The Student-Athletes of the Month for December have been announced by C.A.T.S. Academics. Volleyball's McKenzie Jacobson, football's Abraham Mendivil, gymnastics' Krysten Howard and track and fields' Avery Mickens were honored because of their commitment to earning their respective degree, their ability to maximize their academic potential, and their dedication to academic improvement and growth.
These students have been chosen by members of the C.A.T.S Academics staff.
Jacobson, a native from Fresno, Calif., led the team in hitting percentage at a .293, and had her career high of five digs during the Colorado match, this past season. The redshirt junior has been named a Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention for three years, and during her freshman season was a Pac-12-All Freshman honorable mention as well. Jacobson is working to get her degree in Nutritional Science.
Mendivil is a redshirt senior who will be graduating this upcoming spring with a degree in General Studies, with an emphasis in Sports and Society. Originally from Phoenix, Ariz., in high school, he was both a football and basketball letterman, as well as a second-team all-state receiver and safety. Through his sophomore and senior seasons, he has played in all games as a member of the special teams unit. In 2015, Mendivil was recognized as a Pac-12 All-academic honorable mention. He will be completing an internship with a sales company in Phoenix next semester.
Howard is a senior from Phoenix, Ariz. Prior to her collegiate career, Howard was a regional bronze medalist for the beam event, as well as a Junior Olympic qualifier. She has competed in every meet since attending Arizona, as well as the Pac-12 Championships. This past season, Howard scored her career high of 9.900 on floor during the BYU meet. She will be graduating with a degree in Physiology in the spring, as she has always has a passion for helping people and a career in the medical field.
Mickens, a redshirt junior from Surprise, Ariz., is on track to graduate with a degree in Psychology in the spring. He competes as a jumper, as well as in the 100 meter dash. This past season, Mickens competed in the long jump at three meets, where he placed in the top five twice. He was a 2014 All Pac-12 Team member for the long jump. Outside of track, he is also an officer for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, as well as a very active community service volunteer. Mickens will be pursuing his Master's degree during his senior year.
