SoCon celebrates National Student-Athlete Day

Since 1987, National Student-Athlete Day has served to recognize and celebrate excellence in academics and athletics.

This year, inobservance of National Student-Athlete Day, the SoCon is highlighting the significant contributions to the schools and communities of our Knight Commission Pinnacle Award winners from the 2024-25 Fall and Winter seasons.

The honorees were asked: “How do you promote the values of being a student-athlete on a daily basis?"

Men's Cross Country - Luke Taylor, Furman

“I just try to do my best and work hard in all aspects of my life, from athletics to academics, and show that you don’t have to choose; you can excel at both if you just put in the time and effort.”

Women's Cross Country - Jenna Mulhern, Furman

"I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had as a student-athlete at Furman. Each day I prioritize my commitments to my sport and school by managing my time in a way that supports my goals. I do my best to show up to practice each day with a positive attitude and be the most supportive teammate I can be. Without the support of my teammates and coaches, I could not reach my highest potential and I strive to do the same for them. I carry the discipline I have in my sport into the classroom. I set goals for myself and stay ahead of work to avoid conflict with traveling/competing. As a student-athlete, you need good time management, self-discipline, and a team-focused mindset, which are values I aim to promote through my daily actions."

Women's Soccer - Layton Glisson, Samford

“Before I am anything, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I use my platform as a student-athlete to promote Him first. My values of being a student-athlete are shown by staying committed to both my academics and my sport, through giving my all in everything I do. However, when it’s all said and done, no one remembers your performance. If they remember anything it’s how you made them feel. So, I aim to show the love of Christ in my daily walk, whether that’s through encouraging my teammates, showing respect to my coaches and professors, or carrying myself with integrity on and off the field. For me, it’s about competing, loving people, and leading by example.”

Men's Soccer - Jack Travis, Furman

"To me, being a student-athlete means holding myself to a high standard of integrity, both on and off the field. I approach the challenges of each day with a Christ-centered mindset and a commitment to constant improvement. This allows me to find enjoyment and grow through all the highs and lows of being a student-athlete."

Volleyball - Taylor Pecht, Wofford

“Life is all about balance. Being able to balance the rigors of being a successful student and athlete in college will prepare me for the balance necessary to be successful later in life.”

Football - Lake Thoman, Mercer

"As a student-athlete, consistency and focus are important to me. There needs to be a balance between the student part and the athlete part, meaning dedicating the same effort and focus to each of those things. For me, that means demonstrating the same focus in the classroom and on the field and studying for tests as I would prepare for practice and games."

Men's Indoor Track & Field - Arthur Chitty, Samford

"I feel that I promote the values of being a student athlete on a daily basis by spending as much time and effort working on the track and in the weight room as I do academically. The Brock School of Business is one of the most challenging schools this University has to offer. The time that I spend with my coaches on a day to day basis is just as important as studying and communicating with my professors in the classroom."

Women's Indoor Track & Field - Macie Pfeuffer, Samford
"I embody the values of a student-athlete daily by fully committing myself to both academics and running. Through hard work and determination, I have learned that pushing myself to the highest standard is essential to maximizing my potential in both areas. By maintaining a strong focus on these two disciplines, and putting them first in my daily life, I continuously uphold the principles of being a student-athlete, which has further enabled me to put these values into place in other aspects of life. Balancing both roles, I strive to pursue my highest level of excellence in both academics and athletics."

Wrestling - Chad Bellis, Appalachian State

"Being a student-athlete means the world to me. Growing up, I was blessed to be surrounded by outstanding coaches, teammates and family who supported me every step of the way. I’m grateful because I’ve always been encouraged to push myself beyond my limits. Competing at the highest level is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience, and I recognize how special that opportunity is. For me, being a student-athlete isn’t just about excelling in sports. It’s about challenging myself to grow every day. I focus on continuous growth in all areas of life: mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. This commitment to improvement has shaped me into a well-rounded individual.

The impact of being a student-athlete extends far beyond my achievements in wrestling. It’s heartwarming to know that I’ve been able to positively influence the lives of those around me, whether that’s through my friendships with teammates or inspiring younger athletes who looked up to me. In many ways, the responsibility of being a role model made me a better person. 

Additionally, the personal growth I’ve gone through during my time as a student-athlete is something I don't think I could have achieved in a non-athletic life. The discipline, resilience and time-management skills I've developed are invaluable. Being a student-athlete has truly shaped who I am today, and for that, I will always be grateful."

Rifle - Ella Goldfaden, Georgia Southern

"I promote the value of being a student-athlete in the choices I make every day. I choose to wake up early and be intentional in practice. I choose to put effort into my studies to achieve the best possible outcome. And I choose to be a professional and reliable athlete, someone my teammates can count on both on and off the range."