Cal Maritime bestows prestigious Athletics Award to Josh Kuiper

VALLEJO, Calif. – Seattle native Josh Kuiper is an exemplary personification of Cal Maritime's student-athlete experience, one that allows college students to enjoy the ideal combination of world-class academics, elite athletic opportunities and an uncommon level of personal growth, which is why he is the 2024-25 recipient of the Athletics Award, as announced at the 2025 Senior Awards Banquet during Commencement weekend.

Kuiper, a four-year member of the Keelhaulers' soccer program, possessed the highest cumulative GPA out of all graduating seniors from CSUM's 16 intercollegiate programs, following the fall semester, and exemplified the Department of Athletics' core values of respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, integrity and servant-leadership during competition, in the classroom and community. 

This is why California Pacific Conference officials selected Kuiper, who will graduate with a degree in marine transportation, as a Champion of Character following the conclusion of the 2024 season. 

In addition to his athletic prowess on the soccer field, he swam six events at the 2025 Pacific Masters Short Course Championships just a few weeks ago, finishing first in his age group in the 50 + 100 Butterfly, and third in the 50, 100, 200 Freestyle and 200 Individual Medley.

Outside of competition, the 2024 team captain earned NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete distinction the last two years and wrapped-up his Cal Maritime career by earning a coveted spot on the Cal Pac's All-Academic Team in addition to his third straight Keelhauler Leadership Award, in as may seasons, at CSUM's 2025 Athletic Award Event.

Throughout his Cal Maritime career, Kuiper also served on the Student-Athlete Council as a team representative for one season and the university's Cal Pac representative for another year.