindsey Swihart, class of 2016 from Columbus, Ohio (Swimming and Diving)
Winston Thomas, class of 2016 from Lewis Center, Ohio (Football)
Alen Valentic, class of 2016 from Kirtland, Ohio (Soccer)
Paige Vanerstrom, class of 2016 from Pittsburgh, Pa. (Field Hockey)
Sarah Webb, class of 2016 from Twinsburg, Ohio (Cross Country/Track and Field)
Zac Wilson, class of 2015 from Eaton, Ohio (Football/Baseball)
Harrison Wood, class of 2016 from Mansfield, Ohio (Track and Field)
Andrew Ziminski, class of 2015 from New Albany, Ohio (Cross Country/Track and Field)

“We are proud of the student-athletes that are able to demonstrate impressive high academic performance while maintaining their serious commitment to their sport,” said Senior Woman Administrator Sarah Jurewicz. “This designation is prestigious, and these students deserve the recognition for their consistent achievement in the classroom and in the competition arena.”

Written By: Ryan Maurer