HILLSBORO, Ore. – Whitworth graduate Ben Nyquist is the 2025-26 Northwest Conference Man of the Year award recipient, according to today's announcement from the league office.
Nyquist, who graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in business management and a minor in theology, was a record-setting guard for the Pirates' NWC championship-winning men's basketball team this past season.
"Being named the Northwest Conference Man of the Year is an incredible honor, but what means the most to me is what the award represents," Nyquist said. "My four years at Whitworth have shaped me in so many ways, both as a student-athlete and as a person. I'm incredibly grateful for the teammates, coaches, professors, friends, and mentors who have invested in me and made Whitworth feel like home. Some of my greatest memories came from competing alongside my teammates, but the relationships and lessons I've gained away from the court will stay with me long after my playing days are over. I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Whitworth community, and I'll always be proud to call myself a Pirate."
A two-year starter at guard for Whitworth, Nyquist was the 2026 Northwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a second team All-NWC honoree after setting a school record and leading the league in steals with 94 in 2025-26. He ranked fourth in all of NCAA Division III, averaging 3.36 steals per game. Nyquist averaged 11.7 points per game while making over 50% of his shots from the field. He also averaged 3.5 assists per contest and was one of the NWC's leaders in assist to turnover ratio (2.5 – 1).
"I'm so proud of the way that Ben handles himself, both on and off the court," said Whitworth men's basketball coach Damion Jablonski. "His accomplishments are so well-deserved and a testament to his commitment to giving his best towards everything he goes after."
Academically, Nyquist graduated with a 3.98 grade point average. He was on the Honor Roll each of his eight semesters at Whitworth and was a four-time Academic All-NWC honoree. He earned Academic All-District recognition from the College Sports Communicators and was a third team Academic All-American in 2026. Nyquist was also awarded an academic scholarship from Whitworth's School of Business, recognizing academic performance, leadership potential, involvement in campus activities, and high ethical standards.
Nyquist was involved in community service through Whitworth's En Christo program, providing lunches for Spokane's unhoused community. He participated with his team in Community Building Day, providing clean up and set up for Rockwood retirement communities in Spokane.
"Ben optimizes what it means to be the ideal Division III student-athlete," said Director of Athletics Tim Demant. "He's an incredible student-athlete who brings the same work ethic he displays on the court into his academic pursuits, while being a quality human being who does whatever he can to help those around him to be successful. Any team, either in sports or life, will be successful with him on it."
Nyquist becomes the second Whitworth student-athlete to win the league's highest honor presented to a male competitor. He follows Zach Brooks, who was named following the 2024-25 academic year.
