Pair of GVSU standouts earn Athlete of the Year honors

HealthEducation

Dec 11

Written By Staff

Sebastian Tesch
Photo courtesy of Meijer State Games of Michigan

Hastings native Sophia Sunior and Sebastian Tesch of New Baltimore—both Grand Valley State University (GVSU) student athletes—have been named 2025 Athletes of the Year by the Meijer State Games of Michigan for their outstanding achievements in beach wrestling and track and field, respectively.

Sunior was named Adult Female Athlete of the Year for her rapid rise in wrestling, earning a gold medal in beach wrestling at the 2025 Summer Games. Tesch was recognized as Adult Male Athlete of the Year after winning gold in the hammer throw, his first competition back following a year-long recovery from ACL and meniscus surgery.

Hastings native Sophia Sunior, 20, has quickly become a standout in Michigan’s wrestling community, despite only beginning the sport three years ago. After placing 8th at the state championships in her first high school season, her passion and dedication propelled her to collegiate success at GVSU, where she made history as the Wrestling Club’s first-ever female All-American with a 5th place finish at the 2025 NCWA Nationals. Sunior also captured gold in beach wrestling at the 2025 Summer Games and is committed to continuing her competitive career post-college while inspiring more young women to enter the sport. She credits her high school and college coaches for their unwavering support.

Sebastian Tesch, 25, is a two-time NCAA Division II All-American and record-setting hammer thrower who has overcome significant adversity on his athletic journey. After recovering from ACL and meniscus reconstruction surgery, Tesch returned to competition stronger than ever, winning gold in the hammer throw at the 2025 Summer Games. Now pursuing his MBA and competing with GVSU’s track and field team, he also serves as a volunteer coach and is training with the goal of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

They join two other standout athletes from across the state in receiving this year’s honors Kamille Fitzpatrick, Armada – Youth Female Athlete of the Year (Track & Field) and Jackson Brown, Alma – Youth Male Athlete of the Year (Wrestling & Beach Wrestling).

The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event for athletes of all ages and abilities. Each year, 50+ sporting events take place and over 8,500 athletes compete in the Meijer State Games of Michigan.

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