Student-Athletes of the Month Named for December
01/16/2020 | C.A.T.S. Academics
TUCSON, Ariz. – Football's McKenzie Barnes, Men's Track and Field's PJ Austin, Gymnastics' Heather Swanson and Women's Track and Field's Crystal Akpede have been honored as the student-athletes of the month for December.
These students have been honored for their commitment to earning their undergraduate degree, the ability to maximize their academic potential, and their dedication to academic improvement and growth.
These students have been chosen by the C.A.T.S Academic staff.
Barnes is a sophomore from Fresno, California and played in nine games this season. Barnes is majoring in Literacy, Learning and Leadership and has excelled both on and off the field.
"McKenzie has been organized, driven, and proactive this semester," learning specialist Taylor Stephens said. "He has turned around his approach to school, learning, and life, and he has changed his mindset. Not only is he a joy to have in appointments, but he is a benefit to other students in those appointments as well. He leads by example and is willing to put the work in. I always appreciate his openness, communication, and commitment to his goals, both in school and in life. His ability to evaluate his own work and actions has led him to have a successful semester, and his progress from his freshman year to where he is currently is a testament to his growth as a person and a student. I am excited to be able to witness his continued progress."
Austin is a sophomore from Los Angeles, California. Austin is and undecided major and took first place in the long jump at two events last season.
"PJ makes the most of each day by embracing the full glory and responsibility of what it means to be a scholar and an elite athlete," learning specialist Kelly Amsler said. "There was a specific turning point early on this semester where PJ made an intentional choice to grow and invest in himself as a student, and he never looked back. It has been incredible to witness PJ's growth mindset and how he applies himself towards lofty goals with discipline, conscientiousness, utilization of resources, and pride in everything he does. The transferable skills PJ used and the successes he had this semester have put him on track to achieve a career-high GPA, and I see this as merely the start of more great things from PJ."
Swanson is a senior from Parkland, Florida who is majoring in Nutritional Sciences. Last season, Swanson competed in every meet of the season and earned career-high scores on vault, the uneven bars, and floor.
"Heather has consistently done well in her classes since she stepped foot on campus her freshman year," learning specialist Sarah Barber said. "She continues to impress me with her hard work and attention to detail. In fact, Heather is a track to have her best semester, which would mean earning all A's!"
Akpede is a senior from Gilbert, Arizona. Akpede is a Nutritional Sciences major and finished third place in the 400-meter relay at the Willie Williams Classic last season.
"Crystal has been a model student during her four years as a wildcat," learning specialist Corey Talley said. "She works hard in the classroom and as a result she has maintained a great GPA. With graduation right around the corner, Crystal has aspirations for pursuing Pharmacy School next fall. The future is very bright for Crystal."
These students have been honored for their commitment to earning their undergraduate degree, the ability to maximize their academic potential, and their dedication to academic improvement and growth.
These students have been chosen by the C.A.T.S Academic staff.
Barnes is a sophomore from Fresno, California and played in nine games this season. Barnes is majoring in Literacy, Learning and Leadership and has excelled both on and off the field.
"McKenzie has been organized, driven, and proactive this semester," learning specialist Taylor Stephens said. "He has turned around his approach to school, learning, and life, and he has changed his mindset. Not only is he a joy to have in appointments, but he is a benefit to other students in those appointments as well. He leads by example and is willing to put the work in. I always appreciate his openness, communication, and commitment to his goals, both in school and in life. His ability to evaluate his own work and actions has led him to have a successful semester, and his progress from his freshman year to where he is currently is a testament to his growth as a person and a student. I am excited to be able to witness his continued progress."
Austin is a sophomore from Los Angeles, California. Austin is and undecided major and took first place in the long jump at two events last season.
"PJ makes the most of each day by embracing the full glory and responsibility of what it means to be a scholar and an elite athlete," learning specialist Kelly Amsler said. "There was a specific turning point early on this semester where PJ made an intentional choice to grow and invest in himself as a student, and he never looked back. It has been incredible to witness PJ's growth mindset and how he applies himself towards lofty goals with discipline, conscientiousness, utilization of resources, and pride in everything he does. The transferable skills PJ used and the successes he had this semester have put him on track to achieve a career-high GPA, and I see this as merely the start of more great things from PJ."
Swanson is a senior from Parkland, Florida who is majoring in Nutritional Sciences. Last season, Swanson competed in every meet of the season and earned career-high scores on vault, the uneven bars, and floor.
"Heather has consistently done well in her classes since she stepped foot on campus her freshman year," learning specialist Sarah Barber said. "She continues to impress me with her hard work and attention to detail. In fact, Heather is a track to have her best semester, which would mean earning all A's!"
Akpede is a senior from Gilbert, Arizona. Akpede is a Nutritional Sciences major and finished third place in the 400-meter relay at the Willie Williams Classic last season.
"Crystal has been a model student during her four years as a wildcat," learning specialist Corey Talley said. "She works hard in the classroom and as a result she has maintained a great GPA. With graduation right around the corner, Crystal has aspirations for pursuing Pharmacy School next fall. The future is very bright for Crystal."
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Friday, August 14
