Announcing September Mustang Champions: Excellence Defined

At SMU, we recognize that earning the title of student-athlete is not simply a milestone reached upon arrival it is the result of years of hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment long before stepping onto our campus. What truly sets our Mustang Champions apart is their dedication to maintaining an exceptional balance between academic achievement and athletic excellence, while also making meaningful contributions through service to their community and teams. Each month, we celebrate students who not only excel in their sport and studies but also demonstrate a steadfast commitment to supporting others and giving back. Our September Mustang Champions exemplify this balance, embodying the drive, focus, and proactive spirit that define a Mustang student-athlete.

We proudly celebrate these four students who truly embody that balance and dedication this month:

Sakari Wilkinson (Equestrian)

Sakari, an Equestrian Western competitor and first-semester freshman from Amber, Oklahoma, is currently pursuing a Pre-Health academic plan. Sakari’s champion mindset has been acknowledged by Senior Academic Counselor Desmond Grayson. She has demonstrated exceptional proactive behavior by immediately seeking out resources, attending sessions early, and directly engaging with her professors for extra support and credit. Her genuine desire to excel and improve reflects a strong commitment to being a better student.

PJ Williams (Football)

PJ, a determined senior offensive lineman from Dickinson, Texas, is currently focused on earning his degree in Sport Performance Leadership. He was selected for the prestigious Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List and voted offensive team captain by his teammates. This notable commitment has been highlighted and acknowledged by Senior Academic Counselor Desmond Grayson. PJ has shown exceptional focus this semester, consistently turning in assignments and serving as a positive mentor who encourages freshmen.

Ava Ha (Rowing)

Ava, a junior rowing student-athlete from San Carlos, California, excels in a rigorous academic path by successfully managing a demanding double major in Economics with Financial Applications and Public Policy, along with a minor in political science. Her high level of dedication is evident in her academic rigor and commitment to both her sport and her studies. This exceptional commitment is acknowledged by ADSA.

Nico Sobenes (Men’s Swimming and Dive)

Nico, a junior Men’s Swimming competitor specializing in the Butterfly event from Dallas, Texas, successfully balances his training with a challenging major focused on pre-law. He is currently pursuing an Economics degree with a Law and Legal Reasoning Minor. His commitment to excellence in both the pool and the classroom demonstrates outstanding drive and organizational skill. His consistent hard work is acknowledged by ADSA.

These four Mustangs exemplify the drive, dedication, and boldness it takes to be a Southern Methodist University student-athlete and compete at the highest level!

ADSA congratulates the September Mustang Champions!