TAMIU Athletes Score Academic Awards from Heartland Conference

Texas A&M International University student-athletes are have broken perhaps their most impressive record to date: over 28% of them have been named recipients of Heartland Conference Academic Honors for their classroom performances.

It’s a first for TAMIU Dustdevil Athletics, said athletics director Dr. Debbie Snell.

“These 39 student-athletes perform especially well in the classroom and on their respective courts and fields, and we’re very proud of this historic accomplishment. We congratulate them on their determined pursuit of higher education and will continue to expect great things from them on and off our courts and fields,” said Dr. Snell.

Snell said TAMIU Athletics is steadfast in its academic focus and its dedication to helping athletes maintain their academic progress.

“That’s really what the Heartland Conference is all about -- student-athletes are called upon to achieve their best in class and in their respective sports. Our Athletics Department and the entire University community works with our athletes to help them achieve their personal bests every day,” she said.

Students named recipients of Academic Honors who earned a grade point average of 3.0 or higher received the Commissioner’s Award. Those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are awarded the President’s Award.

TAMIU Student Athlete President’s Award recipients are: Ryanne Chapman, Madison Mojica, Chevelle Hoyle, Jasmine June, Krystal Benson-Cooper, Bianca Vidaurri, José Sánchez, Ricky Hernández and Jorge Zanata.

TAMIU Student Athlete Commissioner’s Award recipients are: Mike Mainhart, Monica Gutiérrez, Patrice Hicks, Tanya González, Angie Warden, Rebecca Sánchez, April Serna, Karina Pérez, Mary Jo Hall, Maxine Cabellero, Sandy Hernández, Valeria Chávez, Yolanda Solís, Curtis Schell, Danny Cornejo, Gordon Muhammad, Chris Swan, José Alicea, Roberto Coronado Jr., Andres Maymi, Justin Meza, Abdiel Amador, Adeyemi Gill, Juan Pablo Muñoz, Leonardo Calvo, Noé Pantoja, Soamy Bautista, Allison Stein, Angel Montejano and Marissa Jiménez.

TAMIU Dustdevil Athletics includes 11 sports. This week, the program was confirmed as a full member of NCAA Division II, effective Sept. 1.

For additional information on Dustdevil Athletics, contact Dr. Snell at 326.2890, e-mail dsnell@tamiu.edu or visit GoDustdevils.com

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu