Furman University has secured three spots on the 2023-24 Academic All-District Men's and Women's Basketball Teams, recognizing the outstanding academic and athletic achievements of Kate Johnson, Tate Walters, and Ben VanderWal.

The Big Picture

Recognizing student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom, this achievement highlights the exceptional dedication and talent of these individuals in both academics and athletics.

By the Numbers
  • Kate Johnson averaged 11.2 points and 6.5 rebounds with a 3.52 GPA.
  • Tate Walters returned to the court after missing a season due to injury, posted 107 assists, and holds a 3.76 GPA.
  • Ben VanderWal averaged 5.9 points and 4.6 rebounds with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
State of Play
  • Kate Johnson was named a second team All-Southern Conference honoree and had a .601 field goal percentage.
  • Tate Walters was the recipient of the Ann Lashley Inspiration Award and was named to the SoCon All-Tournament Team.
  • Ben VanderWal received SoCon Student-Athlete of the Week honors and scored in double figures four times.
What's Next

The recognition underscores the value placed on academic excellence in collegiate sports and is likely to inspire other student-athletes to achieve similar success both on and off the court.

Bottom Line

The achievement of these three student-athletes not only showcases their remarkable talent and dedication but also emphasizes the importance of balancing academic and athletic pursuits in the collegiate sports arena.