The life of a SMU student-athlete is a demanding one, requiring a delicate balance between rigorous training schedules and challenging academic pursuits. We are always impressed by our SMU Mustangs who exemplify dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence both in their respective sports and in the classroom. These four Mustangs are starting the year off strong!
Kayanna Cox (Women’s Basketball)
Cox’s story is one of incredible resilience. After undergoing surgery just before the start of the school year, Kayanna faced an uphill battle. Undeterred, she tackled a demanding 17-hour course load in the challenging engineering program and achieved one of the highest semester GPAs on her team. Her relentless work ethic and dedication, both on and off the court, have made her an exceptional student-athlete and a true leader in the classroom. Kayanna’s professors have raved about her active participation and engagement, highlighting her passion for learning.
Jack Berube (Men’s Swimming)
Jack Berube, a Fall 2024 transfer, has wasted no time making his mark on the SMU community. He’s already broken the school record in the 100 backstroke, an impressive feat made even more special by the fact that the previous record holder was his own father! Jack was also a key member of the record-breaking 400 medley relay team. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Jack is driven to excel academically and plans to pursue a business degree. He’s also passionate about elevating the team’s social media presence and is a vocal advocate for his teammates, demonstrating his commitment to the SMU community both in and out of the pool.
Shelby Clauson (Equestrian)
Shelby Clauson, a graduating senior majoring in CCPA: Organizational Communication with a minor in Political Science, embodies the ideal of a well-rounded student-athlete. Shelby has consistently demonstrated her commitment to academics by proactively managing her academic plan and utilizing available resources to maximize her academic success. We’re incredibly proud of this Baylor transfer who contributed to the national championship team last year and is now striving for another.
Richard Garcia (Men’s Soccer)
Richard, a junior midfielder on our Men’s Soccer team has had an impressive semester as a Mustang. Originally from Dallas, he wanted to transfer to SMU to be closer to family and follow in his cousin’s footsteps, Homero (who graduated from SMU as well). He transferred from California Polytechnic State University and is majoring in Sports Management. He has aspirations to study law after he graduates in Fall 2025, finishing his last season as a Mustang.
These four students- athletes represent the best of SMU, demonstrating what it takes to perform at the highest level- academically and athletically. Their hard work, dedication, and passion serve as an inspiration to us all. We congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them continued success!