Tag: Student-Athlete

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

Cheering on our June Mustang Champions

Mustangchamps

Another exciting month of celebrating our Mustang Champions! This month we are highlighting four Mustangs who continue to work hard in the summer months while preparing for the upcoming 2024-2025 competition season and academic year. We are happy to highlight the student-athletes that embody the S.P.I.R.I.T of what it takes to be successful on and off the field.

Chance Puryear (MBB)

  • Chance is a Freshman Forward from Dallas. He is a three-star signee who is ranked as high as No. 12 overall in Texas and 34th nationally at his position.  During his first semester on the Hilltop, he is a highly motivated and responsible college student. He possesses valuable knowledge and is committed to long-term goals. Through hard work and discipline, he is confident in achieving success as a Mustang!

Romello (Mello) Brinson (FB)

  • Mello is a Junior from Miami, Florida that has dedicated himself to his academic performance this summer and is making huge strides! We are so proud of his commitment to the team and his academics. He is leading by example and continues to have a positive influence on his teammates.

TK Pitts (WBB)

  • TK continues to be a leader both on and off the court. She supports her teammates, encouraging them to push harder and believe in themselves by creating a welcoming and connected environment. Her presence on BSAAC is another way she leads off the court. Her BSAAC involvement gives her the opportunity to spread her good influence even further!

Aubrey Brown (WSOC)

  • Aubrey Brown is a Dallas native, coming from Irving, Texas. She plans on majoring in Political Science and Data science during her time as a Mustang. Aubrey is an excellent student and an excellent teammate. Her attendance and participation in class are consistent and insightful, always asking great questions. Aubrey is an engaged student and a dedicated player, representing the best of SMU at every step.  She is active on campus, besides being a valued member of our soccer team, she is a pre-law scholar, member of the Association of Black Students, and BSAAC.
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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

ADSA Hiring Academic Tutors for 2024-2025 Academic Year

tutoring
Tess Balentine Tutoring Student-Athletes this summer

Do you have a passion for helping others meet their academic goals?  Do you have professional aspirations to be an educator?  Are you trying to get experience for a future graduate teaching position (TA)? 

If you said yes to any of the above questions, then the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) wants YOU! The ADSA directly reports to the office of the Provost and is seeking enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutors to join our team. The main purpose of our tutors is to help student-athletes better understand specific course content through 1:1 or small group sessions.  This is a paid opportunity to get valuable teaching experience working with peers, in a fast-paced D1 athletic environment. Our tutors play a vital role in supporting student-athletes by providing subject-specific tutoring in a variety of undergraduate courses.  

 Why Tutor with ADSA? 

  • Make a Difference: You’ll have a direct impact on the academic success of SMU’s student-athletes, helping them excel in the classroom; clearing up concepts, and answering questions. An opportunity to give back to the University!
  • Flexible Schedule: Tutoring sessions are offered throughout the week (Monday through Friday), and you can choose the hours that work best for you, accommodating your class schedule and other commitments. 
  • Positive Work Environment: Join a team dedicated to student success in a supportive and collaborative environment.

What We’re Looking For: 

  • Strong academic background (minimum of B+ in relevant coursework) 
  • Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner 
  • Passion for helping others learn 
  • Able to be professional and maintain confidentiality  
  • Current enrolled SMU undergraduates, graduates, TA’s, or Faculty are all encouraged to apply. Pay is based on experience.

We are currently recruiting tutors for all subjects in the Fall but especially for APSM, MATH, STAT, HIST subjects.

If you’re interested in applying: 

Contact the ADSA Tutor Coordinator, Valerie Vining at 214-768-4857 or vvining@smu.edu for more information or apply directly at this link: https://smu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1FWagowDsD5hQz3 

 Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the SMU community and make a positive impact on student-athletes! 

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

Meet the May Mustang Champions

MayMC

Southern Methodist University recognizes 4 outstanding student-athletes every month through the Mustang Champions program. Nominations come from both ADSA (Academic Development of Student-Athletes) and athletics staff. These awards celebrate student- athletes who: 

  • Strive for excellence: This could be through improvement in academics, athletics, or both. 
  • Live the S.P.I.R.I.T. of SMU Athletics: S.P.I.R.I.T. stands for the values that SMU athletics strive to uphold. S is for service (we are here for others), P is for Passion (we love what we do), I for Integrity (we do the right thing), R is for Respect (we follow the golden rule), I for Innovation (we seek a better way), and T for Teamwork (we are bound together).  
  • Champion student-athlete success initiatives:  Participation in programs or activities that support student-athlete well-being or academic achievement, like Life After Ball (LAB), SAAC, or BSAC. 

