Three Athletes Recognized with National Academic Bowls Honors

Manhattan, Kan. – Three K-State men’s basketball players have earned recognition for their academic achievements.

Brendan Hausen, Max Jones, and David n’Guessan were named to the 2024-25 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court. This honor is awarded to student-athletes with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher.

For David n’Guessan, this marks his third consecutive year receiving this academic distinction. Hausen and Jones are first-time honorees.

These academic successes are supported by the efforts of Head Coach Jerome Tang,Chief of Staff Marco Borne,Senior Associate AD Kristin Waller,academic counselor Jamie Cherry,and the entire Evans Student-Athlete Success Program staff.

What do you think about these players balancing academics and athletics so successfully? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific academic field is Sarah Chen studying and how does it relate to her athletic involvement?

Celebrating Student-Athlete Excellence

This year,three exceptional athletes have been distinguished with National academic Bowls honors,a testament to their dedication both on the field and in the classroom.Thes awards recognize not only athletic prowess but also outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, and community involvement. The National Academic Bowls programme aims to highlight the importance of a well-rounded education for all student-athletes, fostering a culture of academic success within competitive sports. This article details the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals and the importance of their recognition.

Meet the Honorees

Sarah Chen – Volleyball, Stanford University

Sarah Chen, a rising senior outside hitter for the stanford Cardinal volleyball team, has been awarded the prestigious Academic athlete of the Year. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while balancing the demands of a Division I athletic schedule is no small feat.Chen is majoring in Bioengineering and actively participates in research at the stanford School of Medicine, focusing on biomechanics and injury prevention in athletes.

Academic Achievements: Dean’s List every quarter, Phi Beta Kappa inductee.

Athletic Highlights: Two-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection, team captain.

Community Involvement: Volunteer tutor at a local high school, mentor to incoming freshmen.

David Rodriguez – Football, University of Michigan

David Rodriguez, a linebacker for the University of Michigan Wolverines, receives the Leadership in Academics Award. Rodriguez isn’t just a force on the defensive line; he’s a dedicated student leader.He’s pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in History, and serves as the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Academic Achievements: Big ten Academic All-Conference honoree, multiple semesters on the University’s honor roll.

Athletic Highlights: Starting linebacker, key contributor to the Wolverines’ defensive success.

Leadership Roles: SAAC President, actively involved in campus-wide initiatives promoting student-athlete welfare.

Emily Carter – Swimming, university of Texas at Austin

Emily Carter, a freestyle swimmer for the University of Texas Longhorns, is honored with the Community Service Award. Carter excels in the pool and demonstrates a strong commitment to giving back to the Austin community. She’s majoring in Social Work and dedicates significant time to volunteering at a local children’s hospital and organizing fundraising events for underprivileged youth.

Academic Achievements: CSCAA All-American Scholar, consistent presence on the Dean’s List.

Athletic Highlights: NCAA Championship qualifier, multiple conference titles.

Community service: Regular volunteer at Dell Children’s Medical Center, founder of “Swim for Success” fundraising program.

The Importance of Academic Bowls Recognition

The National Academic Bowls program isn’t simply about awarding trophies; it’s about setting a standard. It emphasizes that athletic success and academic excellence are not mutually exclusive. These awards serve as inspiration for other student-athletes, demonstrating that dedication and hard work can lead to success in all areas of life.

Promoting Holistic Advancement: Encourages student-athletes to prioritize education alongside their athletic pursuits.

Highlighting Role Models: Showcases individuals who embody the values of academic integrity, leadership, and community service.

Increasing Visibility: Raises awareness of the importance of academic achievement within the world of college athletics.

Benefits of Prioritizing Academics for Athletes

Student-athletes who prioritize their education reap numerous benefits, extending far beyond graduation.

1. Career Opportunities: A strong academic record opens doors to a wider range of career paths, irrespective of athletic aspirations.
2. Personal growth: the discipline and time management skills developed through academics translate to success in all aspects of life.
3. Long-Term Security: Education provides a foundation for financial stability and personal fulfillment.
4. Enhanced Athletic Performance: Studies show a correlation between academic success and improved athletic performance, as cognitive skills and mental toughness are strengthened.

real-World Impact: Alumni Success Stories

Many former student-athletes recognized by the National Academic Bowls program have gone on to achieve significant success in their chosen fields. such as, Dr. James olsen, a former track and field athlete and Academic athlete of the Year, is now a leading neurosurgeon. His dedication to both athletics and academics laid the groundwork for his remarkable career.Similarly, Maria Sanchez, a former basketball player and