Four Utah Tech softball players have secured spots on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, recognizing their excellence both on the field and in academics. Lakaiya-Braessia Kahahawai-Kekona, Riley Price, Drew McKown, and Kinley Pappas achieved the honor by maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher while fulfilling performance criteria in their respective positions. This acknowledgment highlights the growing emphasis on scholar-athletes balancing sports and education.

By the Numbers
  • Lakaiya-Braessia Kahahawai-Kekona has a GPA of 3.97 and ranks fifth in the WAC with a batting average of .392.
  • Kinley Pappas led the WAC with a .450 batting average and 54 RBIs.
Yes, But

Despite these accomplishments, maintaining academic performance in balance with the demands of a competitive sports schedule presents challenges that can vary widely among student-athletes.

State of Play
  • All four players will advance to the national ballot as finalists for the CSC Academic All-America honors.
  • The national Academic All-America recipients will be announced on June 16, adding to the suspense of their achievements this season.
What's Next

The athletes are preparing for potential recognition at the national level, which could raise the profile of Utah Tech's softball program and inspire future athletes to prioritize academics alongside athletics.

Bottom Line

This accolade not only showcases the players' individual talents but also emphasizes the importance of academic achievement within collegiate athletics, encouraging a holistic approach to student-athlete development.