Let’s meet the 4 student-athletes that were selected in May: 

Emily Odwin (Women’s Golf): 

 Emily is a sophomore transfer student-athlete from Barbados that joined the Mustangs in January 2024. Not only did she excel in the classroom, impressing her professors with her stellar academic performance, but she also played a pivotal role in leading the SMU women’s golf team to back-to-back AAC Championships. She became the first golfer from her nation to win an American Collegiate Conference Championship. This accomplishment wasn’t her only first; Emily also holds the distinction of being the first Barbadian woman to ever compete in NCAA Division-1 golf. Her impact on the SMU team was undeniable. Throughout the season, Emily participated in all seven tournaments, showcasing her talent and contributing to a remarkable run that saw the Mustangs claim victory in four of those events. Individually, Emily’s consistency was on display as she secured four top-10 finishes.  Emily’s impressive debut season at SMU was further celebrated when she was awarded the prestigious “Newcomer of the Year” honor by SMU Athletics. 

Camryn McPhaul (Track & Field):  

Camryn, a junior Track and Field student-athlete is known for her leadership qualities. She is an active participant in SMU’s Black Student-Athlete Committee (BSAC) and she took the initiative to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit in California this year. A significant event that empowers Black student-athletes to excel academically, professionally, and personally.  As an engineering major, her passion for the field shines brightly. This summer, she landed an internship at Parkhub, a software company based in Dallas. This is a fantastic opportunity that allows her to gain valuable experience in the engineering industry. Camryn’s leadership doesn’t stop there. Recognizing the need for support and resources for student-athletes interested in STEM fields, she has become a pioneer in establishing a STEM group specifically for SMU student-athletes. This initiative will undoubtedly pave the way for future generations of athletes to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. 

 Alex Yang (Men’s Golf):  

 Alex Yang, a driven MBA student at SMU’s Cox School of Business, landed a coveted spot at Morrison Seger Venture Capital Partners, putting his networking skills and the opportunities provided by Life After Ball (LAB) to the test. Alex exemplifies the ideal LAB student, actively seeking out ways to connect and grow professionally. His proactive approach has landed him a prime internship at a well-respected venture capital firm. This internship provides Alex with invaluable exposure to the exciting world of start-up funding and investment. 

Niv Berkovitz (Men’s Soccer):  

 Niv Berkovitz comes to the Hilltop from Israel, where he was a member of the U17 and U18 national team and participated in the Israeli cup. Niv is a sophomore currently studying finance at SMU and finished his Spring semester with a 4.0. Niv “is one of the most hard working and dedicated students I know. He never backs down from a challenge and always finds a way to make it work. He is humble, determined, and kind-hearted!” said Kelsey Smith, his academic counselor.  We are excited to see what he can accomplish during his time at SMU!  

 We’ve honored some incredible Mustang Champions this May! Be sure to tune in next month to meet four new student-athletes who are pushing their limits in the gym and the classroom, to become World Changers! 

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

4 New Mustang Champions Announced for April

aprilchamps

April brings another round of Mustang Champions to celebrate! Let’s learn more about our Champions this month: Preston Stone, Nyah Rose, Prather Anne Hargrove, and Jack Hoagland.

Preston Stone (FB)

Preston’s leadership extends beyond the football field. He’s emerged as a powerful voice on the SAAC executive committee, proactively tackling challenges and streamlining processes to lighten the load for fellow executives. His influence doesn’t stop there – he fosters a culture of engagement, actively motivating his teammates to become more involved with campus life and connect with the student-athlete community.

Nyah Rose (WSOC)

Nyah is in her second semester of her Freshman year and has demonstrated significant progress in her organizational skills and time management. She has really taken this semester to develop good study habits, and it is evident in the classroom. You can see the joy Nyah has in becoming a better student and athlete! Kelsey Smith (her academic counselor) had this to add; “I have loved every moment of getting to know Nyah and watching her excel in the classroom and on the field. She is a joy to work with and always bring positive energy when I see her!”

Prather Anne Hargrove (WSW)

Prather has been a consistent presence within SAAC; always looking for ways in which she can help or get involved in SMU or the community. A recent receipt of the Extra Yard for Teachers Dr. Pepper Go Teach Award; in which she earned 12,500 in scholarship money. Prather Anne is studying Educational Studies and Psychology and will graduate in Spring 2024. “I am so blessed to have received this award and scholarship,” Hargrove said. “I look forward to serving children with special needs and their families upon my graduation.”

