Howard College student-athletes proved once again that excellence isn’t just measured by wins and stats — it’s earned in study halls, late-night library sessions, and with relentless discipline. A standout 48 Hawks earned NJCAA All-Academic Team honors for the 2024–25 academic year, reinforcing the program’s commitment to academic and athletic success.
To be recognized by the NJCAA, student-athletes must maintain a GPA of 3.60 or higher, with First Team honors awarded to those who achieved a perfect 4.00 GPA.
This year, the NJCAA recognized a total of 13,915 student-athletes across all divisions (I, II, III), including:
- 3,944 First Team honorees (4.00 GPA)
- 4,535 Second Team honorees (3.80–3.99 GPA)
- 5,436 Third Team honorees (3.60–3.79 GPA)
Howard College’s performance stood out nationally, with multiple programs ranking among the best in the country:
- Baseball: 3.76 GPA — 4th in the nation
- Women’s Basketball: 3.59 GPA — 13th in the nation
- Men’s Basketball: 3.38 GPA — 13th in the nation
- Softball: 3.71 GPA — 17th in the nation
First Team (4.00 GPA)
These student-athletes aced the ultimate challenge — balancing their sport and studies while maintaining flawless academic records:
Baseball:
Colton Klapprodt, Samuel Jackson, Christian Gutierrez Uscanga, Max Moore, Jimmy Dionne, Kurt Kassner, Connell Reed, Alexandre Dionne, Samuel Distel, Stephen Peterson
Men’s Basketball:
Kasen Kreusler, Nathaniel Savage
Women’s Basketball:
Asriana Johnson, Kailyn Berry, JahMareah Linville Finley, Angela Vergara, Weronika Tomaszuk
Softball:
Sadie Ryan, Gabriella Gonzales, Angelina Corral, Beatrice Nakae
Second Team (3.80–3.99 GPA)
Strong minds and steady dedication paid off for these high achievers:
Baseball:
Gaston Galvan, Austin Frye, Cash Bolgiano, Chandler Fowler, David Ruesca, Wesley Cunningham, Kaine Newham, David Hernandez, Bronco Helmuth, Davis Rodgers, Ian Reid, Louis Felix Anderson, Andrew Lind
Men’s Basketball:
Tate Mackenzie, Caleb Gaston, Keziah Ekissi
Softball:
Celeste Flores, Eva Oloughlan, Morgan Crandall, Bianca Rijborz
Third Team (3.60–3.79 GPA)
Still flying high in the academic ranks:
Baseball:
Max Brister, Weston Frick, Jacob Foster, Matthew Dinae
Women’s Basketball:
Mackenzie Heeke, Emori Lasalle
Softball:
Megan Harrison
“These student-athletes may draw headlines for their performance in sports, but it’s the success they’ve earned in the classroom that truly defines them,” said Tara Lisle, Director of Athletic Academic Support Services and Associate Athletic Director. “Balancing rigorous training schedules, travel, and competition with academic excellence requires unwavering focus, resilience, and a deep commitment to their future beyond the game. As their advisor, I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of them.”
From home runs to honor rolls and buzzer-beaters to book smarts, these Hawks continue to raise the standard for what it means to be a student-athlete at Howard College.
(Photos and story by Howard College)
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