PELLA—Central College defensive back Ben DeMeulenaere (senior, Belle Plaine) received the National Strength and Conditioning Association's All-American Athlete Award.
           
The award recognizes DeMeulenaere's athletics achievements as well as his dedication to strength and conditioning. He was nominated by Kyle Johnson, Central's strength and conditioning coordinator.
           
He's the third Dutch student-athlete to receive the honor, joining Blade Durbala (football, 2022) and Carson Fisk (softball, 2025).
           
DeMeulenaere was first team all D3.football.com All-Region as a special teamer and third team as a defensive back in 2025. He also was a first team American Rivers Conference in 2025 and honorable mention in 2024.  He was also a College Sports Communicator Academic All-America honoree in 2025.
           
As a senior, Ben's testing numbers were 39 feet, 3 inches in the vertical jump, 10-6 in the broad jump, 1.46 seconds in the 10-yard dash, 4.49 in the 40-yard dash, 3.78 pro agility, 360 pounds in the hang clean, 455 pounds in the back squat and 275 on the bench press.
           
"In training for football, Ben's work ethic and competitive drive were second to none," Johnson said. "He pushed himself and his teammates to fully reach their potential every training session."
           
DeMeulenaere will graduate in May with a 3.92 GPA and a business management degree and a minor in accounting. He plans to pursue a career in commercial real estate after graduation.
           
Founded in 1978, the NSCA is a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning and related sport science professions around the world.