Jack Hoagland (MSW)

Jack is striving to make efforts in the community service space. His desire to serve and encourage others to serve is commendable. His interests in SAAC and being a leader in this area has been great to see this semester. Katie Evans, Jack’s Senior Academic Counselor had this to say about Jack “He is a shining example of what it means to be a student-athlete! He excels athletically and academically at the highest level. He is a true leader and role model for his teammates and all student-athletes.”

These SMU student-athletes are shining examples of how dedication, passion, and a drive to excel can extend far beyond the playing field or pool. They are leaving their mark on the world by inspiring us all to dream big, pursue our goals with purpose, and strive to make a positive impact in our own communities. Let’s celebrate these young world-shapers, and stay tuned to see what incredible things they accomplish next!

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

Mustang Champions Announced for March 2024

March Mustang Champs

SMU Athletics and the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) have selected four Mustang Champions for the month of March! Let’s meet the four SMU Mustangs that are reaching for new heights personally and academically during this semester:

Leif Bouwman (Men’s Swim & Dive)

  • Leif isn’t just keeping his head above water in the pool – he’s also conquering the demanding world of Mechanical Engineering (Premedical/Biomedical Specialization). Despite the challenging coursework, Leif boasts a near-perfect 3.981 GPA this Spring and exemplifies dedication and perseverance.

Raelyn Roberson (Track & Field/ Cross Country)

  • Raelyn isn’t just double-majoring in Applied Physiology and Health Management (APHM) and Biological Sciences – as a senior, she’s mastered the art of being a student-athlete. Driven, resilient, and a true leader on and off the track, Raelyn embodies what it means to excel in academics and athletics. As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), she’s a champion for her fellow athletes, using her voice to make a positive impact across the entire campus. Want to learn more about the amazing work SAAC does? Check them out here! SMU SAAC

Kobe Wilson – (Football)

  • Kobe Wilson isn’t just a standout on the field – he’s a champion for his fellow student-athletes and the Dallas community. Over the past few months, Kobe has become an active member for the Black Student-Athlete Advisory Council (BSAAC). He’s not just attending meetings, he’s actively spreading the word about BSAAC’s mission and inspiring others to join.  He’s a dedicated volunteer, actively participating in DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) events and making a positive difference in Dallas. Kobe is also taking full advantage of the Life After Ball (LAB) program, networking with professionals and applying for internships. Talk about a World Shaper in action!

Jenna Watson – (Women’s Swim & Dive)

  • This semester, Jenna Watson has immersed herself in the SMU Community head first! Not only did she jump in to help lead the March SAAC meeting when Raelyn was away, but she also spearheaded the preparation for the crucial SAAC/Strategy Meeting on March 25th. Jenna shouldered a huge chunk of the project, making sure all the presentation materials were polished and ready to go by deadline. This Mustang Champion clearly isn’t afraid to take charge and make a difference!

Come back next month for another update of Mustang Champions of the Month!

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Student Academic Engagement & Success

ADSA Sends Second Academic Feedback Request for Spring 2024

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) program at SMU is committed to collaborating with faculty to ensure student-athlete success. To achieve this, ADSA solicits feedback from instructors twice per semester. 

  • This feedback aligns with critical academic milestones, including Early Progress Reports (EPRs), Mid-Term Progress Reports (MPRs), and the final withdrawal deadline with a “W” grade. 
  • Faculty who have current student-athletes enrolled in their courses will receive these feedback requests directly from ADSA@smu.edu. 
  • Current progress report will close on April 22nd 

Through this collaborative process, ADSA aims to provide early intervention and support for student-athletes facing academic challenges. 

ADSA is an academic unit that reports through Associate Provost Dr. Sheri Kunovich. As such, you may also receive direct communication from the sport-specific ADSA counselors as they collaborate with you to determine support for this population related to your specific feedback.    

Below is an example of what the progress reports will look like when sent: 

PR1 Thank you to our dedicated faculty for your continued partnership in supporting student-athlete success. Through this collaborative process, ADSA aims to provide early intervention and support for student-athletes facing academic challenges. 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Save the date: SMU is hosting the American Athletic Conference Academic Consortium

academicconsortium

Mark your calendars and prepare for an enriching event that promises to bring together the brightest minds in our field!

SMU is hosting the annual American Athletic Conference (AAC) Academic Consortium Symposium. Here are a few reasons why you won’t want to miss it.

