Augusta University Honors 27 Student-Athletes for Academic Excellence

News Summary

Augusta University has recognized 27 student-athletes for their academic excellence by placing them on the Peach Belt Conference Team of Academic Distinction. This achievement showcases the dedication of these individuals to maintaining high academic standards alongside their athletic commitments. Notably, the baseball, softball, and track & field teams highlighted a diverse representation of majors and strong GPAs, emphasizing the university’s supportive environment for student-athletes.

Augusta, GA – Augusta University has proudly recognized a total of 27 student-athletes for their academic achievements by placing them on the 2024-25 Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Team of Academic Distinction. This accolade highlights the commitment of these students to excel not only in their respective sports but also in their academic pursuits. The baseball, softball, and track & field teams contributed significantly, showcasing a diverse range of majors and impressive GPAs.

Baseball Team Recognitions

The Augusta University baseball team celebrated the achievements of eight student-athletes. The honorees include:

• Rushton Bowles, Senior from Aiken, S.C., Major in Special Education, GPA: 3.81
• J. Ben Haynes, Senior from Cleveland, Ga., Major in Communication, GPA: 3.78
• Parker Ingram, Senior from Gray, Ga., Major in Kinesiology, GPA: 3.61
• Jagger Iovinelli, Senior from Huntington Beach, Calif., Major in Integrated Studies, GPA: 3.50
• Mike Morrison, Senior from Salem, Va., Major in Intelligence & Security Studies, GPA: 3.91 (highest GPA in group)
• Dawson Campbell, Junior from Marietta, Ga., Major in Sports Management, GPA: 3.54
• Aidan Cannaday, Junior from Fuquay Varina, N.C., Major in Business Administration, GPA: 3.80
• Wyatt Talik, Junior from Lilburn, Ga., Major in Business Administration, GPA: 4.00 (perfect GPA)

Softball Team Honorees

Five softball student-athletes were also named to the PBC Team of Academic Distinction. The recognized players are:

• Audrey Johnson, Junior from Marietta, Ga., Major in Kinesiology, GPA: 3.52
• Chesney Miles, Junior from Fleming Island, Fla., Major in Criminal Justice, GPA: 3.55
• Kelsea Moody, Junior from Johns Creek, Ga., Major in Accounting, GPA: 3.80
• Ansley Gibson, Junior in Kinesiology, GPA: 3.72
• Madalyn Spinks, Sophomore from Social Circle, Ga., Major in Kinesiology, GPA: 3.64

Women’s Track & Field Achievements

Four student-athletes from the women’s track & field program were honored as well:

• Maria Biondollilo, Sophomore from Dallas, Ga., Major in Biology, GPA: 3.95
• Josalyn Branch, Sophomore from Covington, Ga., Major in Criminal Justice, GPA: 4.00 (perfect GPA)
• Swaye Mohler, Junior from Dallas, Ga., Major in Kinesiology, GPA: 3.83
• Cheyenne Ryan, Junior from Rincon, Ga., Major in Criminal Justice, GPA: 3.52

Men’s Track & Field Recognitions

The men’s track & field team led the university’s representation with 15 student-athletes earning a spot on the distinguished team:

• Gabriel Best, Sophomore from Peachtree City, Ga., Major in Accounting, GPA: 3.87
• Michael Chatman, Sophomore, Major in Cybersecurity, GPA: 3.90
• Eli Corn, Sophomore from Dallas, Ga., Major in Cell and Molecular Biology, GPA: 3.95
• Michael Meriweather, Sophomore from Augusta, Ga., Major in Biology, GPA: 3.51
• Roberto Barrera, Junior, Major in Business Administration, GPA: 3.85
• Joseph Elbert, Junior from Dallas, Ga., Major in Cybersecurity, GPA: 3.96
• Andrew Helfers, Junior from Newnan, Ga., Major in Kinesiology, GPA: 3.59
• Noah Shepherd, Junior from Midland, Ga., Major in Kinesiology, GPA: 3.89
• Shahzeb Rashid, Junior from Hoschton, Ga., Major in Cell and Molecular Biology, GPA: 3.82
• Avery Jaynes, Senior from Brooklet, Ga., Major in Sport Management, GPA: 4.00 (perfect GPA)
• Ryan Lee, Senior from Lilburn, Ga., Major in Cell and Molecular Biology, GPA: 4.00 (perfect GPA)
• Brandon Martin, Senior from Commerce, Ga., Major in Biology, GPA: 3.64
• Matthew Moore, Senior from Newnan, Ga., Major in Cybersecurity, GPA: 4.00 (perfect GPA)
• Patrick Motes, Senior from Rome, Ga., Major in Communication, GPA: 4.00 (perfect GPA)
• Andrew Todd, Senior from Lilburn, Ga., Major in Kinesiology, GPA: 4.00 (perfect GPA)

Eligibility Requirements

To be honored on the PBC Team of Academic Distinction, student-athletes must compete in at least half of their team’s contests as a starter or significant contributor. They are also required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and have completed at least one academic year at their current institution while holding sophomore athletic eligibility. The program is overseen by the league’s sports information directors and serves to recognize excellence in both academics and athletics.

This recognition reflects Augusta University’s commitment to fostering an environment where student-athletes can excel academically while competing at a high level in their respective sports.

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Additional Resources

• Augusta Jags: Eight Jaguars Recognized on PBC Baseball Team of Academic Distinction
• Augusta Jags: Five Jaguars Named to PBC Softball Team of Academic Distinction
• Augusta Jags: Women’s Track & Field – Four Jaguars Named to PBC Team of Academic Distinction
• Wikipedia
• Encyclopedia Britannica