You won't believe which unexpected player made the NAIA Football Academic All-America First Team! Discover the shocking details!

Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) football coach Matt Middleton has every reason to be proud of his star running back, D'Heaven Domena. Not only did Domena excel on the field during the 2025 season, but he also achieved remarkable academic success, earning a spot on the prestigious 2025 NAIA Academic All-America® First Team. This recognition, selected by the College Sports Communicators, highlights Domena's dedication both in athletics and academics, showcasing the dual commitment that defines him as a student-athlete.

Domena's academic achievements are impressive. An Accounting major, he maintained a strong GPA of 3.72 during the fall semester of his senior year. This commitment to his studies is particularly notable given the demands of collegiate athletics. To qualify for the Academic All-America® honors, nominees must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, play in 90% of their team's games, and significantly contribute to their team's success. Domena not only met these criteria but also advanced from the Academic All-District® honors to the national ballot.

On the field, Domena's performance was equally outstanding. In 11 games, he rushed for 1,388 yards—averaging 126.2 yards per game—and scored 10 touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 158 yards and two additional touchdowns, contributing to KWU's 7-4 record in Middleton's inaugural season as head coach.

One of Domena's standout performances came against Sterling on October 25, when he rushed for 259 yards and three touchdowns. He followed that with another impressive outing against sixth-ranked Friends on November 1, where he gained 191 yards on 41 carries. These performances highlight his ability to deliver under pressure, as he averaged an impressive 195 yards in his last four games of the season.

"First of all, I'm super proud of him," Middleton remarked. "Not only is he a really good football player, he's a really good student, too. It shows his maturity about what's important. He attacked it athletically and academically with full force and is going to be super successful in life. I think he's an awesome young man."

Domena, hailing from Charlotte, N.C., attributes his success to a mix of personal motivation and sacrifice. “I know where I want to be in life; I just had to make sacrifices,” he stated. He consciously decided against partying and instead focused on his academics, spending countless hours completing assignments and meeting with teachers. “A lot of my dedication is because I knew I was the only person in my family who was on the verge of graduating college. I just wanted to build that steppingstone for my little brothers and other people,” he explained.

Balancing his academic commitments with football practices, games, and a full-time job added to Domena's already challenging schedule. “I’m very organized, and I have everything written down to the T,” he said, emphasizing the importance of time management in achieving his goals. This disciplined approach has undoubtedly played a significant role in his college success.

Domena was thrust into the spotlight when All-America running back Luke Armstrong suffered a season-ending injury in the second game of the season. Seizing the opportunity, Domena showcased his skills and made a lasting impact on the team. Middleton praised him for being a disciplined and mature athlete who capitalized on his chance to shine. “Whatever he does, he’s going to go all-in and is super disciplined. I’m glad that he finally got to show what he was capable of on the field,” he said.

Beyond his athletic and academic accomplishments, Domena has recently been appointed as the assistant store manager at Dick's Sporting Goods in Salina, further demonstrating his leadership abilities and commitment to personal growth. As he prepares for his next chapter, Domena represents a compelling example of how hard work, dedication, and discipline can lead to success in multiple arenas.