SMU is thankful for these Mustangs that lead the charge in academics, athletics, and improving their community during the holiday season!
Emily Little (Cross Country and Track & Field)
Emily is a dynamic and dedicated student-athlete who has made significant contributions to her team and the university in the Fall semester. Her active participation in both on-track and off-track activities demonstrates her commitment to achieving excellence. During the Life After Ball (LAB) programming, she was highly engaged, offering valuable insights and actively participating in discussions. Her strong character and leadership qualities are evident in her interactions with teammates and coaches. Her athletic accomplishments, including earning All-ACC honors at the ACC Cross Country Championships, highlight her exceptional talent and dedication to her sport. As a recent transfer to SMU, she is eager to apply her knowledge and skills to her Master’s in Sport Management program.
Izzy Krantzcke (Women’s Swim & Dive)
Izzy is a dedicated leader and active participant in the SMU and Dallas community. Izzy was a nominee by SAS (Student-Athlete Success), as she consistently ranks at the top of the Athletic Service Leaderboard, demonstrating her commitment to volunteering and giving back to the Dallas community. Her enthusiastic participation in LAB and DEIB initiatives fosters a positive and inclusive environment at SMU. She has been excelling in the classroom as an academic weapon, most notably within her Health Management courses. Izzy is a rising star, as a sophomore, with a bright future!
Keldric Luster (Football)
Several ADSA staff members have acknowledged sophomore Keldric’s positive attitude. He has been nominated as a Mustang Champion because of his dedication to both academics and athletics. Keldric employs the same learning strategies he uses as a quarterback to master classroom content. The ADSA staff looks forward to seeing his hard work pay off in the coming semesters, and Keldric is optimistic that it will. The ADSA staff also appreciates his encouragement of his teammates, both on and off the field.
Vikas Deo (Men’s Tennis)
Vikas, a DFW Native from Carrollton, joined the Hilltop Fall 2024 after a stint at Wake Forest. The Computer Science major is specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialization. Vikas quickly became a regular presence in the ADSA while building connections with student-athletes across all sports. Dr. Teiana Jones, Senior Director of ADSA and Assistant A.D. for Academics, appreciates his positive spirit and perseverance. She believes that these qualities will continue to grow throughout his time at SMU.
We will be back next month to highlight another four student-athletes which will be the last four student-athletes of 2024!