Three Kirkwood Standouts Earn All-American Honors
Cedar Rapids, IA- Kirkwood Community College continues to prove itself as a powerhouse in NJCAA basketball, with three standout players earning All-American recognition for their performances this season. Traijan Sain from the men's national championship team, along with Jenna Twedt and Kaliyah Sain from the women's program, received national honors for their excellence on the court.
Traijan Sain – Men's Basketball | Cedar Rapids, IA
A key contributor to Kirkwood's NJCAA Division II national title run, sophomore guard Traijan Sain earned his spot as a Third-Team All-American after a consistent and balanced season. The 6'5" Washington High School graduate averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game across 31 contests. Sain shot 40.3% from the field and added defensive value on the perimeter while helping guide the Eagles to a championship. His all-around presence and leadership played a vital role in Kirkwood's postseason success.
Jenna Twedt – Women's Basketball | Atkins, IA
Sophomore guard Jenna Twedt earned First-Team All-American honors for the second straight year, capping off another impressive season for the Benton High School product. Twedt averaged a team-best 15.9 points per game while shooting 44.2% from the field and an impressive 40.3% from three-point range. She also contributed 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting over 80% from the free-throw line. A leader on and off the court, Twedt helped Kirkwood maintain national prominence following their 2024 national title.
Kaliyah Sain – Women's Basketball | Cedar Rapids, IA
Joining Twedt among the First-Team All-American selections was sophomore guard Kaliyah Sain, a Kennedy High School graduate. Sain brought size and strength to the backcourt, averaging 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 35 games. She shot an efficient 46.8% from the field while being a key two-way contributor for the Eagles. Her ability to defend, rebound, and score inside and out was a cornerstone of Kirkwood's success throughout the season.
These three players not only excelled statistically, but also played pivotal roles in helping maintain Kirkwood's national reputation in both men's and women's basketball.
