Student-athletes across the nation were presented with their most unusual fall season ever last year in the wake of COVID-19, with many schools deciding to not hold seasons whatsoever. At Christendom, the athletics department worked hard to offer sports teams an extended pre-season, where they worked out throughout the week and took part in select scrimmages as well. Sports provided a healthy outlet for them that helped build discipline both on the field and in the classroom, with twenty-six student-athletes ultimately qualifying for the USCAA's Academic All-American awards. 

"I am consistently impressed with the dedication of our student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom," says Director of Athletics Patrick Quest. "It takes discipline to be able to excel as a varsity college athlete. The long hours of practice and preparation for competition are demanding, but I have found that our student-athletes thrive better in the classroom because of the discipline they learn through sports. I'm so proud that so many of our students qualified once again for the USCAA's Academic All-American awards." 

While the USCAA elected to postpone awarding fall 2020 awards until later in the spring, twenty-six students still finished the fall semester with the necessary GPA to qualify for Academic All-American honors. To be named an Academic All-American, an athlete must achieve a 3.5 cumulative GPA and complete a minimum 24 credit per semester, all while participating in a varsity sport. 

The qualifying student-athletes for fall 2020 include: men's soccer players James O'Reilly, Caleb Wilson, Brian Hicks, Mark LaRochelle, Ben Guza, Joe Madigan, and Pablo Boada; women's soccer players Michaella Ottolini, Martha Blank, Melanie Heinlein, Christiana Fedoryka, Halina Hibl, Christine McLaughlin, Samantha Stahl, Cecilia Garvey, and Lucia Vicenzino; women's volleyball players Mary Cook, Fiona Briiga, Julia Brezinsky, Rose Norris, and Mary Eidem; women's cross-country players Caroline McDermott, Bridget Duffy, and Margaret Kolesar; and men's cross-country players Jake Stevens and Thomas Baird.

In addition, all athletic teams had average GPA's above 3.2 this year, another indicator that the athletic department at Christendom is excelling in its goals.

Christendom's athletic department seeks to develop students' athletic abilities, build character and encourage balance between academics and athletics. In fact, Christendom has a history of students being awarded for their athletic and academic talent, with many students earning Academic All-American and Student-Athlete of Year honors through the years.

The 2020-21 athletic calendar has been different for all of Christendom's student-athletes, but their perseverance — both on the field and in the classroom — is setting them up well for future success.

To learn more about Christendom's athletic offerings, please visit here.