TEMPE, Ariz. – Being a collegiate athlete requires more than just showing up for practice and competing hard on game day. Collegiate athletes are first and foremost students, and achievement in the classroom is the most important aspect of a student-athlete's career.
Each month, Arizona State recognizes four student-athletes for their outstanding achievements in the classroom, with two students-athletes earning the honor of highest achieving and two more for their academic improvements this semester.
FEBRUARY
Men's Highest Achieving
Sophomore Youssef Selim – Diving – Business Communication
Youssef Selim is a sophomore on the men's diving team and arrived at ASU in the spring of 2017. He immediately established himself as one of the best divers in the Pac-12. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Selim competed for his home country on the National Team and represented Egypt in the 2016 Olympic Games. This year, Selim was named Pac-12 Diver of the Week, won the 1-meter event at the Pac-12 Championships and also made the podium in the Platform event, finishing 3rd. Not only has he excelled in his sport, but he has exceeded academically as well. Selim is majoring in business communication and maintains a 3.93 GPA.
"The thing that motivates me is the spirit around me here at ASU from coaches, teammates, trainers, professors and everyone in the athletic department, and my family back home," Selim said. "Everyone in the Sun Devil family is helping me and opening the roads for me to reach my goals as an athlete and a student."
Last year, he was named a CSCAA Scholar All-American Honorable Mention. Youssef works hard in the classroom and asks for help whenever possible to maintain and improve his GPA.
"I would tell [other student-athletes] when they feel tired and don't want to do to practice or classes to think about how great you will feel when you achieve your goal in sport or get your dream job," Selim said. "ASU provides a lot of things to us as students and athletes. Working hard in school and in the pool or on any other sport field is the simplest way to give back to ASU."
Women's Highest Achieving
Freshman Lauryn John-Baptiste – Tennis – Family and Human Development
Lauryn John-Baptiste is a true freshman who is about 5,200 miles from home when she steps on the tennis court at ASU. Hailing from London, England, John-Baptiste had an exceptional fall semester and the momentum has carried itself into the spring.
"My motivation comes from my family and friends back home in England," John-Baptiste said. "I try to make my family proud every day, because I would not be where I am today without their help and support. Additionally, being surrounded by a great group of athletes and coaches here at ASU really motivates me to succeed. The opportunity I have been given is something I do not take for granted, therefore I aim to bring passion and spirit to represent the Sun Devil Way."
A family and human development major, John-Baptiste is a hardworking student who pushes herself to excel in everything that she pursues. She currently has a 3.93 GPA and serves as a great teammate and friend. She has excelled on the tennis court as well, currently playing on court No. 1 and having beaten four ranked players in singles. She holds a 7-2 mark thus far in the season.
"My advice [to the Sun Devil family] would be to acknowledge that there is always room for improvement," John-Baptiste said. "To do this, you need to believe and have confidence in your ability as an athlete. Taking responsibility for your own path will help you to grow as an individual and help you to accept that sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward."
Men's Most Improved
Senior Ali Naser – Wrestling – Liberal Studies
Ali Naser has had two goals ever since becoming a Sun Devil – be a champion and be a graduate. Naser is on pace to graduate this summer with his degree and liberal studies and just last month won the Pac-12 title at the 133-weight class, earning a sport in the upcoming NCAA tournament and a shot at the national title. Naser is working on earning some extra scholar baller gear to add to his collection in his final semester as a Sun Devil student-athlete. It has not always been easy for Naser, because English is his fourth language (after Farsi, Uzbek and Russian).
"There are many reasons for my commitment to the Sun Devil Way," Naser said, "But first is my sport and my commitment to my team, and following through with my academics."
Naser has been working tirelessly both academically and athletically and is seeing the fruits of his labors. He earned two As in his A-session courses and looks to continue the success to close out the semester.
"I would like to thank Arizona State University for the opportunity to pursue my dreams," Naser said, "And I encourage others to do the same regardless of how hard or long the path may be."
Women's Most Improved
Junior Krista Kolkebeck – Swimming – Justice Studies
Originally from Phoenix, Krista Kolkebeck is a junior on the women's swimming team at ASU. Kolkebeck struggled her freshman year adjusting to practicing and competing at the collegiate level in addition to the academic challenges that come with college. After being cut from the team following her freshman year, she decided that she would try to rejoin the following year. She worked extremely hard to get herself back on the team her sophomore year. After finishing her freshman year with a 2.37 GPA, Kolkebeck hearned a 3.46 GPA in the Fall 2016 semester and a 3.20 in the Spring 2017 semester, becoming a scholar baller for the entire year.
"My motivation comes from the support I receive every day from my coaches and teammates," Kolkebeck said. "The feedback I get encourages me to be not only a better student, but also a better athlete. There is no place I would rather be than here going to school and training with the best team around."
