Author: Valerie Vining

The SMU Mustangs are known for their competitive spirit and dedication to excellence, both on the field and in the classroom. Let’s celebrate their recent successes! 

Yohan Traore (Men’s Basketball) 

Yohan Traore, since transferring to SMU last Fall, has demonstrated exceptional work ethic and a positive attitude. Navigating the complexities of transferring universities can be challenging, but Yohan tackled the process with grace and determination, diligently completing all necessary petitions. Now, fully immersed in the academic year, he continues to shine. Yohan is a model student, consistently punctual for classes, tutoring, and study hall. His dedication is evident in his strong performance in his history courses, a testament to his commitment to academic success. Beyond his achievements, Yohan’s respectful demeanor makes him a true pleasure to work with. 

June Song (Women’s Golf) 

Junior June Song is a force to be reckoned with. Majoring in Journalism and minoring in Art History, June maintains a stellar GPA while simultaneously competing at a high level on the Women’s Golf team. Her talents extend beyond the classroom and the golf course. June recently captivated audiences with her stunning vocal performance at the ACC Football Conference Championships. She truly embodies the definition of a well-rounded student-athlete, excelling in academics, athletics, and the arts. 

Luke Sitz (Men’s Diving) 

Luke Sitz has made a splash on the international stage! Representing the United States at the World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Luke earned three impressive top-six finishes: 5th in 3-meter diving, 6th in 1-meter diving, and 5th in synchronized diving. His talent and hard work haven’t gone unnoticed at the collegiate level either. Luke has been named ACC Diver of the Week three times this fall, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the diving world. His ADSA counselor, Katie Evans, looks forward to supporting the academic development of this first year student. 

Maddy Parker (Women’s Swimming) 

Transferring to SMU this fall from Washington State University, sophomore Maddy Parker has already made a significant impact on the swimming scene. At the US Open Championships  in Greensboro earlier this month, Maddy showcased her talent by winning two events: the 50 free (22.26) and the 100 free (48.09). Her impressive performances signal a bright future for this Mustang swimmer. Maddy plans to major in Anthropology, demonstrating her commitment to academic pursuits alongside her athletic ambitions. 

These four student-athletes represent the best S.P.I.R.I.T  of SMU. Their dedication, talent, and commitment to both academics and athletics serve as an inspiration to the entire Mustang community! 

As the final grades for Fall 2024 are in, SMU has proven once again that excellence isn’t just confined to the playing field—it’s thriving in the classroom too. The results from the first semester in the ACC are nothing short of exceptional, and we couldn’t be prouder of the outstanding academic accomplishments of our student-athletes. 

From top team GPAs to individual academic triumphs, SMU has shown a strong commitment to achieving success in both athletics and academics. The dedication and hard work of our athletes, coaches, and staff members were on full display this semester, setting a new standard of excellence. 

Top Fall 2024 Team GPAs:  

Several teams have demonstrated remarkable academic success this past semester. Notably, the Women’s Cross-Country team led the pack with a stellar 3.836 term GPA (3.775 cumulative GPA), making them the highest-performing team overall. In the men’s teams, Men’s Tennis earned the highest term GPA of 3.562, paired with a 3.587 cumulative GPA, showcasing their ability to achieve excellence in all areas. 

Fall 2024 Academic Milestones: An Impressive Percentage of Student-Athletes Excel 

The numbers from Fall 2024 reflect a strong culture of academic achievement among SMU student-athletes. Some key highlights include: 

• 164 students (36% of athletes) earned a perfect 4.00 term GPA. 

• 216 students (48%) achieved a term GPA above 3.50. 

• A total of 329 students (73%) finished the term with a GPA higher than 3.00. 

Even more impressive, 18 student-athletes (4%) maintained a 4.00 cumulative GPA over their collegiate career—a true testament to their consistency and hard work. 

Gratitude to the ADSA Staff and Cross-Campus Partnerships 

None of this would be possible without the exceptional support and guidance provided by the ADSA staff and their cross-campus partnerships. Their commitment to the academic success of our student-athletes is truly invaluable. The collaboration between academic and athletic departments ensures that our athletes are supported in every facet of their collegiate experience, and it is this dedication that continues to fuel our athletes’ success on and off the field. 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate these outstanding achievements, we look forward to the continued academic and athletic success of our student-athletes. The Fall 2024 semester has set a high bar for the future, and with the continued support of the ADSA staff, coaches, athletic administration, faculty, and all other members of the SMU campus community, we are confident that SMU Athletics will continue to excel both academically and athletically in the years to come. 

At SMU, we’re not just about winning games—we’re about building well-rounded individuals who excel in all aspects of life. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our athletes have shown, and we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish in the semesters ahead! 

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! 

This month’s Mustang Champions feature three Senior Mustangs and one on the rise Freshman! Check out the commitment to excellence by our Mustangs Champions of the Month! 

Natalia Newsome (Volleyball)  

Natalia Newsome is a freshman from Arlington, Texas and is having a standout year on the court and in the classroom. She has impressed her senior academic counselor, Alana Owens, who shared that she has a respectful and punctual attitude and that Natalie is committed to her studies. Owens notes that Newsome embodies the Athletic Department’s S.P.I.R.I.T. motto, making her a joy to work with. She is the middle blocker on the SMU volleyball team, which is nationally ranked at #10.  Natalia’s academic interests include Business, Law, or Sports Management. 

