Honoring the ‘student’ in our student-athletes

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AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas Athletics family took a night off from competition and practice to celebrate the academic and community service achievements of its student-athletes during the 2015 Academic Awards Presentation held Monday evening at the Frank Erwin Center. In all, 371 of the more than 500 student-athletes on the Forty Acres were invited to the banquet by virtue of their place on the Athletics Director's Honor Roll, achieved by earning a grade point average of 3.0 (or higher) during the Spring and/or Fall 2014 semesters.

"At the end of the day, we strive for excellence whether it's on the field, floor, water or classroom," said UT Men's Athletics Director Steve Patterson. "It really speaks to the importance of academics. We have students in every department at this university, and they are all committed to doing the best they possibly can. To know that 150 of our student-athletes carry a 3.5 or better GPA, that's quite an accomplishment."

Athletes and coaches representing all 20 UT varsity sport programs gathered to recognize the academic success of fellow Longhorns and the effect that the student-athletes have had in the community.

"Our coaches always care about academics, but most of the time during practice you aren't talking about school," Women's Track and Field's Kaleigh Ervin said. "This event is nice to take a break from that and focus on the academic side of it. They always say that being a student comes first, even though we are all so passionate about our sports."

For many student-athletes, the academic rigor of The University of Texas was known when they stepped foot on campus. But the prospect of receiving a degree from such a prestigious university was too much to pass up.

"It's definitely one reason why I chose Texas, just the importance we place on academics and not just on sports," Women's Basketball's Brady Sanders said. "For most of us, we won't play professionally. Our degree is definitely something we take pride in and put a lot of effort in to get the grades that we do, because that's what's going to get us into the real world and make us successful."

Soccer's Sharis Lachappelle confirmed that the academic prestige of Texas is a reason many student-athletes come to Austin.

"I definitely think it's a cool experience just because The University of Texas is a prestigious campus for academics," Lachappelle said. "When you sign a letter of intent to play here, you understand the reality that you are going to have to perform well in the classroom. That's the expectation. To get to come together and be able to celebrate all of the academic awards, it's a good feeling to not only know that we are performing well on the athletic field but in the classroom as well."

Performing well is an understatement. The current cumulative GPA for all UT student-athletes is a 3.05 (on a 4.0 scale). Additionally, 306 student-athletes claimed a spot on the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll in the Fall 2014 semester, including 40 student-athletes who earned all A's.

The event also honored the soon-to-be graduating seniors and their academic success. Baseball's Parker French passed up an opportunity to play professionally last summer to come back for his senior season and earn his diploma.

"It's a big part of why I came back," French said. "It's truly an honor to get a degree from such a distinguished academic university and something that I'll cherish the rest of my life. I think here at The University of Texas, you are held to a higher standard, not just as an athlete but as a student-athlete. That entails upholding the Texas pride in the classroom and on the field. All the coaches really hold us to a higher standard in the classroom."

Men's Basketball's Jonathan Holmes has been on campus for four years and understands how unique of a place Texas is.

"I've met a lot of special people that have really had a big impact on my life. I don't take it for granted. It's just a blessing to know I'm going to get my degree from this place," said Holmes.

Nicolas Munoz, a member of the NCAA Champion men's swimming and diving team, credits his success at Texas to his upbringing and the academic structure in place to allow him and his fellow Longhorns to succeed.

"There's a lot of pride involved," Munoz said. "Ever since I was little, my parents always emphasized it's important to take care of your education. At a place like UT, there's a lot of great professors and faculty to support you throughout the academic process as well as athletically."

Being a global brand, UT attracts student-athletes from around the world, including Women's Tennis' Lina Padegimaite. The Lithuanian will graduate in May with a degree in physical therapy. Even though she may be from a different continent, she understands how important Texas can be for her future career.

"I don't think anything could have prepared me for life better than the Texas student-athlete experience," said Padegimaite. "I think the UT alumni network is a huge factor. I don't think I ever imagined how big it actually is, but I'm excited to be a part of it and be a Longhorn for life."

2015 University of Texas Academic Awards Presentation

Awards of the Highest Honor

Lorene L. Rogers Scholar-Athlete Award (presented to graduating male and female student-athletes who have the highest overall GPA. Established in honor of former University President Dr. Lorene Rogers)

Nicolas Munoz (Men's Swimming and Diving), Lina Padegimaite (Women's Tennis)

Men's Athletic Council Academic Achievement Award (recognizes male student-athlete who, through perseverance, determination and motivation, has embraced the opportunity to earn a degree from Texas. This student-athlete has served as a leader and influential role model to other student-athletes and to the community)

Sedrick Flowers (Football), Jonathan Holmes (Basketball)

Academic Excellence & Spirit Award (given to student-athlete who stands out as achieving at very highest levels athletically and academically)

Carmen Hargis-Villanueva (Rowing), Jake Raulerson (Football)

