Glendale, Ariz.- Seven athletes represented ACU Men's Soccer as 2023 NAIA/GSAC Scholar-Athletes according to a release from the NAIA earlier today. The following were tabbed as honorees: Alex Nicula, BJ Ruzmir, Constantinos Apostolos, Janne Hintze, Jean-Claude Olar, Micah Rickard and Tiago Soares. To be eligible, NAIA athletes must have earned a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average, appear on the eligibility certificate for their respective sport and have attended one full academic year at their institution.

Alex Nicula (Biology Major)

The sophomore from Scottsdale, Arizona collected his first NAIA/GSAC Scholar-Athlete recognition in his second year with the Firestorm.

BJ Ruzmir (Business Major)

The junior from Phoenix, Arizona received his first NAIA/GSAC Scholar-Athlete honor in his second season with ACU Men's Soccer. Ruzmir, who played at defender or midfielder, was a starter in all 12 games he appeared in during the 2023 season. 

Constantinos Apostolos (Business Administration Major)

The senior from Ontario, Canada earned his first NAIA/GSAC Scholar-Athlete award in his second year with the program. 

Janne Hintze (Business Administration Major)

The senior from Hamburg, Germany pocketed his third NAIA/GSAC Scholar-Athlete recognition in his fourth season with the Firestorm. In 2023, Hintze started in 13 of the 14 games he competed in and posted three assists, highlighted by one in a crucial 2-1 win over rival OUAZ during conference play.

Jean-Claude Olar (Business Major)

The sophomore from Phoenix, Arizona secured his first NAIA/GSAC Scholar-Athlete honor in his second season as a member of ACU Men's Soccer. 

Micah Rickard (Business Major)

The senior from Chino Hills, California received his first NAIA/GSAC Scholar-Athlete award in his second season with the Firestorm. Rickard was a starter in five of the 16 games he appeared in and tallied one goal (a game-winner in the season opener against Embry-Riddle (AZ)) and one assist in 2023.

Tiago Soares (Business Major)

The senior from Novo Hamburgo, Brazil notched his second NAIA/GSAC Scholar-Athlete recognition in his third season with ACU Men's Soccer. Soares started in all 13 games that he competed in and accounted for three goals and one assist, featuring an assist on Micah Rickard's game-winning goal in the 2023 season opener against Embry-Riddle (AZ).


Roll Storm!