Kolkebeck has continued her academic success in to here junior year and has increased her cumulative GPA to 2.99. Her goal is to get her GPA above a 3.0 and is on track to do that this semester.
"Some advice I would share would be to set attainable goals and strive to reach them in every way you possibly can," Kolkebeck said. "Here at ASU there are many resources that can be utilized to help you reach the goals you want to achieve."
JANUARY
Men's Highest Achieving
Redshirt Senior John Reniewicki – Cross Country – Graphic Design
John Reniewicki, who hails from Scottsdale, holds a perfect 4.00 GPA in graphic design. Reniewicki does a tremendous job of dedicating himself to both athletics and academics on a daily basis. A member of ASU's Barrett Honors College, he will graduate with his degree and honors this May.
"I am motivated by a simple yet powerful quote from Kanye West: 'Our work is never over,'" Reniewicki said.
Reniewicki is an eight-time scholar baller athlete, Pac-12 All-Academic first team member, and helped the men's cross country team earn the highest men's GPA in 2016-17.
Women's Highest Achieving
Junior Rosie Huck – Water Polo – Geography
Rosie Huck is a junior on the women's water polo team and carries a perfect 3.0 GPA as a geography major. A member of ASU's Barrett Honors College, Huck is also pursuing a minor in sustainability and a certificate in geographic information science.
"Support from the team and support staff encourages me to stay on top of my work and do the best that I can," Huck said. "Not wanting to let the team down drives me to work my hardest in the classroom and in the pool."
Huck comes to ASU from Manchester, England and has made an impact on the water polo team since her freshman year. She has also competed for the Great Britain National Team on several occasions, representing ASU on the international stage.
Huck encourages other student-athletes to take advantage of the resources presented to them.
"Do your best to be organized and know when all your work is due," she said. "Use the planners that we are given each year and get involved in programs and opportunities that Sun Devil Athletics offers us to help serve ourselves and our community."
In addition to monthly honors, the Office of Student Athlete Development recognizes four individuals as Student-Athletes of the Semester. The following four student athletes received this honor for the Fall 2017 semester.
Men's Highest Achieving
Senior Nick Ralston – Football – Finance and Business Communication
Nick Ralston is an outstanding student-athlete who is committed to his success on and off the field. A double-major in finance and business communication, Ralston is a member of ASU's Barrett Honors College and has maintained a 4.0 GPA his entire career as a student-athlete.
"I believe the Sun Devil Way is a formula for success," Ralston said. "By continuously embracing the Sun Devil Way, you will soon realize that your goals and aspirations are achievable."
Upon graduating this spring, Ralston will continue his education as he pursues an MBA in finance. On the field, Ralston is a powerful athlete who provides the team with physicality and toughness on offense and special teams.
"If you commit ot the sun Devil Way, you will maximize your potential," Ralston said. "You grow physically, mentally, spiritually and socially, which will help you reach enormous amount of success throughout your life."
Women's Highest Achieving
Freshman Alexis Nichols – Cross Country – Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry)
Alexis Nichols has earned a 4.0 GPA every semester she has been at ASU. She is a biochemistry (medicinal chemistry) major and a member of ASU's Barrett Honors College.
"I owe it to my team and myself to perform to the best of my ability, both on the track and in school," Nichols said. "I'm planning on going on to some kind of graduate school after ASU, so it's important to me to make the most of the opportunity while I'm here."
Nichols was salutatorian of her high school class. In 2017, she placed in the top 10 at the Dave Murray Invitational in Tucson and helped the ASU cross country team finish ninth at the NCAA West Regional Championships.
"Finding a good balance had been the most important factor for me in becoming a successful student athlete," Nichols said. "It can be really easy for me to get caught up in the sports world, but I always make myself take a step back to realize there's life after my time as an athlete at ASU."
Men's Most Improved
Sophomore Jeremy Smith – Football – Exploratory
In his redshirt freshman year, Jeremy Smith utilized his versatility and athleticism on the scout team, moving to scout team quarterback following injuries to the position group. Smith was able to earn game time repetitions as receiver and on special teams during the 2017 fall season.
In the Fall 2017 semester, Smith made it his goal to be a scholar baller for the first time in his career as a Sun Devil and succeeded, achieving over a 3.0 GPA.
"Making my parents proud and wanting to graduate [is what motivates me]," Smith said. "This is my first year being a scholar baller and I realized I need to put more time into my school work."
Smith is expected to earn more playing time as he earns his opportunity during spring and pre-season ball.
"If you make a plan and stick to it regardless of your situation on the field, in the classroom, or in a social setting, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to," Smith said. "During my time here, the Sun Devil Way has helped me be more successful on and off the field."
Each month, Arizona State recognizes four student-athletes for their outstanding achievements in the classroom, with two students-athletes earning the honor of highest achieving and two more for their academic improvements this semester.
