September 2, 2025
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced that senior volleyball player Grace Van Niel was one of 20 student-athletes selected for its fall Allstate NACDA Good Works Team. The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team is an initiative to recognize and honor student-athletes who demonstrate levels of volunteerism and civic engagement that are above and beyond their success and achievements in the classroom and competition.
Van Niel, a sports management major, owns an online crochet business that supports mental health and cancer patients. She creates “Positivity Pickles” with encouraging quotes and donates 15% of her proceeds to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). She also crochets bees for “Comfort for Cancer,” inspired by a beekeeper’s journey through treatment.
“When I created my business to share my love for crocheting,” explains the Amherst, Ohio native, “I also wanted to give back something to others. Mental health is a huge issue in today's world, especially with social media. There’s a stigma on asking for help. I wanted to try to break that cycle and offer my support.”
She adds, “I’ve also had family members diagnosed with cancer and I wanted to bring a smile to others in treatment. When I saw the great work that they were doing at Comfort for Cancer, I wanted to be part of it. If I can help someone feel even just 1% better with everything that they are going through, it’s worth it to me. I believe that if you are given the opportunity to help others, you should.”
A church and community volunteer since childhood, Grace also helps extensively at the Parish School of Religion, where she assists in sacramental events and teaches first-grade students. She also spends time at Boys Hope Girls hope preparing rooms for new residents, Zelle’s Home for new mothers painting rooms and at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens preparing seasonal displays.
A resident assistant at Ursuline, Grace mentors peers and serves as a resource for residential students while balancing her athletic commitments and entrepreneurial endeavors. After graduation in December, Van Niel plans to remain at the College as the Arrows’ Assistant Sports Coordinator and Assistant Resident Hall Director.
“I can’t think of a more deserving candidate for this award,” states Arrows Athletic Director Cindy McKnight. “On and off the court, she embodies the qualities we hope to instill not just in our athletes, but all students. Grace lives the College’s mission of service, leadership, and professional excellence.”
The members of NACDA represent sanctioned college sports programs serving more than 600,000 student-athletes, all of whom are eligible for this award.
