18 St. Thomas University students are named Canadian Collegiate Athletic National Scholars for the 2014-15 academic year.
Sports information officer Kathleen Johnson said, “the CCAA National Scholar Award is given to athletes who compete in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association and maintain high academic standing.”
“In terms of defining high academic standing, I believe the student-athletes who receive this award at STU must have a 3.5 GPA,” said Johnson.
“We have five sports competing in the CCAA,” said Johnson; “basketball (men and woman), volleyball (men and woman), golf, woman’s rugby, and soccer (men and woman).
“The award makes me feel that the hard work over the last few years paid off,” said 21-year-old Emily Francis. “I’m really proud of myself, but it came at a cost.”
But sacrificing her social life is a cost Francis payed to maintain high academic standings while playing sports.
Francis is in her fourth year at STU, plays on the ACAA golf team and holds a 3.5 grade point average.
“It takes a lot of dedication, it’s not easy,” said Francis. “You learn a lot more about yourself and how far you can go.” Playing sports is demanding Francis said.
“You need to step back at what’s most important like priorities. You have only certain nights to go out and party (but you) might have to sacrifice that night.”
Francis pushed herself during her first and second years. “C’s and D’s won’t do it. It’s worth it to push yourself to go through the motions.”
Francis first heard about the award through Web Adviser.
“It was a surprise when I discovered it, it was a nice surprise for sure.”
Francis said she will be recognized for her award at the end of the year during a banquet-presentation when the names of those who won the award are asked to stand up after their names are called.
The 18 award winners are; Alisha Benedict, Brittany Jenkins, Elaine Gillis, Emily Cronkhite, Rebekah Romero, Nicholas Levesque, Jimy Beltran, Sarah Watts, Shanna Cohoon, Amy Reid, Quentin Sock, Jayme Hunt, Sara Banks, Erin MacIsaac, Emily Francis, Emmanuel Nizeyimana, Josh Drennan, and Nicolas Brown.
“It makes me feel like everything was worth it. During the time you don’t realize the scope of things,” said Francis.
“Once you realize the scope of things it becomes a good opportunity to be proud of yourself and what you accomplished.”
