Meet @TheSunDevils March Student-Athletes of the Month

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 top 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.
 
Men's Highest Achieving
Michael Geerts, Sr. - Tennis - Liberal Studies
 
Michael Geerts is currently a senior on the men's tennis team from Antwerp, Belgium. He is working towards his Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. After playing for the Belgian Tennis Federation his entire life, Geerts chose to come to ASU because of the beautiful campus and the opportunity to cultivate his skills even more.
 
Geerts came to ASU with the highest professional ranking of 430, and has stepped up to the plate for the Sun Devils defeating the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked players this season. His success on the tennis court this season hasn't stopped him from striving to succeed academically as well.
 
"Achieving certain goals gives me a great satisfaction in life. It is not only important to prove yourself on the tennis court, but also in the classroom and all other aspects of life. Gaining knowledge in the classroom will help you in the future; making the right decisions, maintaining social contact, defining your career path and much more."
 
Women's Highest Achieving
Jemma Purfield, Jr. - Soccer - Exercise and Wellness
 
Jemma Purfield is a junior on the women's soccer team, working towards her Bachelor's degree in Exercise and Wellness. Originally from England, she transferred to Arizona State in the summer of 2017.
 
Though this was her first season with the Sun Devils, Purfield excelled both on and off the field, being a consistent contributor to the team while also juggling a very difficult class load. Her goal of getting drafted by the US professional soccer league after the 2018 season has motivated her to take above 18 credits each semester so she can graduate in December 2018.
 
"You have to remember that sport doesn't last forever; even if you do play professionally, there comes a time you have to retire, and then you have to plan for what you want to do in order to continue being happy and successful."
 
Men's Most Improved
Erik Gonzalez, Fr. - Track & Field - Exploratory
 
Erik Gonzalez is currently a freshman exploratory major on the track and field team. As a true freshman he spent much of his first semester on campus traveling with the team, while also trying to find adapt to being a college student.
 
In his second semester as a Sun Devil, Gonzalez got a stronghold of both his academics and athletics, and consistently achieved success in his courses and his competing. He has shown a driven attitude to succeed as a student-athlete at ASU, and credits those around him for the constant support and motivation.
 
"My friends and family keep me motivated. They support me in anything I do and are always there when I need them the most."
 
Women's Most Improved
Nicole Pannas, Fr. - Soccer
 
Freshman Nicole Pannas is a member of the women's soccer team majoring in Business (Sports and Media Studies). Due to competing for the Canadian National Team in the fall, she arrived late to campus in the fall of 2017.
 
Pannas adjusted quickly after arriving to Tempe and earned the starting goalkeeper position. Academically, she is doing extremely well and is completely invested in her studies and is motivated to do her succeed.
 
"I have the most supporting group of staff at ASU that push me to do my best both on and off the field. Getting good grades and being a good player will just increase your worth and future success."