Twenty-four Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College athletes were named to the 2023-24 All-Academic Team by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Douglas’s Kylie Childers (tennis) was one of the ABAC student-athletes who earned this prestigious honor.
Among the 11 schools in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association, ABAC led the way with nine honorees on the first team. Also, the Golden Fillies landed more softball players on the team (nine) than any other GCAA school in the state.
“We’re proud of our student-athletes who work so hard to succeed in the classroom as well as in their respective sports,” said ABAC Athletic Director Charles Wimberly. “This is a testament to the importance placed on academics by the athletes, their coaches, and our administration.”
Student-athletes on the first team finished the year with a 4.00 grade point average. From ABAC, that list includes softball players Ashley Archibald from Fortson, Emilee Zetmeir from Folkston, Laney McGee from Carnesville, Lilly Canevari from Lake Placid, Fla., and Meribeth Hadden from Mitchell; baseball’s Joshua Montalban from Douglasville and Wyatt Talik from Lilburn; and tennis players Benjamin Ranby-al from Te Awamutu, New Zealand, and Kylie Childers from Douglas.
The second team honors athletes who compiled a GPA from 3.80-3.99. From ABAC, that list included baseball’s Bowman Horn from Jefferson, John Monnin from Senoia, and Judd Puckett from Roberta; softball’s Kaylee Barrett from Thomasville, Lexi Metts from Valdosta, and Emily Turley from Kingsland; golfer Aren Flanders from Dublin; and soccer’s Whitner Bobo from Honea Path, S.C., Charlotte Cunningham from Dahlonega, and Jaylee Canaday from Gainesville.
Third team honorees finished the academic year with a GPA from 3.60-3.79. From ABAC, that list includes softball’s Dylana Barton from Chester; Kaylee Rae Bradford from Jesup, and Elli Bryan from Sumner; and baseball’s C.J. Rose from Valdosta, Landon Kight from Fitzgerald, and Matthew Delarber from Thomasville.