MISHAWAKA, Ind.— The Bethel University Athletic Department announces the 2025 Ron Paulsen Award winners are Jordan Landkrohn (Baseball), Nick Bohm (Men’s Swim and Dive), and Abby Williams (Women’s Basketball).
The Ron Paulsen Award is presented top a female and male student-athlete selected by the Bethel University Athletic Department. The award is given in memory of a former student and member of the 1968-69 Men’s Basketball team, Ron Paulsen, who died tragically in 1972 in a car accident near his home in Franklin, Neb.
Moved by his death, the friends of Ron Paulsen established a memorial in the form of an annual atheltic grant award. The goal of this award is both to recognize a student-athlete who exemplifies the values of Pilot Athletics as well as to pay tribute to a former classmate and friend. The Ronald D. Paulsen Award has become the most prestigious athletic award at Bethel University.
Jordan Landkrohn is a junior infielder from Crown Point, Ind., and went to Calumet Christian High School before becoming a Pilot in the 2022-23 season.
“Jordan is a tremendous individual,” said Bethel Pilots Baseball Head Coach Seth Zartman, “He is very solid in his faith, and it shows on a daily basis. He has a sincere care and respect for all those he encounters and has a great work ethic in his athletic development and in the classroom. He is an intentional leader for us on and off the field., is a great teammate, and is not afraid to be vocal in his leadership. Jordan is very driven to be the best individual in all walks of his daily life.”
Nick Bohm is a five-time NAIA All-American, five-time NAIA National Champion and holds four school records with the Men’s Swim and Dive program. He came to Bethel as a soccer player with very little diving experience, but quickly realized his talent and passion for diving.
By March of his freshman year, Bohm was a National Champion. He worked hard in and out of the season to get better each year and has helped the underclassmen improve. Nick’s heart for serving others is also on display as he uses his gift for diving to teach youth at his local dive club.
Abby Williams is a senior forward from Farmington Hills, Mich., and a Nursing major who did her prep work at Williams Academy before coming to Bethel.
“Abby is unquestionably our leader even though she has not played a second of basketball this season, that tells the story of how special a relationship she has with her teammates,” said Women’s Basketball Head Coach Scott Polsgrove, “She has persevered through injuries throughout her career and has been a positive influence on the entire team even in her struggle. Her witness as a believer is evident to all, she loves Jesus. Her ability to work at a high level at her game, or rehab from injury, to invest in those around her, and to be a high achiever as a nursing student seems almost impossible, but she does it. She is the epitome of what a Bethel Pilot is and a perfect representative of Bethel University.”