FEBRUARY
Men's Highest Achieving
Sophomore Youssef Selim – Diving – Business Communication
Youssef Selim is a sophomore on the men's diving team and arrived at ASU in the spring of 2017. He immediately established himself as one of the best divers in the Pac-12. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Selim competed for his home country on the National Team and represented Egypt in the 2016 Olympic Games. This year, Selim was named Pac-12 Diver of the Week, won the 1-meter event at the Pac-12 Championships and also made the podium in the Platform event, finishing 3rd. Not only has he excelled in his sport, but he has exceeded academically as well. Selim is majoring in business communication and maintains a 3.93 GPA.
"The thing that motivates me is the spirit around me here at ASU from coaches, teammates, trainers, professors and everyone in the athletic department, and my family back home," Selim said. "Everyone in the Sun Devil family is helping me and opening the roads for me to reach my goals as an athlete and a student."
Last year, he was named a CSCAA Scholar All-American Honorable Mention. Youssef works hard in the classroom and asks for help whenever possible to maintain and improve his GPA.
"I would tell [other student-athletes] when they feel tired and don't want to do to practice or classes to think about how great you will feel when you achieve your goal in sport or get your dream job," Selim said. "ASU provides a lot of things to us as students and athletes. Working hard in school and in the pool or on any other sport field is the simplest way to give back to ASU."
The support from the community inside and outside the team and department is unparalled at @ASU @TheSunDevils #SunDevilMomentum @KristaKolkebeck pic.twitter.com/S4Xuf3KlIW
— Sun Devil Swim/Dive (@ASUSwimDive) April 12, 2018
Women's Highest Achieving
Freshman Lauryn John-Baptiste – Tennis – Family and Human Development
Lauryn John-Baptiste is a true freshman who is about 5,200 miles from home when she steps on the tennis court at ASU. Hailing from London, England, John-Baptiste had an exceptional fall semester and the momentum has carried itself into the spring.
"My motivation comes from my family and friends back home in England," John-Baptiste said. "I try to make my family proud every day, because I would not be where I am today without their help and support. Additionally, being surrounded by a great group of athletes and coaches here at ASU really motivates me to succeed. The opportunity I have been given is something I do not take for granted, therefore I aim to bring passion and spirit to represent the Sun Devil Way."
A family and human development major, John-Baptiste is a hardworking student who pushes herself to excel in everything that she pursues. She currently has a 3.93 GPA and serves as a great teammate and friend. She has excelled on the tennis court as well, currently playing on court No. 1 and having beaten four ranked players in singles. She holds a 7-2 mark thus far in the season.
"My advice [to the Sun Devil family] would be to acknowledge that there is always room for improvement," John-Baptiste said. "To do this, you need to believe and have confidence in your ability as an athlete. Taking responsibility for your own path will help you to grow as an individual and help you to accept that sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward."
Men's Most Improved
Senior Ali Naser – Wrestling – Liberal Studies
Ali Naser has had two goals ever since becoming a Sun Devil – be a champion and be a graduate. Naser is on pace to graduate this summer with his degree and liberal studies and just last month won the Pac-12 title at the 133-weight class, earning a sport in the upcoming NCAA tournament and a shot at the national title. Naser is working on earning some extra scholar baller gear to add to his collection in his final semester as a Sun Devil student-athlete. It has not always been easy for Naser, because English is his fourth language (after Farsi, Uzbek and Russian).
"There are many reasons for my commitment to the Sun Devil Way," Naser said, "But first is my sport and my commitment to my team, and following through with my academics."
Naser has been working tirelessly both academically and athletically and is seeing the fruits of his labors. He earned two As in his A-session courses and looks to continue the success to close out the semester.
"I would like to thank Arizona State University for the opportunity to pursue my dreams," Naser said, "And I encourage others to do the same regardless of how hard or long the path may be."
For @aliinaser, achieving academically and athletically has been an important part of his journey at @TheSunDevils #SunDevilIntensity pic.twitter.com/GwwhyQEFpa
— Sun Devil Wrestling (@ASUWrestling) April 12, 2018
Women's Most Improved
Junior Krista Kolkebeck – Swimming – Justice Studies
Originally from Phoenix, Krista Kolkebeck is a junior on the women's swimming team at ASU. Kolkebeck struggled her freshman year adjusting to practicing and competing at the collegiate level in addition to the academic challenges that come with college. After being cut from the team following her freshman year, she decided that she would try to rejoin the following year. She worked extremely hard to get herself back on the team her sophomore year. After finishing her freshman year with a 2.37 GPA, Kolkebeck hearned a 3.46 GPA in the Fall 2016 semester and a 3.20 in the Spring 2017 semester, becoming a scholar baller for the entire year.
