ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College Athletic Department is proud to announce the recipients of the Outstanding Senior Athlete Awards for the 2025-26 academic year. Aiden Smith of the Adrian College NCAA men's wrestling team and Courtney Ben of the Adrian College NCAA women's hockey team have been selected for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions during their Bulldog careers.
The Outstanding Senior Athlete Award recognizes graduating student-athletes who have enjoyed exceptional athletic careers at Adrian College. Coaches and Athletic Department staff nominate candidates based on their career achievements, including awards, statistics, records, and leadership. The entire Athletic Department then votes to determine the recipients. Many past honorees have gone on to be inducted into the Adrian College Athletic Hall of Fame. The men's award was first presented in 1951, while the women's award debuted in 1979.
A native of Brighton, Michigan, Smith transferred to Adrian from Northern Illinois University and spent two seasons with the Bulldogs, compiling a 56-7 overall record. His 19 technical-fall victories rank second in program history. Smith earned MIAA Wrestler of the Year honors twice and qualified for the NCAA Championships in both seasons after capturing back-to-back regional titles.
Smith was also a two-time All-MIAA selection, a two-time All-American, and an NWCA Scholar All-American. He placed fourth nationally at the 2025 NCAA Division III Championships before earning an eighth-place finish in 2026 to secure his second All-America honor.
Ben, a native of St. Peters, Missouri, transferred to Adrian from Elmira College. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, she appeared in 76 games, recording 53 goals and 41 assists for 94 points. She also totaled 347 shots, 19 power-play goals, and a plus/minus rating of +80. Ben was a two-time All-NCHA selection and earned DIIIHockeyNews Second Team All-America honors as a senior.
Ben was named to the NCHA All-Academic Team in each of her three seasons at Adrian. She helped lead the Bulldogs to NCHA regular-season championships in 2024 and 2026, as well as NCHA Slaats Cup titles in both years. Ben was also a member of two NCAA Tournament teams, including Adrian's run to the Frozen Four in 2024.
Smith and Ben will be recognized during Adrian College's 2026 Homecoming Weekend at the Hall of Fame Dinner and the Homecoming football game. Homecoming Weekend is scheduled for Oct. 2-4.
