Five Vanderbilt Athletes Shine with Academic All-District Honors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In an impressive display of academic and athletic excellence, five student-athletes from Vanderbilt’s cross country and track and field teams have been recognized as part of the 2024-25 Cross Country/Track & Field Academic All-District Team by College Sports Communicators (CSC) as of Tuesday.
Academic Rigor Meets Athletic Brilliance
To earn the prestigious Academic All-District accolade, athletes must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50, reflecting their commitment to both sports and academics. The honored Commodores are:
- Allyria McBride
- Julia Rosenberg
- Falon Spearman
- Santana Spearman
- Ellie Wolski
Let’s delve into the accomplishments and potentials of these remarkable athletes.
Allyria McBride: A Dual Force
Allyria McBride stands out not only for her athletic prowess but also for her academic dedication. This two-time All-American recently showcased her talent by finishing eighth in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Academic and Athletic Achievements
- Two-time All-SEC Selection
- Three-time Regional Qualifier
- 400 Hurdles Semifinalist at 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials
As a junior majoring in environmental sociology, McBride holds an impressive five school records and ranks in the top 10 all-time for six events. Her accolades also include being named to the CSC Academic All-District Team and the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team in 2024.
Julia Rosenberg: A Scholar-Athlete’s Path
While achieving success in psychology and Spanish, Julia Rosenberg has consistently pushed the boundaries of her performance on the track.
Notable Milestones
- Graduated in May 2024
- Two-time Regional Qualifier
- Eight-time SEC Scorer
Honored as a second-team all-conference selection, Rosenberg not only led her team in various championships but has also made it to the CSC Academic All-District and USTFCCCA All-Academic lists, earning recognition on six SEC Academic Honor Rolls.
Falon Spearman: Breaking Records and Boundaries
Another cornerstone of Vanderbilt’s achievements is Falon Spearman, a formidable competitor in the hurdles.
Key Highlights
- 2025 NCAA Qualifier
- School Record Holder in 60- and 100-Meter Hurdles
Majoring in medicine, health, and society, Falon is recognized for her tenacity in her second year on the Academic All-District Team and has qualified for regionals multiple times, solidifying her spot among the top 10 in program history for three events.
Santana Spearman: A Rising Star
Following closely is Santana Spearman, who has etched her name in the annals of Vanderbilt athletics.
Career Achievements
- Improved to Second in All-Time Performers for the 100-Meter Hurdles
- Top 10 Rankings in 60- and 100-Meter Hurdles
In her junior year, Santana served as co-chair for the SAAC social impact committee, demonstrating her commitment to community and leadership alongside her academic and athletic pursuits.
Ellie Wolski: A New Chapter
Completing this esteemed group is Ellie Wolski, who has made significant contributions to Vanderbilt athletics.
Academic Excellence and Performance
- Earned a Master’s in Marketing
- Helped Set School Record in Distance Medley Relay
During her first year with the Commodores, Wolski consistently excelled, scoring at every cross country meet and finishing in the top 50 at regionals. She previously attended Coastal Carolina, where she balanced her roles in soccer, cross country, and track and field.
Looking Ahead: Bright Futures
Due to their impressive achievements, both Allyria McBride and Falon Spearman have advanced to the Academic All-America ballot. The final selections for the CSC Cross Country/Track & Field Academic All-America Team will be announced on July 17.
Conclusion
These five talented athletes exemplify the spirit of perseverance and academic integrity that Vanderbilt stands for. Their success is a testament to the powerful synergy of athletics and academics, inspiring future generations of student-athletes to aim high both on the field and in the classroom.
For more on academic honors in sports, you can refer to sources like the NCAA and College Sports Communicators.