Kyran Chambron Pinho (Men’s Soccer) 

Kyran Chambron Pinho is a senior from Frankfurt, Germany. During his time on the Hilltop, he has been a role model for the other international students on his team.  He exemplifies what is means to be a student-athlete. Not only is he competitive and striving for excellence on the pitch, but he also expects perfection in the classroom and from his peers. The two-time ACC Player of the Week honoree, encourages the use of ADSA resources and regularly pursues opportunities for personal, educational, and professional growth, which will continue to serve him well. Dr. Teiana Jones, Senior Director of ADSA and Assistant Athletic Director of Academics, shared that Kyran has been a pleasure to get to know. She is proud of his academic journey. Kyran is on track to graduate in 3.5 years, with a degree in Economics and a minor in Psychology (Fall 2024). SMU awaits the reveal of the 48-team NCAA Championships bracket, which is set to be released during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 18. First-round NCAA tournament action will begin on Thursday, Nov. 21.   

Maykayla Jackson (Track & Field) 

Senior Triple Jumper, Maykayla Jackson has earned this honor, through her pursuits and voice on campus. She is an active member of BSAC (Black Student-Athlete Committee), whose mission is; “to create a safe space and advocacy channel for Black-identifying student-athletes at SMU”. Originally from Midlothian, Texas, Maykayla is consistently working to reach her personal and educational goals. She is majoring in Biological Sciences, conducting research with Professor Brewster, and has aspirations to go to medical school after she graduates in May 2025.  

Keon Ambrose-Hylton (Men’s Basketball) 

Keon’s journey to SMU wasn’t easy; originally from Ontario, Canada, his first stop in the US was Alabama University. He transferred to SMU in the Summer of 2022, and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physiology and Sports Management (APSM) in Spring 2024.  He is furthering his education on the Hilltop, and is pursuing his Masters of Liberal Studies (MLS), expecting to graduate in 2025. Keon has been an active member of BSAC and LAB. This Fall, he has the second most community service hours logged by an individual SMU student-athlete at 11.25 hours. Come support Keon and SMU Men’s Basketball team (currently 3-0) this season! (Click here for Schedule) 

A snapshot into traveling on the road in the ACC: 

During the first week of the 2024 Fall semester, while most students were walking to their first class on campus, it looked a little different for the SMU volleyball student-athletes; who were on a plane traveling to Hawaii and San Diego for their first away tournament. Before they stepped into a class, they were walking on the court.  

 It’s no secret that the demands on a student-athlete are different than the average college student. There are early mornings, late nights, changing schedules, and traveling for competitions that take up an athlete’s “spare time”. In those small breaks, you can see the dedication shown by the athletes studying on the bus or plane, reading the in the hotel room, etc. Our Mustang Student-Athletes want to be the best at everything they do, so SMU Athletics partners with ADSA to ensure that academics are still prioritized even when they are traveling for competitions. The coaching staff “really value ADSA support and resources and make it a priority in the volleyball program” – Alana Owens, Senior Academic Counselor

More than Competition: 

This trip allowed many of the volleyball players to experience Hawaii and Polynesian culture for the first time. While most away trips for student-athletes are scheduled to allow for the shortest travel time possible- to avoid missing classes, etc. On this trip, the team was able to experience several unique events including attending the Polynesian Cultural Center (see below) 

When on the road, Alana Owens, the Volleyball Senior Academic Counselor, conducted mandatory academic study hall for all student-athletes on the team. This is to ensure that there is scheduled time dedicated to academics. “This group is very athletically and academically focused this semester; I am very proud of them for putting in the required road study hall hours through this busy road trip schedule” – Alana Owens. Of the 15 players on the team, 7 are graduate students pursuing programs in Cox and Simmons. These athletes are dedicated to pursing their degree while also having a record-breaking season in the ACC.

Come support this outstanding team at their next game on Friday, November 15, 2024 in Moody Coliseum in Dallas, TX.  

 Photography credit: FreeKey Three Creative Team 

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) program is committed to working with faculty to ensure student-athlete success at our university. Twice each semester, ADSA solicits feedback from instructors to align with key academic milestones like Early Progress Reports (EPRs), Mid-Term Progress Reports (MPRs), and the final withdrawal deadline.

What to Expect:

• First Round: A small population of student-athletes is included on the current feedback request that was send on September 30^th.
• Second Round: All student-athletes will be included in the feedback request sent on November 4th.
• Receiving Feedback Requests: Faculty with current student-athletes in their classes will receive requests directly from ADSA@smu.edu.

Collaboration for Student Success:

ADSA aims to provide early intervention and support for student-athletes facing academic challenges through this collaborative process. ADSA reports to Associate Provost Dr. Sheri Kunovich. Based on your feedback, you may also be contacted by a sport-specific ADSA counselor to discuss potential support options.

Thank you to our dedicated faculty for your continued partnership in supporting student-athlete success!

https://www.smu.edu/provost/saes/academic-support/student-athletes/about/contact