GADSDEN, AL – Fifty-two Gadsden State Community College student-athletes have been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Academic Teams for the 2024-25 academic year. The distinction highlights student-athletes across the country for their achievements in the classroom while balancing athletic commitments.
In addition to individual recognition, the NJCAA awards the Academic Team of the Year in each sport to programs with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Cardinal teams earning this honor include men’s tennis (3.88), women’s cross country (3.60), men’s cross country (3.43), baseball (3.22), softball (3.26), and women’s volleyball (3.52).
Individual Academic Honors
Student-athletes are recognized in three tiers: First Team (4.0 GPA), Second Team (3.80–3.99 GPA), and Third Team (3.60–3.79 GPA).
First Team honorees with a perfect 4.0 GPA include:
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Baseball: Aiden Bee (Clanton), Jackson Jones (Muscle Shoals), Chris McNeil (Chelsea), McKade Watson (Wetumpka), Samuel Wilson (Florence)
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Women’s Basketball: Jaxson Sizemore (Glencoe)
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Men’s Cross Country: DeShaun Foster (Alexandria)
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Women’s Cross Country: Madeline Holt (Jacksonville)
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Softball: Jasie Brooks (Southside), Emma Croy (Glencoe), Lauren Farmer (Attalla)
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Men’s Tennis: John David Cunningham (Rome, Ga.), Luke Russo (Springville), Elisha Sims (Guntersville), Heath Stinson (Pell City), Michael Warren (Pell City)
Second Team honorees (3.80–3.99 GPA) include:
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Baseball: Bennett Plowden (Helena), Jacob Steed (Bremen, Ga.), Raeden Sumner (Summerville, Ga.)
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Men’s Basketball: Kolby Battles (Pleasant Valley)
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Women’s Basketball: Alayna Noble (Birmingham), Tyla Tatum (Collinsville)
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Men’s Cross Country: Lane Self (New Hope)
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Women’s Cross Country: McKinley Kay (Rainbow City), Kaylee Tarpley (Altoona)
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Softball: Chloe Gattis (Southside), Ava Ramsey (Southside), Kirby Wisner (Sylvania)
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Men’s Tennis: Samuel Arnold (Cedartown, Ga.), Charles McIntire (Grant)
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Volleyball: Allie Bryant (Pleasant Valley), Ellie Carden (Ohatchee), Ella Garmany (Centre)
Third Team honorees (3.60–3.79 GPA) include:
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Baseball: Gabriel Brito (Gadsden), Mason Freeman (Madison), Payton Isbell (Moody), Nolan Moore (Leeds), Peyton Parkinson (Birmingham), Walker Thomas (Chelsea), Aaron Wallace (Hueytown), James White (Villa Rica, Ga.), Colton Ziegler (Cincinnati, Oh.)
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Men’s Cross Country: Ryan Matthews (Ashville)
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Softball: Clancey Bright (Alexandria), Kennadi Johnson (Pell City), Abigail Payne (Hokes Bluff)
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Volleyball: Emma Earl (Holly Pond), Savannah Hall (Valley Head), Ryleigh Pack (Hazel Green), Lacie Roer (Centre), Rylin St. Clair (Leesburg), Brianna Williams (Fort Payne)
Dr. Blake Lewis, Gadsden State athletic director and head baseball coach, said the recognition reflects the college’s commitment to academics as well as athletics. “Gadsden State is investing in people and not just in athletes. Our coaches and staff dedicate themselves diligently to helping our student-athletes develop the skills necessary to become well-rounded students first and competitive athletes second,” he said.
For more information about Gadsden State Athletics, visit GoCardinals.GadsdenState.edu.
