Celebrating Excellence: 45 Mountaineers Earn 2025 Winter Academic All-Big 12 Honors
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – This week, West Virginia University proudly announced that 45 student-athletes have been honored with a place on the 2025 Winter Academic All-Big 12 Conference Team. This esteemed recognition highlights the academic prowess of student-athletes across the Big 12 who balance rigorous courses with competitive winter sports.
A Tribute to Academic Achievement
The Academic All-Big 12 Conference Team serves as an annual celebration of scholastic excellence within collegiate athletics. It acknowledges student-athletes who achieve significant academic milestones while competing in fast-paced sports during the winter season.
Leading the Charge: Arizona State
While the Mountaineers’ impressive achievement is commendable, the spotlight this year shines on Arizona State University, which led the Big 12 with a staggering 68 selections across seven winter sports disciplines. Noteworthy highlights include:
- Men’s Swimming and Diving: 20 honorees
- Men’s Basketball: 8 selections
- Gymnastics: 14 standout athletes
Baylor University also made waves with its equestrian team, achieving 25 honors, marking the highest number of selections in a single sport.
Eligibility Requirements: Striving for Excellence
To qualify for the Academic All-Big 12 distinction, student-athletes must uphold a GPA of 3.20 or higher, whether cumulatively or across the last two semesters. Additionally, they must have participated in at least 20% of their team’s scheduled contests. It’s worth noting that freshmen and transfers are ineligible during their initial year of academic residency, ensuring that only dedicated athletes make the cut. Senior athletes who meet almost all criteria, but not participation percentage, can also be recognized.
Meet the Honorees: A Round-Up of Mountaineers
The following is a spotlight on a few remarkable student-athletes from West Virginia University who have achieved this esteemed honor:
Women’s Basketball
- Kylee Blacksten – 5th Year, Master’s in Sport Coaching
- Jordan Harrison – Junior, General Business
- Zya Nugent – R-Sr., Master’s in Executive Sport Management
Women’s Gymnastics
- Kaylei Adams – Sophomore, Animal and Nutritional Sciences
- Brooke Alban – Senior, Psychology
- Julia Brown – Sophomore, Nursing
Men’s Swimming and Diving
- Hayden Apel – Senior, Health and Well Being
- Riley Brown – Senior, Management
- Justin Heimes – Senior, Computer Science
Wrestling
- Ian Bush – R-So., Finance
- Caleb Dowling – 5th Year, Master’s in Business Administration
- Peyton Hall – 5th Year, Master’s in Executive Sport Management
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The dedication and intelligence of the 45 Mountaineers honored this year exemplify the ideal blend of athletic prowess and academic achievement. Their hard work shines a spotlight not just on their talents in winter sports, but also on their commitment to excellence in education.
As these student-athletes continue to strive for greatness both in the pool, on the court, and in the classroom, they inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with the same vigor. For more information on academic achievements and sports at West Virginia University, you can visit the WVU Sports page.
