Each month, Sun Devil Athletics’ Office of Student Athlete Development recognizes student-athletes who exemplify the Sun Devil Way in the classroom and in collegiate athletics as Student-Athletes of the Month.
Mia Rycraw | Women’s Water Polo
Mia Rycraw is a redshirt Junior from Walnut, Calif., and is the goalie for the water polo team. At the beginning of the Fall 2015 semester, one of Mia’s goals was to be a Scholar Baller® and earn at least a 3.00 for the semester. In order to achieve her goal, Mia worked extremely hard with her academic mentor, arriving on time to her sessions and often staying late to finish her assignments. By putting forth this effort day in and day out, Mia reached her goal and is coming off of her best semester academically at ASU, finishing the Fall 2015 semester as a Scholar Baller® with a 3.17 GPA and all A’s and B’s in her classes. Mia's hard work and determination were key factors in helping her achieve her goals. She truly captured the “Relentless” portion of the Sun Devil Way!
What motivates you to have such an outstanding commitment to the Sun Devil Way in the classroom?
“Not only do the people who I surround myself with motivate me to stay committed to the Sun Devil Way, but I have also learned to motivate myself.”
What advice would you share with the Sun Devil family to inspire others to commit to upholding the Sun Devil Way in their own lives?
“Commit to being the best Sun Devil that YOU can be.”
Gerry Blakes | Men’s Basketball
Gerry Blakes is a senior men’s basketball player who has faced adversity head-on and was still able to be successful on and off the court. Gerry will earn a degree in Communication in Spring 2016 and after Fall 2015 had a 2.65 cumulative GPA. Even though Gerry faced multiple personal hardships during the fall semester, he never gave up on his academics or his game. It forced him to work hard and made him even more determined to succeed then the previous semesters. Gerry is always supporting his teammates and encouraging them to do their absolute best. Despite what he went through, Gerry always remained a positive teammate, student, and basketball player.
What motivates you to have such an outstanding commitment to the Sun Devil Way?
“My current situation and circumstances keeps me motived to keep moving forward and strive for greatness.”
What advice would you share with the Sun Devil family to inspire others to commit to upholding the Sun Devil Way in their own lives?
“My advice would be keep the focus and do not get derailed. Stay focused and believe in yourself.”
Kelsey Moos | Women’s Basketball
Kelsey Moos, a member of the women’s basketball team, scores on and off the court as she leads the Sun Devil Way example in everything she does. In the Fall 2015 semester she carried 18 credits, did community service, was a starter for her No. 8/10 ranked team, and kept herself on track to complete her degree in three years including earning a certificate. She earned a 4.00 semester GPA (for the third time) and made the Dean’s List for the fifth consecutive semester. She is on track to graduate Summa Cum Laude. While maintaining her academics, she also gave back to the community during the fall semester by volunteering with the ASU Thank-a-Thon, speaking at elementary schools, and meeting with donors. She excels equally as well on the court. As a starter, she is second on the team in rebounding, leading the team on offensive rebounds and is second in field goal percentage.
What motivates you to have such an outstanding commitment to the Sun Devil Way?
“I am motivated to having an outstanding commitment to the Sun Devil Way because I believe in giving my best effort in everything that I do, whether it's on the court or in the classroom. I have been blessed with the great opportunity to not only earn a degree, but to compete in the sport that I love. I also have a great support system in my family, teammates, and coaches that help motivate me as well.”
What advice would you share with the Sun Devil family to inspire others to commit to upholding the Sun Devil Way in their own lives?
“Strive to give your best in all that you do, never take anything for granted, and take advantage of every opportunity presented to you.”