Celebrate Academic Excellence: 24 UH Student-Athletes Shine in Winter Academic All-Big West Honors
HONOLULU – The University of Hawai’i (UH) is basking in the glow of academic achievement as 24 student-athletes have emerged victorious in the 2024-25 Big West Winter Academic All-Conference teams announced on Monday. This impressive feat recognizes not just athletic prowess but also the dedication and discipline required to excel in the classroom.
The Champions of the Classroom
Diving into Diversity: This winter season spotlighted various sports, including women’s and men’s basketball, and women’s and men’s swimming and diving. The standout performers were from the women’s swimming and diving team, which garnered nine prestigious honors, while the women’s basketball team followed suit with six commendations.
- Men’s swimming and diving saw five achievers, and men’s basketball had four representatives, showcasing a well-rounded commitment across the board.
Eligibility Requirements: The Road to Recognition
To earn a coveted spot on the Academic All-Conference team, student-athletes must fulfill rigorous criteria:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Complete one full academic year at the institution—this means being at least a sophomore academically.
- Compete in at least 50% of their team’s contests, with specific swimming and diving conditions that require participation in either 50% of events or the Conference Championship.
It’s worth noting that the Big West recognizes student-athletes academically during each season—fall, winter, and spring—across all conference-sanctioned sports. Previous honors included cross-country, soccer, and women’s volleyball in the fall, with exciting categories like golf, track and field, and softball set to be celebrated in the upcoming spring season.
Meet the Academic All-Stars
Here are the exceptional UH winter honorees making waves in both sports and studies:
Men’s Basketball (4 Honorees)
- Tom Beattie — Sophomore, Exploratory Business
- Akira Jacobs — Sophomore, KRS, Health and Exercise Science
- Ryan Rapp — Graduate, Unclassified
- Harry Rouhliadeff — Junior, KRS, Health and Exercise Science
Women’s Basketball (6 Honorees)
- Kelsie Imai — Senior, Human Development and Family Studies
- Jovi Lefotu — Junior, Human Development and Family Studies
- MeiLani McBee — Graduate, Unclassified
- Jade Peacock — Sophomore, Public Health
- Brooklyn Rewers — Senior, Communication
- Lily Wahinekapu — Senior, Interdisciplinary Studies
Men’s Swimming and Diving (5 Honorees)
- Milan Bukovics — Senior, Electrical Engineering
- Tom Caps — Junior, KRS, Health and Exercise Science
- Logan Euker — Senior, Political Science
- Tomer Goldfaden — Senior, Finance
- Karol Ostrowski — Junior, Sociology
Women’s Swimming and Diving (9 Honorees)
- Kailee Chow — Junior, Communicology
- Lola Davison — Junior, Public Health
- Delara Ditterich — Senior, Biology
- Isabelle Meraz — Junior, Marketing
- Holly Nelson — Senior, Psychology
- Mandolin Nguyen — Senior, Art
- Alexa Ozment — Sophomore, Pre-Psychology
- Ruby Pickron — Sophomore, Special Education
- Zofia Tyminska — Sophomore, Exploratory Business
Conclusion: Spirited Excellence
This honor exemplifies the unwavering commitment of UH student-athletes to excel not only on the field but also in their academic endeavors. The 24 honorees serve as an inspiration for their peers and the next generation of athletes. They embody the spirit of #GoBows, proving that hard work, discipline, and intellectual curiosity go hand-in-hand. Let’s continue to cheer for our champions in both sports and studies!
For more information, check the 2024-25 Winter Academic All-Conference list.
