Two Pacific Tigers beach volleyball players, Kelea Saxton Vaka and Joelynn Abougoush, made the WCC Beach Volleyball All-Academic Team, reflecting strong academic performance. Both are repeat selections, with Vaka graduating in May with a degree in sport management and analytics and Abougoush with a degree in pre-dentistry. Honorable mentions include senior Josephine Kinlan and sophomore Charlotte Gibson, highlighting their academic achievements as well. Kinlan will graduate with dual degrees, while Gibson is set to complete her biological sciences degree by spring 2028.

By the Numbers
  • Joelynn Abougoush has a GPA of 3.96 and is majoring in pre-dentistry.
  • Kelea Saxton Vaka has a perfect GPA of 4.0, majoring in sport management and analytics.
Yes, But

The All-Academic selections underscore the players' commitment to balancing athletics with academics, yet it also raises questions about the demands placed on student-athletes, particularly in rigorous fields like pre-dentistry and biological sciences.

State of Play
  • Pacfic's beach volleyball program is gaining recognition for both athletic and academic achievements.
  • Several students are successfully managing dual degree programs while competing at a high level.
What's Next

As the seniors prepare to graduate, they will enter professional fields, potentially influencing their respective industries with their academic and athletic backgrounds.

Bottom Line

The recognition of the Tigers on the All-Academic Team reflects the dual commitment of student-athletes to excel academically while also competing at a high level in sports, setting a standard for future teams.