V.F. "Doc" Neuhaus Award (highest honor in Women's Athletics and given to a female student-athlete who has excelled in the classroom and in her sport)

Brady Sanders (Basketball)

Janet Hauber Academic Excellence Award (award given to a deserving female student-athlete who excels in the sciences. Named for renowned engineer and scientist, Dr. Janet Hauber, an avid supporter of Women's Athletics)

Kaleigh Ervin (Track and Field), Sharis Lachappelle (Soccer)

Big 12 Scholar-Athlete Awards (honors two senior student-athletes exhibiting the greatest combination of performance and achievement in sport, scholarship and leadership)

Collin Shaw (Baseball), Abby Smith (Soccer)

Big 12 Community Champions (conference award acknowledges top student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through community involvement and volunteer efforts)

Tarale Murry (Men's Basketball), Skylar Smith (Women's Swimming and Diving), Lindsey Stephens (Softball)

Academic Leadership Award (recognizes a student-athlete in Men's and Women's Athletics who embodies the attributes that are valued in leadership – including academic excellence, unselfish team play, desire to excel, service to the community and respected leadership)

Parker French (Baseball), Morgan Snow (Women's Track and Field)

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Leadership Award (presented to students who have distinguished themselves through their efforts in the community, on campus and as leaders)

Demarcus Holland (Men's Basketball), Rachel Scott (Softball)

Dorothy Smith Community Service Award (named in honor of Dorothy Smith, a passionate supporter of community involvement and athletics, the award recognizes student-athletes who have devoted their time and energy to the UT campus and Austin community)

Khat Bell (Volleyball), Grant Martin (Baseball)

Friar Society

Parker French (Baseball)

Rhodes Scholarship

Jessica Glennie (Rowing)

Team Academic MVPs

Women's Basketball: Krystle Henderson

Women's Cross Country: Alaina Perez

Women's Diving: Emma Ivory-Ganja

Women's Field: Shelby Poncik

Women's Golf: Natalie Karcher

Rowing: Jessica Glennie

Soccer: Cierra Grubbs

Softball: Rachel Scott

Women's Swimming: Erin Yeager

Women's Tennis: Lina Padegimaite

Women's Track: Kendall Baisden

Volleyball: Kat Brooks

Volleyball: Tiffany Baker

Baseball: Taylor Stell

Men's Basketball: Danny Newsome

Men's Cross Country: Brady Turnbull

Men's Diving: Cory Bowersox

Men's Field: Ryan Crouser

Football: Logan Mills

Men's Golf: Will Griffin

Men's Swimming: Nicolas Munoz

Men's Tennis: Soren Hess-Olesen

Men's Track: Johannes Hock

Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholars (national award for minority and international student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. Award is inspired by tennis legend Arthur Ashe, Jr., who was committed to both education and athletics. Recipients of this award must exhibit academic excellence and community service)

Tezira Abe (Women's Golf), Breaunna Addison (Women's Tennis), Carlton Anumnu (Men's Track and Field), Charles Anumnu (Men's Track and Field), Sofia Arend (Rowing), Kendall Baisden (Women's Track and Field), Tiffany Baker (Volleyball), Tres Barrera (Baseball), Ratnika Batra (Women's Tennis), Kat Brooks (Volleyball), April Brown (Rowing), Tiarra Davis (Softball), Imri Ganiel (Men's Swimming and Diving), Jessica Glennie (Rowing), Melissa Gonzalez (Women's Track and Field), Lana Groenvynck (Women's Tennis), Cierra Grubbs (Soccer), Carmen Hargis-Villanueva (Rowing), Soren Hess-Olesen (Men's Tennis), Jordan Hicks (Football), C.J Hinojosa (Baseball), Johannes Hock (Men's Track and Field), Demarcus Holland (Men's Basketball), Pippa Horn (Women's Tennis), Devin Huffines (Football), Prince Ibeh (Men's Basketball), William Jou (Men's Tennis), Natalie Karcher (Women's Golf), Jacoby Lewis (Men's Tennis), Will Licon (Men's Swimming and Diving), Cheyenne Low (Women's Swimming and Diving), Taylor Martin (Rowing), Imani McGee-Stafford (Women's Basketball), Nicolas Munoz (Men's Swimming and Diving), Teresa Nguyen (Rowing), Lina Padegimaite (Women's Tennis), Alaina Perez (Women's Track and Field), Michael Riechmann (Men's Tennis), Celina Rodrigo (Women's Basketball), Abby Smith (Soccer), Lindsey Stephens (Softball), Bertine Strauss (Women's Golf), Brianna Taylor (Women's Basketball), Isaiah Taylor (Men's Basketball), Johnny Tseng (Football), Stephanie Wong (Softball), Kendal Yancy (Men's Basketball).

The University of Texas at Austin Athletics

Honoring the ‘student’ in our student-athletes