In the world of collegiate sports, there are always standout athletes who not only excel in their respective disciplines but also shine academically. This week, we celebrate the achievements of several such individuals who have made headlines with their exceptional performances and academic prowess.
From gymnastics to swimming, cross country, basketball, and track, these athletes embody the spirit of determination, excellence, and balance. Let’s dive into their stories and accomplishments.
Gabrielle Stephen: A Triple Threat in Gymnastics
Michigan State University senior Gabrielle Stephen has once again proven why she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of gymnastics. A three-time first-team all-Big Ten Conference gymnast, Stephen recently earned her third Big Ten women’s gymnast of the week award.
This accolade came after her stellar performance against Rutgers in East Lansing on February 22, where she secured her second all-around title of the season with a season-best score of 39.500.
Highlights of Stephen’s Performance
- All-around title: Season-best score of 39.500
- Top-three finishes: Floor, uneven bars, and vault
- Uneven bars score: 9.925, contributing to Michigan State’s second-highest score in program history
Beyond her athletic prowess, Stephen has also garnered numerous academic honors. She is a two-time Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association Scholastic All-American and a 2023 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.
Last season, Stephen played a pivotal role in helping Michigan State clinch its first Big Ten women’s gymnastics title.
Alex Santiago: Dominating the Pool
Southern Illinois University’s Alex Santiago continues to make waves in men’s swimming. The senior from Buffalo Grove was named the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) swimmer of the year for the second consecutive year, a testament to his consistent excellence in the pool.
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Santiago, a 2024 NCAA-qualifying sprinter, earned six gold medals in individual events or relays, setting championship, conference, or Miami pool records in each.
Key Achievements
- MVC swimmer of the year: Second consecutive year
- Gold medals: Six in individual events or relays
- Records: Championship, conference, or Miami pool records
Santiago’s performance helped Southern Illinois University secure a second-place finish at the MVC men’s swimming championships, underscoring his significant contribution to the team’s success.
Brandon Kamp: A Model Student-Athlete
Bradley University senior cross country runner Brandon Kamp exemplifies the ideal balance between athletics and academics. Competing in five meets for the Braves in 2024, Kamp has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning him a spot on Bradley’s dean’s list, the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, and the MVC Honor Roll since 2021.
Kamp was also one of 12 athletes to receive the MVC State Farm Good Neighbor Award for the winter season.
Academic and Athletic Excellence
- GPA: 4.0 cumulative
- Awards: MVC State Farm Good Neighbor Award
- Leadership: Vice president of the Braves Council
Outside of his university commitments, Kamp has volunteered in schools, led mental health initiatives for teens, and created videos for multiple nonprofit organizations, showcasing his dedication to community service.
Basketball Standouts: Brooke Carlson and Troy Glover
Two basketball players who have made significant impacts on their teams this season are Brooke Carlson of Colorado State University and Troy Glover of Missouri-St. Louis.
As a freshman, Carlson has played in all 30 games for the Rams, making 13 starts. She ranks second on the team in free throw percentage, assists, and steals, and leads in assist/turnover ratio among players with more than 16 assists.
Brooke Carlson’s Contributions
- Games played: 30
- Starts: 13
- Team rankings: Second in free throw percentage, assists, and steals
Glover, a 6-foot-10 junior, has been a dominant presence for the Tritons. He leads Missouri-St. Louis in rebounds, blocked shots, and steals, making him a key player on both ends of the court.
Troy Glover’s Impact
- Rebounds per game: 8.1
- Blocked shots per game: 1.9
- Steals: Team leader
Josh Harris: A Sharpshooter for Illinois College
Illinois College senior Josh Harris has been a consistent scorer for the Blueboys, averaging 15.1 points per game. He leads the team in assists and has made 42 three-pointers this season, bringing his career total to 140, which ranks sixth all-time at Illinois College.
Key Statistics
- Points per game: 15.1
- Three-pointers this season: 42
- Career three-pointers: 140 (sixth all-time)
Zac Close: Breaking Records in Track and Field
University of Illinois-Chicago freshman Zac Close has already made a name for himself in indoor track and field. At Notre Dame’s Meyo Invitational, Close set a new freshman school record in the 5,000 meters with a time of 14:29.99, the second-fastest in Flames history.
Record-Breaking Performance
- Event: 5,000 meters
- Time: 14:29.99
- School record: Freshman record, second-fastest in Flames history
University of Illinois Distance Medley Relay Teams
February 22 was a remarkable day for the University of Illinois distance medley relay teams at Notre Dame’s Alex Wilson Invitational. The women’s team, featuring senior Sam Poglitsch, recorded the second-fastest time in Illini history, while the men’s team, with Nic Dovalovsky, set a school record with a time of 9:24.45.
Men’s Team Achievements
- Time: 9:24.45
- School record: Set at Alex Wilson Invitational
- Key athlete: Nic Dovalovsky
These outstanding athletes have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also demonstrated remarkable academic achievements and community involvement.
Their stories serve as an inspiration to fellow students and athletes, proving that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to achieve greatness both on and off the field.
For more details on their achievements, visit the full article on the Daily Herald.
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