The South Georgia State College (SGSC) athletic program has had a notable year. All of the teams qualified for postseason competition, with men’s and women’s swimming competing in their national tournament and finishing second among the best in the country.
SGSC celebrates the accomplishments of its students during athletic play and in the classroom. The emphasis on making academics a top priority is reflected in the achievements of these student athletes. Four SGSC athletic teams (women’s swimming, women’s cross country, women’s soccer, and softball) have been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s list of All-Academic Teams. To qualify for this recognition, each team must obtain a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
In addition, 15 student athletes have been recognized for individual academic excellence. Students who have grade point averages of 3.60 to 3.79 qualify for Exemplary Academic Achievement, while students with a 3.80 to 3.99 GPA are eligible for Superior Academic Achievement. Students with a 4.00 GPA earn the Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence.
Those students receiving NJCAA recognition include: Rebekah Morris of Warner Robins (swimming; Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence), Jenna Corley of Trussville, Ala. (soccer; Exemplary Academic Achievement), Chelsea Lyons of Jesup, (softball; Exemplary Academic Achievement), Kristen Manfredi of Glenwood (soccer; Exemplary Academic Achievement), Makayla Clark of McRae (softball; Superior Academic Achievement), Andrew Corbitt of Moseley, Va. (baseball; Superior Academic Achievement), Ryan Davis of Ochlocknee, Ga. (swimming; Superior Academic Achievement), Mark DeVitt of Jacksonville, Fla. (baseball; Superior Academic Achievement), Shelby Lacy of Middleburg, Fla. (softball; Superior Academic Achievement), Amy Latner of Thomasville (cross country, softball; Superior Academic Achievement), Loren Mertz of Nahunta (softball; Superior Academic Achievement), Whitney Oliver of Dublin (softball; Superior Academic Achievement), Madison Smith of Ashburn (cross country; Superior Academic Achievement), and Dylan Villhauer of Woodstock (swimming; Superior Academic Achievement).
“At SGSC, athletes are students first. The fact that four teams earned this distinction and 15 students received recognition for their academic achievement shows the emphasis our athletic division places on academics and the commitment the athletes have to put their coursework first. I am extremely proud of our coaches and students for this very significant achievement,” states SGSC President Dr. Virginia M. Carson.
SGSC Dean of Students Dr. Greg Tanner adds, “Our focus is to put teams together that can compete with anybody in our conference while maintaining a standard of strong academic performance. Our coaches stress academics and give our athletes the resources required to meet the expectations of being successful in the classroom. When solid athletic performances and strong academics meet, it is a win-win for the College and the players.”
– Submitted by Amy Hancock, SGSC External Affairs Coordinator