Author: Valerie Vining

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

May Mustang Champions

As we conclude the 2024-2025 academic year, ADSA would like to highlight four SMU student-athletes who are excelling academically, athletically, and in the community.  

Kirin Chacchia (Track & Field) 

What a semester it’s been for Kirin, a sophomore from Frisco, Texas, majoring in Psychology. She had a strong Spring semester academically and athletically.  This semester, she broke the SMU School record in the 400M hurdles, not once, but twice. For the second year in a row, she qualified for the NCAA first round in the 400M hurdles!  She is also heavily involved in Life After Ball (LAB) programming. She truly embodies what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete, excelling in every aspect of her collegiate journey. 

Ava Anderson (Women’s Swimming & Diving) 

Ava Anderson, a junior on the SMU Women’s Swim and Dive team, is making waves in her academic and professional journey. In May alone, Ava dedicated over 18 hours to volunteering at Stewpot and Hope Farm, demonstrating her commitment to serving the Dallas community. This summer, she is gaining invaluable experience in her field of Applied Physiology and Health Management through multiple internships. One at Palm Pediatrics, where she’ll shadow and learn about physical therapy firsthand, and the other at Santiso PT. Ava is also a part of the Turner Scholars Program.

Mitchell Holmes (Men’s Basketball) 

Mitchell is a rising sophomore on the Men’s Basketball Team from Fort Worth, Texas. Alana Owens, Senior Academic Counselor, noted, “he is not only a hard worker who consistently gets assignments done ahead of schedule, but also a fantastic teammate. Mitchell excels at both encouraging others and fostering accountability among his peers, both on and off the court.” His dedication to his Applied Sports Management studies and his team make him a valuable asset to the university community.  The ADSA is expecting big things from Mitchell in the future! 

Ben Longeway (Men’s Swimming & Diving) 

Meet Ben Longeway, a rising Sophomore on the SMU Men’s Swimming and Diving team. In the Spring, he accumulated more volunteer hours than any other male student-athlete based on athletic department tracking. He primarily volunteered at Feed My Starving Children in Dallas. He participated in additional service hours with his team. His commitment to giving back to others in the Dallas community is commendable. His Senior Academic Counselor in the ADSA, Katie Evans, states, “Ben demonstrates the qualities of a servant leader; he dedicates his spare time to help others and improve his community.”  Ben’s career aspiration is to become a physical therapist (PT) after his time on the Hilltop. 

These four student-athletes wrapped up their Spring 2025 semester on a high note.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

ADSA Faculty Feedback Request Updates – Summer 2025 

Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) sincerely appreciates your ongoing partnership in supporting our Faculty Feedback Request process. Your feedback plays a vital role in helping student-athletes stay on track academically. We are grateful for your continued cooperation!

Summer 2025 Faculty Feedback Request Timeline 

Below is a timeline of  the Faculty Feedback Requests for student-athletes enrolled in summer courses: 

  • June 16: Feedback Request 1 opens 
  • June 20: Feedback Request 1 closes 
  • July 21: Feedback Request 2 opens 
  • August 1: Feedback Request 2 closes 

New! Single Sign-On (SSO) Enabled for Teamworks 

Teamworks now supports Single Sign-On (SSO), making it easier for faculty to access and complete grade checks. Please follow the steps below to complete your submission: 

How to Complete a Grade Check Using SSO 

  1. Open the Grade Check Email
    – Click “Complete Survey” or copy the provided link into your browser. 
  2. Sign in with Your SMU Account
    – Select “Sign in with Teamworks”
    – Then click “Sign in with organizational account”
    – Enter your institution’s subdomain: smu 
  3. Authenticate with SMU Credentials
    – Enter your SMU email and password
    – Complete any two-factor authentication if prompted 
  4. Complete the Grade Check
    – You will be redirected to your assigned grade check form
    – Provide grades or relevant academic feedback for each student
    – Review and click Submit Progress Report 

Teamworks Help Guide – How to Access and Complete a Grade Check 

Your input has a direct and meaningful impact on our student-athletes’ academic success. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Through this collaborative process, ADSA is committed to helping every student-athlete finish the semester strong. 

Faculty with current student-athletes enrolled in their courses will receive these feedback requests directly from ADSA@smu.edu. A sample of the email can be found below. 

Faculty Feedback

 

ADSA is grateful for the support and collaboration with OIT during this transition!