"My motivation comes from the support I receive every day from my coaches and teammates," Kolkebeck said. "The feedback I get encourages me to be not only a better student, but also a better athlete. There is no place I would rather be than here going to school and training with the best team around."
Kolkebeck has continued her academic success in to here junior year and has increased her cumulative GPA to 2.99. Her goal is to get her GPA above a 3.0 and is on track to do that this semester.
"Some advice I would share would be to set attainable goals and strive to reach them in every way you possibly can," Kolkebeck said. "Here at ASU there are many resources that can be utilized to help you reach the goals you want to achieve."
JANUARY
Men's Highest Achieving
Redshirt Senior John Reniewicki – Cross Country – Graphic Design
John Reniewicki, who hails from Scottsdale, holds a perfect 4.00 GPA in graphic design. Reniewicki does a tremendous job of dedicating himself to both athletics and academics on a daily basis. A member of ASU's Barrett Honors College, he will graduate with his degree and honors this May.
"I am motivated by a simple yet powerful quote from Kanye West: 'Our work is never over,'" Reniewicki said.
Reniewicki is an eight-time scholar baller athlete, Pac-12 All-Academic first team member, and helped the men's cross country team earn the highest men's GPA in 2016-17.
Women's Highest Achieving
Junior Rosie Huck – Water Polo – Geography
Rosie Huck is a junior on the women's water polo team and carries a perfect 3.0 GPA as a geography major. A member of ASU's Barrett Honors College, Huck is also pursuing a minor in sustainability and a certificate in geographic information science.
"Support from the team and support staff encourages me to stay on top of my work and do the best that I can," Huck said. "Not wanting to let the team down drives me to work my hardest in the classroom and in the pool."
Huck comes to ASU from Manchester, England and has made an impact on the water polo team since her freshman year. She has also competed for the Great Britain National Team on several occasions, representing ASU on the international stage.
Huck encourages other student-athletes to take advantage of the resources presented to them.
"Do your best to be organized and know when all your work is due," she said. "Use the planners that we are given each year and get involved in programs and opportunities that Sun Devil Athletics offers us to help serve ourselves and our community."
In addition to monthly honors, the Office of Student Athlete Development recognizes four individuals as Student-Athletes of the Semester. The following four student athletes received this honor for the Fall 2017 semester.
Men's Highest Achieving
Senior Nick Ralston – Football – Finance and Business Communication
Nick Ralston is an outstanding student-athlete who is committed to his success on and off the field. A double-major in finance and business communication, Ralston is a member of ASU's Barrett Honors College and has maintained a 4.0 GPA his entire career as a student-athlete.
"I believe the Sun Devil Way is a formula for success," Ralston said. "By continuously embracing the Sun Devil Way, you will soon realize that your goals and aspirations are achievable."
Upon graduating this spring, Ralston will continue his education as he pursues an MBA in finance. On the field, Ralston is a powerful athlete who provides the team with physicality and toughness on offense and special teams.
"If you commit ot the sun Devil Way, you will maximize your potential," Ralston said. "You grow physically, mentally, spiritually and socially, which will help you reach enormous amount of success throughout your life."
Women's Highest Achieving
Freshman Alexis Nichols – Cross Country – Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry)
Alexis Nichols has earned a 4.0 GPA every semester she has been at ASU. She is a biochemistry (medicinal chemistry) major and a member of ASU's Barrett Honors College.
"I owe it to my team and myself to perform to the best of my ability, both on the track and in school," Nichols said. "I'm planning on going on to some kind of graduate school after ASU, so it's important to me to make the most of the opportunity while I'm here."
Nichols was salutatorian of her high school class. In 2017, she placed in the top 10 at the Dave Murray Invitational in Tucson and helped the ASU cross country team finish ninth at the NCAA West Regional Championships.
"Finding a good balance had been the most important factor for me in becoming a successful student athlete," Nichols said. "It can be really easy for me to get caught up in the sports world, but I always make myself take a step back to realize there's life after my time as an athlete at ASU."
Men's Most Improved
Sophomore Jeremy Smith – Football – Exploratory
In his redshirt freshman year, Jeremy Smith utilized his versatility and athleticism on the scout team, moving to scout team quarterback following injuries to the position group. Smith was able to earn game time repetitions as receiver and on special teams during the 2017 fall season.
In the Fall 2017 semester, Smith made it his goal to be a scholar baller for the first time in his career as a Sun Devil and succeeded, achieving over a 3.0 GPA.
"Making my parents proud and wanting to graduate [is what motivates me]," Smith said. "This is my first year being a scholar baller and I realized I need to put more time into my school work."
Smith is expected to earn more playing time as he earns his opportunity during spring and pre-season ball.
"If you make a plan and stick to it regardless of your situation on the field, in the classroom, or in a social setting, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to," Smith said. "During my time here, the Sun Devil Way has helped me be more successful on and off the field."