Greenville, SC – The National Christian College Athletic Association is pleased to announce Jakob Swanson of the University of Northwestern (UNW) as the 2025 Dan & Kelly Wood Award Recipient for Men’s Golf.
 
Swanson, a senior from Apple Valley, Minnesota, has been a leader for the Eagles, recording 12 top five finishes in his career and earning medalist honors four times. Earlier this season, Swanson earned NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week honors, shooting the program record for a low individual round (67) and helping guide UNW to a program record team-low round score (285), earning the individual and team champions at the Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Invite.
 
A transfer from BLC, Swanson earned 2023 First Team All-Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) honors, was a 2024 UMAC Honorable Mention Selection, is a three-time UMAC Player of the Week, and was the team captain at BLC in 2023. Swanson holds a 3.63 GPA while majoring in psychology and is a three-time UMAC All-Academic Team member. 
 
Away from the course, Swanson assists with golf camps and lessons for youth in the area, including volunteering at the YMCA and at MyPlace, an afterschool youth program in Mankato, MN. Swanson is also a representative on the UNW Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
UNW Head Men’s Golf Coach Billy Aune said, “Jakob transferred to Northwestern in the spring of 2024 after playing against the Eagles for three years as a conference opponent. Jakob's ability to engage teammates in drills and competitions was evident right away last spring, as he helped lead the Eagles without having any kind of title. Swanson has become a solid number two player on the team this fall, helping to lead UNW on the golf course, but more importantly, outside of competition as he encourages both young and old to maximize their opportunities.”
 
“Every player of the week, every tournament win, every career low, every birdie has nothing on the fulfillment of Jesus Christ on his life. He has a unique perspective after dealing with anxiety much of his life, but he has learned to harness that and use it to his advantage and overcome those obstacles.”
 
Other Finalists
Grayson Head, Asbury University
Ian Reed, Cedarville University
Landon Luna, Mission University
Kobi Payne, Ohio Christian University
 
 
Award Description
Dan and Kelly Wood's commitment to the NCCAA is evident in the growth of the Golf National Championships with venue upgrades, the addition of women's golf, and an enhanced format. While at two NCCAA member institutions, Dan served as NCCAA Men's Golf Chair from 1993-1999. He assumed the role of Executive Director in 2000 and developed the Game Plan 4 LIFE character initiative while also expanding Christian Service Projects and sports ministry funding. Kelly worked for the NCCAA for over 30 years. Her heart for the Lord and to reach others for Christ helped grow the NCCAA's Kingdom impact.