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

Announcing April Mustang Champions: These Student-Athletes are no joke

Four Student-Athletes Mentioned

April brings four new student-athletes to celebrate their academic achievements this month! Our Mustang Champions are chosen by their dedication to academic excellence and athletics. Meet the April Mustang Champions: 

Hensley Humphries (Equestrian)

Hensley doesn’t just clear fences with grace and precision as a Jumping Seat competitor in Equestrian; this senior, originally from Austin, Texas, also leaps to remarkable heights in her academic pursuits. Setting a high bar for herself and her fellow student-athletes, she’s not only earned the BBA Scholar and Provost Scholar but also a member of the University Honors Program. She has consistently achieved the Honor Roll with High Distinction an impressive six times. Truly embodying the spirit of a Mustang Champion, Hensley has impressed her Senior Academic Counselor, Desmond Grayson, who is “extremely proud of her for maintaining a flawless 4.0 GPA throughout her first three years. She approaches every challenge with a meticulous plan, often having a plan A, plan B, and even a plan C! Hensley consistently gives her all, no matter the obstacles she faces.” She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the Cox School of Business, with an emphasis in Finance. 

Ofek Shimanov (Men’s Tennis) 

Ofek, a determined midyear international transfer and true freshman, has navigated his arrival at SMU and the United States with remarkable poise.  His transition has been multifaceted, learning and adapting to a new country and college life, but also diving straight into the Men’s Tennis season. Just two weeks into the academic term, Ofek journeyed to Lithuania to proudly represent Israel at the prestigious Davis Cup. ADSA Senior Director, Dr. Teiana Jones shared that Ofek, “demonstrated exceptional foresight, he proactively engaged with the ADSA to thoroughly understand academic expectations before his departure.” This included an intensive introduction to CANVAS and essential academic resources, equipping him to seamlessly continue his coursework while competing internationally. Throughout his time abroad, Ofek maintained consistent communication with his peers and the ADSA support team, readily addressing any questions or needs that arose. Ofek is off to a truly impressive start to his academic journey at SMU. Adding to his achievements, he recently delivered his very first speech in English – a significant milestone he tackled with immense effort and preparation, resulting in an outstanding performance. 

Sydney Japic (Women’s Soccer)

Sydney, a driven senior transfer, from Alabama has made a dynamic entrance on the Hilltop. She is striving for a degree in Economics with a minor in business and is on track to walk the stage in the Spring 2026. Sydney’s impressive work ethic has already paved the way to a coveted summer internship at Henry Schein, where she’ll gain experience in the world of medical device sales. Lexi Williams, her Academic Counselor, has noted “Sydney’s exceptional drive and her ability to leverage the wealth of resources available at SMU.” Learn more about Sydney here. 

Zion Nelson (Football)

Zion, a graduate offensive line transfer from Miami, has been intentional and motivated at SMU this Spring. He’s strategically tapping into the full arsenal of resources offered by the ADSA and LAB, demonstrating a deliberate approach to forging meaningful connections within both the SMU and the Dallas community. He was selected as a VIP Dinner nominee this month and attended the Career Interest Talk (CIT) with Don Goldstein in April. Even though this event was a casual gathering, Zion’s sharp professional attire spoke volumes about his inherent professionalism and intention. He is currently focused on earning his Master’s in Liberal Studies, and on track to celebrate his graduation in the Spring of 2026. 

These four Mustangs are no joke; they exemplify the drive, dedication, and boldness it takes to be a SMU Student-Athlete and compete at the highest level! 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Graduating ADSA Student Workers!

red and blue graduation hat

On behalf of the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA), we want to extend our sincerest gratitude to the outstanding SMU students who are completing their SMU degrees in Spring 2025 and have served as invaluable members of our team in various roles. We extend a heartfelt congratulations and thank you to these SMU Graduates! 

We deeply appreciate the significant contributions each of you has made to supporting the ADSA mission. The peer academic support you provided has been invaluable, not only to the student-athletes you assisted but also in fostering your own professional growth and development. We are confident that the skills and experiences gained through this work will truly set these graduates apart in their future endeavors. 

   Congratulations to: 

Ana Rizo 

  • Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Minor in Business 

Danny Discenza 

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Minor in Italian, Minor in History 

Jason Zhang  

  • Masters of Science in Business Analytics  

Kaylee Dorough  

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business, Minor in Sociology 

Parisha Goyal 

  • Master’s in Business Analytics

Rakesh Venkat  

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, Bachelors in Data Science, Minor in International Film Studies, Operations Research Engineering Management Minor
    Sharvari Dethe  
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Analytics  

Viktoriya Kuchina 

  • Bachelor in Science in Health & Society, Bachelor of Arts in World Languages (specializing in Russian & Latin), Minor in Human Rights.