Save the Date Details:

  • Dates: April 12- 14, 2024
  • Location: Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)

The AAC Academic Symposium is more than just another conference. The core focus of the event is to discuss programming related to student well-being. These programs will create a structure, process, and programming that fosters partnerships among member institutions and develops initiatives that advance the academic mission of each school. Find additional information about the Consortium on the AAC Site: Academic Consortium (theamerican.org)

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Student-athlete success in the spring of 2023, with 37 achieving 4.0 term GPAs

Our student-athletes demonstrated their commitment to academic and athletic success in the Spring 2023 semester.  Out of our 17 sports, our athletes have a cumulative GPA of 3.3. Below is a list of student-athletes that achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in the Spring 2023 Semester.

Lior Kremer
Mia Olsen
Faith Davis
Hannah Hoch
Hensley Humphries
Augusta Iwasaki
Rebecca Morris
Brennan Corrales
Charles Fiser
Matt Fraanje
Jonathan McGill
Alex Padilla
Markus Schumacher
Dawson Ovard
Daisy Butterworth
Grace Knudson
Peyton Annen
Abigail Dermott
Mackenzie Rudden
Benjamin Binder
Angus Corbeau
John Easton
Cole Fleming
Dominic Hoefer
Carson Witte
Hannah Craley
Isabella Dickinson
Karsten Fields
Tiffanie Ruan
Nicole Stambo
Adam Neff
Jordi Redelijk
John Zisette
Lana Mavor
Camryn McPhaul
Jadyn Bauss
Celia Cullen
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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

45 athletes make the SMU Honor Roll in the fall of 2022

SA-grads23

Forty-five student-athletes were named to the SMU Honor Roll for their academic achievement during the Fall 2022 semester. Of those 45, 18 student-athletes achieved Honor Roll with High Distinction.

Categories:
Honor Roll with High Distinction – Top 5% of your school of record
Honor Roll with Distinction – Top 10% of your school of record
Honor Roll – Top 15% of your school of record

Student Name Sport Category
Lior Kremer Cross Country/Track Honor Roll, High Distinction
Mia Olsen Cross Country/Track Honor Roll, High Distinction
Emma Engel Equestrian Honor Roll, Honor
Hannah Hoch Equestrian Honor Roll, High Distinction
Hensley Humphries Equestrian Honor Roll, High Distinction
Elle Moreno Equestrian Honor Roll, Honor
Becky Morris Equestrian Honor Roll, Honor
Alex Pielet Equestrian Honor Roll, Distinction
Jake Bailey Football Honor Roll, Honor
Keaton Cheves Football Honor Roll, Honor
Charlie Fiser Football Honor Roll, High Distinction
Garrett Madison Football Honor Roll, High Distinction
Deuce Palmer Football Honor Roll, Distinction
Markus Schumacher Football Honor Roll, High Distinction
J. Holland Humphries Men’s Golf Honor Roll, Distinction
Dawson Ovard Men’s Golf Honor Roll, Distinction
Nicole Vivier Women’s Golf Honor Roll, Distinction
Eden Cassingham Rowing  Honor Roll, High Distinction
Gracie Condon Rowing Honor Roll, Distinction
Anna Fina Rowing  Honor Roll, High Distinction
Grace Knudson Rowing  Honor Roll, High Distinction
Ellie Lewis Rowing Honor Roll, Distinction
Haley Schwenn Rowing Honor Roll, Distinction
Alexandra Taylor Rowing  Honor Roll, High Distinction
Sara Kate White Rowing Honor Roll, Distinction
Abby Dermott Women’s Soccer  Honor Roll, High Distinction
Abby Hampton Women’s Soccer Honor Roll, Distinction
Ellie Ruhoff Women’s Soccer  Honor Roll, Honor
Hannah Wrigley Women’s Soccer Honor Roll, Distinction
Maura Yumul Women’s Soccer Honor Roll, Distinction
Ben Binder Men’s Swim & Dive Honor Roll, High Distinction
Angus Corbeau Men’s Swim & Dive Honor Roll, Distinction
John Culver Men’s Swim & Dive Honor Roll, High Distinction
Cotton Fields Men’s Swim & Dive Honor Roll, High Distinction
Jack Forrest Men’s Swim & Dive Honor Roll, High Distinction
Dominic Hoefer Men’s Swim & Dive Honor Roll, High Distinction
Karsten Fields Women’s Swim & Dive Honor Roll, Distinction
Maxine Parkinson Women’s Swim & Dive Honor Roll, Honor
Adam Neff Men’s Tennis Honor Roll, Honor
Jordi Redelijk Men’s Tennis Honor Roll, High Distinction
Alex Stafford Men’s Tennis Honor Roll, Honor
Cambelle Bouchard Women’s Tennis Honor Roll, Honor
Jayden Bauss Volleyball Honor Roll, Honor
Celia Cullen Volleyball Honor Roll, High Distinction
Jentry Lamirand Volleyball Honor Roll, High Distinction