Augusta University Women’s Track and Field Team Recognized for Academic Excellence

News Summary

The Augusta University women’s track and field team boasts academic success as four student-athletes earn spots on the Peach Belt Conference Team of Academic Distinction. The honored athletes are recognized not only for their academic achievements but also for their contributions to the team as they prepare for the upcoming Peach Belt Conference Championships. Additionally, incoming athlete Jamiya Reed is set to join the team, reflecting the program’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

Augusta, Georgia – The Augusta University women’s track and field team has recently excelled in both academics and athletics, with four student-athletes earning a place on the 2024-25 Peach Belt Conference Team of Academic Distinction. This recognition highlights the impressive academic achievements of these athletes while they simultaneously compete at a high level in their sport.

The honored student-athletes are:

• Maria Biondollilo, sophomore from Dallas, Georgia, majoring in Biology with a GPA of 3.95.
• Josalyn Branch, sophomore from Covington, Georgia, majoring in Criminal Justice with a perfect GPA of 4.00.
• Swaye Mohler, junior from Dallas, Georgia, majoring in Kinesiology with a GPA of 3.83.
• Cheyenne Ryan, junior from Rincon, Georgia, majoring in Criminal Justice with a GPA of 3.52.

To qualify for the Peach Belt Conference Team of Academic Distinction, athletes must compete in at least half of their team’s contests as a starter or significant contributor, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, and have completed at least one academic year at their institution while retaining sophomore athletic eligibility. This program, overseen by the league’s sports information directors, celebrates both academic and athletic excellence among student-athletes.

In addition to excelling academically, the women’s track and field team is preparing for an exciting new addition for the upcoming season. Jamiya Reed, a recent graduate from Troup High School, plans to continue her track and field career at Augusta University while pursuing a degree in nursing. Known for her athletic talents, Reed will participate in multiple disciplines, including the triple jump, high jump, and long jump.

Reed has an impressive background, having qualified for state competitions during her first three years at Troup High. She also excelled in volleyball, leading her team to the Elite 8 in the 2023 season. Coach Mario Walker played a significant role in facilitating Reed’s transition to college athletics, aiding in her recruitment to Augusta University.

As the team looks forward to the Peach Belt Conference Championships scheduled for April 28-29 in Daytona Beach, Florida, they are coming off a strong performance at the recent Georgia Tech Invitational. The team finished third in the Peach Belt Conference during the 2025 season, showcasing their competitive edge.

Notable individual results from the Georgia Tech Invitational include:

• Josalyn Branch achieving a time of 12.25 seconds in the 100-meter dash.
• The 4×100-meter relay team finishing 21st overall with a time of 48.17 seconds.
• Grace Gyetko leading the 800 meters with a time of 2:23.83, and competing in the 1500 meters with a time of 4:59.84.
• Maria Biondollilo finishing 31st in the 5000 meters with a time of 18:40.89.
• Nene Akaose participating in the long jump with a mark of 5.12 meters (16 feet 9.75 inches).

The Augusta University women’s track and field team remains committed to both academic and athletic success as they approach their competitive timeline for the spring season. These developments reflect the program’s ongoing dedication to fostering excellence among its student-athletes.

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Additional Resources

• Augusta Jags – Four Jaguars Named to PBC Women’s Track & Field Team of Academic Distinction
• Wikipedia: Track and Field
• LaGrange News – Reed Signs to Continue Track and Field Career at Augusta University
• Google Search: Augusta University Track and Field
• Augusta Jags – Women’s Track and Field Posts Solid Marks at Georgia Tech Invitational
• Google Scholar: Women’s Track and Field Academic Distinction
• Augusta Jags – Jaguar Women’s Track & Field Competes at SWU Susan Rouse Invite
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Track and Field
• Augusta Jags – Jaguars Set School Record in 4×100 Relay at Electric City Invitational
• Google News: Augusta University Track and Field