We hope you will keep in touch as you embark on your next chapters! Thank you all for your time, dedication, and commitment.

Congratulations on this momentous achievement – we are incredibly proud of each and every one of you! We hope you truly maximize this special time of celebration! 

Dr. Teiana Jones
Senior Director of ADSA and Assistant Athletic Director for Academics

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

Springing Forward with these Mustang Champions

4 Mustang Champions

March 2025 Mustang Champions

Every year, the Spring symbolizes the Earth’s resilience and focus on continued growth and development for our exemplary student-athletes, who’s dedication to enhancing their individual skills, improve and inspire their teammates/peers, and give back though encourgaing engagegment in the Dallas community. This month, we are celebrating Mustang Champions that have strived to invest in themselves and their future personal development. Stangs are always leading the Charge!

 BJ Edwards- Men’s Basketball

BJ Edwards, a senior point guard, has embodied what it means to be a Mustang Champion. A starter for the Men’s Basketball team, BJ has shown commitment to his academics by his ability to communicate and advocate for himself in the classroom; “Watching BJ grow in his academic confidence and accountability has been truly inspiring. He tackles challenges head-on and approaches difficult assignments with a calm willingness. BJ maintains the best quality of a life-long learner, and that is his curiosity. He’s a champion this month and always, stated Samantha LoCoco, ADSA. He is on track to graduate with a degree in Sports Management in the Spring of 2026.  

Hedda Kvalvag (Track & Field/ Cross Country)

Meet Hedda, a standout triple jumper and All-ACC honoree. She has made a remarkable impact at SMU, both on and off the field. Originally from Olso, Norway, she has overcome the challenges of adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic system with resilience and grace. A natural leader, Katie Evans, Senior Academic Counselor, added that, “Hedda approaches everything she does with kindness, determination, and a strong sense of purpose. As a dedicated student-athlete, she continues to impress with her growth, resilience, and the way she carries herself both in the classroom and on the track.”  She is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and is on track to graduate in Spring 2026. She brings energy and enthusiasm to the classroom while inspiring her teammates through her work ethic and integrity. She consistently strives to do the right thing and be her best in everything she takes on, making her a powerful example of what it means to be a Mustang Champion!

Jentry Lamirand (Volleyball)

Jentry, a senior, was the sole captain of SMU’s Volleyball team. In Fall 2024, she made the ACC All-Academic Team. Athletics shared that she participates in Life After Ball and will be leading Team Impact. Jentry will be graduating in May 2025 with her B.B.A in accounting from Cox. Her Senior Academic counselor, Alana Owens, highlights Jentry’s character, “an amazing individual on and off the court. She is an example of a true leader for the young ladies on the volleyball team and a constant support to her peers. She is pursuing a master’s in accounting starting in the Fall”. Jentry will complete her bachelor’s degree in 3 years; we look forward to supporting her throughout graduate school.  

Zakye Barker (Football)

Junior transfer, Zakye Barker has made a significantly positive impact since his arrival on the Hilltop this Spring. As a linebacker, he isn’t just making plays; he’s covering the whole field by building connections with teammates, staff, and faculty across campus. Majoring in Psychology, he takes the same approach on or off the field with equal passion, leading by example. Faculty members consistently commend his active participation and engagement in class, noting his diligent approach to notetaking. He serves as a positive influence on his peers. Keyana Smith, ADSA Director, is impressed with Zakye effective communication, timely completion of responsibilities, and shares he is consistently respectful and professional. He is one to watch out for!

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

ADSA Sending out 2nd Progress Faculty Feedback on 4/7/25

logo

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) appreciates the faculty’s participation and cooperation in supporting our Faculty Feedback Requests. The second round of Faculty Feedback will be sent out on Monday, April 7th and will include all student-athletes.  Faculty with current student-athletes enrolled in their courses will receive these feedback requests directly from ADSA@smu.edu. A sample of this email can be viewed below:TW feedback email

 Faculty Feedback Request #2 Timeline:

April 7: Teamworks Feedback Request opens 

April 21: Teamworks Second Feedback reporting period closes 

Please note: This authentication process is a temporary measure for Spring 2025 only. ADSA is working with campus OIT to implement Single Sign-On (SSO) for Teamworks access this summer. We understand this adds an extra step, but it is necessary to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the feedback process while we transition to SSO. 

