CLEVELAND - The National Alliance of Two Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) is proud to announce Nora Brady from Heartland Community College and Jason Schwartz from De Anza College as the 2025 NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year recipients sponsored by Risk Strategies.
"This time of year is always special for our Association, as we have the privilege of recognizing exceptional two-year college student-athletes with our award," stated NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete Committee Chair Kanoe Bandy, director of athletics at Taft College. "Each year, the selection process grows more challenging because every nominee demonstrates excellence in their own unique way. This year, Nora and Jason truly stood out—not only for their outstanding performances in their respective sports but also for their meaningful contributions to the community. Their leadership and positive influence set a high standard for future honorees."
Brady is a graduate of Bloomington Central Catholic High School, located down the road from Heartland Community College. Since enrolling at Heartland, Brady has excelled both as a runner and in the classroom. In her second year, the national champion earned a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a nursing major. Next year, she will continue her academic and athletic career at Illinois State University, where she'll remain close to her Heartland teammates and friends, and be able to compete at the highest level.
Academic Accomplishments
- Two-time NJCAA All-Academic 1st Team
- Four-time Dean's list recipient
- Two-time Academic All-Conference
- Phi Theta Kappa Member
Athletics Accomplishments
- 2024 NJCAA DII Cross Country National Championships
- 2024 National Champion
- 2023 finished 2nd overall both as an individual and team
- Two-time NJCAA All-American
Schwartz is a business major with an emphasis in computer information systems, maintaining a cumulative 3.77 GPA. He is on track to graduate this spring and will be transferring to a university yet to be determined. Schwartz was a two-time team captain, including this season when the squad finished 10-0 overall, its first perfect season since 1979. As a defensive lineman, he led the Pacific 7 League in sacks and tackles for loss. He also led all 3C2A American Division players in overall sacks. He posted a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and an interception returned for a touchdown.
Academic
- Two-time Academic All-American
- Two-time Academic All-Region
- Six-time Dean's Scholar
Athletics
- Two-time All-PAC 7 selection
- Second Team All-Northern California
- Two-time captain
Both individuals will be recognized at the upcoming NATYCAA Convention, June 8-11 at the World Center Marriott in Orlando, FL.
About NATYCAA: Now in its 37th year, NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year college athletics administrators and membership open to all two-year institutions from throughout the country. NATYCAA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 60th year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
