University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn honors student-athletes on 3.0 Night
1/25/2018 12:00:00 AM | General
by Alyssa Cantisani
The University of Connecticut's Division of Athletics honored its most prestigious student-athletes at this year's "3.0 Night," at halftime of the men's basketball game on January 25th at Gampel Pavilion. The event was a chance to recognize the 361 student-athletes who have shown their dedication to academic excellence this past fall.
It isn't always easy to manage the combination of sports and academics but UConn coaches, along with the Student-Athlete Success Program (SASP) staff, are very engaged in the lives of these student athletes. Not only do they make sure the athletes are studying, going to class and completing assignments, but they are also taking an interest in the players' daily lives which, in turn, gives the student-athletes the self-confidence they need to succeed.
For field hockey head coach Nancy Stevens, this process starts with recruiting.
"If you have a team that is focused on being excellent in whatever they do, it carries over onto the field," said coach Stevens. "They have to make decisions very quickly on the field and we have a lot of complex teams that they need to be able to run against and make adjustments for. I think they're able to do it partly because they are so bright. Those are the types of players we want to attract here at UConn."
The focus can never be placed directly on athletics. Among other things, college is a time and place for students to become adults, learn, create friendships and find their passion. Keeping an equal balance is essential for an effective four years. Head coaches like Ray Reid (men's soccer) help make that clear to several student-athletes at this university.
"You come here for three reasons," said coach Reid, "Number one, to get an education; Number two, to have a great athletic experience; and third, to develop socially. The academic piece is most important because that's going to take you much further in life than the sport."
At the end of their four years, these student-athletes are able to walk away knowing they have given everything they've got to each of these aspects and SASP is to thank for that. Because of the challenging day-to-day life of a student-athlete, SASP works with each of them individually to provide academic counseling, skill and career development as well as different leadership and community service opportunities. However, the SASP staff wouldn't be able to accomplish all of that without the support they receive.
"I think we're very lucky to have the support that we have," said Ellen Tripp, the Associate AD for the Student-Athlete Success Program, "The coaches and the administration set the bar of excellence so high in every area and I think it's incredible."
Coincidentally, each of our coaches commend the work that Tripp and the rest of the SASP office put in to help the athletes achieve their academic success.
Everyone's commitment to the care and guidance of the student-athletes is what will create opportunities for these students beyond their years at UConn.
"A lot of our head coaches are actively involved in how students are doing academically and I think that speaks to the importance that they place on graduation and the next steps for their students," said Tripp. "Whether it's graduate school or going out into the working world, they have a really fantastic holistic view for our students. They don't just see them as athletes."
At UConn, the focus is on the student as a whole. As athletes and scholars, UConn offers a well-rounded program that manages to give each student-athlete the tools needed to succeed. The "3.0 Night" night is not only a tribute to the hard work and commitment from the student-athletes who received a 3.0 or higher, but to each and every coach and SASP staff member at this University. It's a night that should make everyone at UConn proud.
Student-Athletes Who Achieved a 4.0 GPA in Fall 2017
Field Hockey Klein,Nina Allison
Field Hockey Kutrubis,Efthimia
Field Hockey Rich,Ashley
Football Graham,Brett S
Football Newman,Harrison Samuel
Men's Basketball Noyes,Michael Francis
Men's Cross Country Camillieri,Brian Joseph
Men's Ice Hockey Austin,John Christian
Men's Outdoor Track Zuidema, Seth
Men's Soccer Demaso,Nicholas
Men's Swimming Li,Alan
Women's Basketball Bent,Mary Catherine
Women's Basketball Nurse,Kia
Women's Cross Country Randazzo,Ericka Jade
Women's Ice Hockey Belanger,Annie
Women's Ice Hockey Crawley,Catherine Jenna
Women's Ice Hockey Lum,Leah Tamara
Women's Ice Hockey Reid,Emily Marie
Women's Ice Hockey Roethke,Lindsay Catherine
Women's Lacrosse Eigel,Olivia Suzann
Women's Lacrosse Ekstrom,Casandra
Women's Rowing Barnouw,Maja
Women's Rowing Crinieri,Jordan D
Women's Rowing Fitzpatrick,Molly Ann
Women's Rowing George,Emily Ann
Women's Rowing Richman,Caroline K
Women's Rowing Schnelting,Julia Sophie
Women's Rowing Stevens,Kathryn Mary
Women's Rowing Stevens, Megan
Women's Soccer Beil,Vivien
Women's Soccer Keegans,Liane
Women's Soccer Liebel,Paige Anne
Women's Soccer Marchini,Rachel Lauren
Women's Soccer Urbanek,Kim Gina Luisa
Women's Swimming Blair,Madeline
Women's Swimming Hu,Julie
Women's Swimming King,Sophia Michelle
Women's Tennis Walker,Aliyah Summer
Women's Track Indoor Botsis,Chanell
Women's Track Indoor Howard,Emily Elizabeth
Women's Track Indoor Randazzo,Ericka Jade
Women's Track Indoor Swanke,Theresa Elizabeth