For detailed guidance and visual demonstrations of this update, please consult our faculty member grade check help center guide: 

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/Access-and-Complete-a-Grade-Check 

Your feedback is incredibly valuable and has a significant positive impact on our student-athlete’s academic outcomes. Thank you to our supportive faculty for your continued partnership in assisting with student-athlete success. Through this collaborative process, ADSA aims to ensure that the student-athletes finish the semester strongly! 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

ADSA Staff Promotions

promotions

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) would like to highlight the hard work of our employees and the work that they do daily to positively impact the student- athlete’s lives that they work with. We are thrilled to highlight three staff promotions and announce a new Academic Counselor. ADSA and the student-athletes appreciate all of their contributions!

Lexi Williams – Academic Counselor 

Lexi Williams, recently transitioned from a Literacy Specialist to Academic Counselor. She continues to expand her impact in ADSA. Lexi came to the Hilltop in Summer 2024 from Georgia Tech, where she was an Athletic Academic Advisor for various teams including Women’s basketball, Women’s tennis, and Softball. Lexi embraces the opportunity to work with different teams and individuals. For Lexi, the most rewarding part of her role is witnessing the development and personal growth of the student-athletes she supports. Her adaptability and genuine care make her a tremendous asset to our team and we are excited to watch her grow! 

Leeann Oland – Office Manager 

For 14 remarkable years, Leeann Oland has been a cornerstone of the ADSA department. In her elevated position, Leeann will continue to oversee several programs, student workers, while elevating her operational and fiscal responsibilities. She approaches her role with a warm smile, greeting every student-athlete with enthusiasm and a commitment to building meaningful relationships. Leeann is an invaluable part of our ADSA and SMU community. We celebrate her incredible tenure and consistency she brings to the ADSA every single day.  

Desmond Grayson – Senior Academic Counselor 

Desmond first joined SMU in 2023, as an Academic Counselor working with Football and Equestrian. In 2025, he was promoted to Senior Academic Counselor, serving the same teams. In this elevated position, Desmond is also taking on additional ADSA specific programming oversight.  His commitment to fostering academic and personal growth ensures that every student-athlete he works with feels supported along their journey at SMU. Desmond’s work embodies the spirit of teamwork and excellence. 

Kelsey Smith – Senior Academic Counselor 

Kelsey recently promoted from Academic Counselor to Senior Academic Counselor in January. She has quickly embraced her new role as with enthusiasm and a drive to connect with her new teams. Previously, she worked with Men’s & Women’s Soccer, and Rowing. As a Senior Counselor, she will work with Football, Men’s Tennis, Men’s Golf, and oversee other internal ADSA programming. She had this to say about the future, “I’m really looking forward to getting to know even more student-athletes and getting to support them through their academic career at SMU. It’s been so fun attending practices and games to learn more about my new teams and their culture”. 

Congratulations to Lexi, Leeann, Desmond, and Kelsey! 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

February Mustang Champions

feb25MC

This February, we are back to highlight four student-athletes that embody the spirit of the Mustang, each setting a new standard for athletic and academic achievement. Meet Macey Hilton, Jack Forrest, Logan Parr, and Mackenzie Lee:

Macey Hilton (Track & Field, Cross Country): 

Macey Hilton, a junior from Auckland, New Zealand, is making a name for herself as a true standout at SMU. She is majoring in Applied Physiology and Sport Management; Macey isn’t just excelling in her academics—she’s also dominating on the track. This semester, Macey broke the SMU indoor mile record with an impressive time of 4:41.41. Her dedication and competitive drive are evident in everything she does, and it’s clear that she’s earned her spot among the program’s top athletes. 

Beyond her athletic achievements, Macey is thriving academically, and approaches her studies with the same focus and determination that she brings to the track. As her ADSA counselor, Katie Evans, observes, “What stands out about Macey is not just her achievements but the positive, motivating energy she brings to those around her. She’s the type of person who encourages her teammates to push harder, whether they’re on the track or in the classroom, and her infectious attitude creates an atmosphere where everyone wants to do their best. With her drive, academic focus, and unbeatable attitude, there’s no doubt she will keep inspiring everyone around her.” 

Jack Forrest (Men’s Swimming): 

Jack Forrest, a junior from Little Rock, Arkansas, is making waves both in the pool and the classroom. Specializing in butterfly and freestyle, he’s become a standout on the SMU swimming team, with some impressive records to show for it. But Jack isn’t just about swimming—he’s also juggling a double major in Finance and Data Science, all while being accepted into the highly competitive Alternative Asset Management Program (ALTS) at SMU. Even with the heavy workload, Jack handles it all with impressive grace and determination. 

What really stands out about Jack is his drive to keep pushing himself, whether it’s in his studies, his training, or even trying new things outside his comfort zone. This semester, he took things a step further by enrolling in a singing class! While he jokes that he’s the worst singer in the group, it’s clear that he’s all about growth. 

Jack is continuously earning recognition for his academic achievements. He’s made the SMU Honor Roll 5 consecutive semesters. He’s not just excelling in the pool or acing tough courses, he’s always looking for new ways to grow and challenge himself.  

 Logan Parr (Football):  

Offensive lineman Logan Parr, hailing from Helotes, Texas, joined the Mustangs from the University of Texas (Austin) in 2023. He quickly established himself as an academic powerhouse, earning All-ACC Academic Team honors and pursuing his second Master’s Degree in Sports Management. He obtained his first Masters from the Cox School of Business in Management Science. Logan exemplifies the spirit of taking advantage of the opportunities presented by SMU to cultivate personal and professional growth. He is a returning member of SAAC, and Marissa Watters states “he plays a key role in engaging his teammates, encouraging their involvement, and fostering a strong sense of community within the program. His leadership extends beyond campus, as he actively recruits teammates to participate in service initiatives, including Boulevard Ballers, a sports camp in partnership with Dallas Parks and Recreation. In addition to his work in athletics and service, Logan is a passionate advocate for mental health. Through collaboration with SMU’s counseling team, he has participated in educational videos aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging student-athletes to prioritize their well-being.”  

Mackenzie Lee (Women’s Golf): 

Mackenzie has really found her stride on the golf course and in the classroom this past year. As a junior, majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Business, she earned a perfect 4.0 GPA in the Fall.  She is witty and fun to be around, always making her teammates smile. Lee also was one of 72 women amateur golfers selected to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament in April. She looks forward to representing the United States in this prestigous tournament. She is passionate about serving others, and in her spare time, she volunteers at Stewpot. Lee is leading the New Era of SMU Women’s Golf and we are excited to watch them excel! 

The narratives of Macey Hilton, Jack Forrest, Logan Parr, and Mackenzie Lee stand as a testament to the holistic development that ADSA and SMU fosters. Each athlete, through their individual pursuits, has demonstrated that athletic excellence and academic rigor can coexist.  As these athletes continue to represent SMU, they serve as powerful examples of what it means to be a Mustang, inspiring their fellow mustangs to strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Success Programs

46 Student-Athletes make the Fall Honor Roll

46SAFALL24

The ADSA is enthused to celebrate the academic successes of 46 remarkable student-athletes, who made the Fall 2024 SMU Honor Roll! This is a true testament to their commitment, perseverance, and drive for success.

HRFall24

 

 To make the Honor Roll the following must be met:

  • Appointment determined by percentile rank based on cumulative SMU GPA 
  • Must be degree seeking students; non-degree students are not eligible. 
  • Completion of at least 12 hours of courses with grades A through D- for the term (Engineering co-op students are eligible based on successfully completing the co-op program for the term.) (Courses that are excluded from the undergraduate program (i.e. 4+1 students) are included in determining honor roll eligibility.) 
  • No incomplete grades, in any prior coursework, at time selection process is run 
  • For students with majors in separate schools a percentile rank is determined separately for each school with the highest percentile rank applying. 
  • The Honor Roll is issued at the end of the Fall and Spring regular terms. The scholastic data for the Honor Roll is determined 3 weeks after the last day of final examinations for the term. Scholastic changes received after this cut-off are not included in the determination of the Honor Roll for the term. Scholastic data is based on enrollments through the end of the Honor Roll regular term and does not include any scholastic data for short terms that immediately follow the regular term. 

FallHR

 

Supporting these dual pursuits is our dedicated Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) program. Our department is designed to help student-athletes succeed and balance their academic and athletic pursuits. Our program combines tailored resources with a supportive environment. It’s not just about achieving grades—it’s about instilling values like discipline, resilience, and teamwork that extend far beyond the classroom or the field. To our student-athletes: congratulations on an exceptional semester! 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

New Year, New Mustang Champions

JanMC

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!