by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
The bar has been set at an all-time high for academic success for student-athletes at Kansas City Kansas Community College.
A record 28 student-athletes in eight sports were named to All-Academic teams selected by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for 2018-19. In addition, four Blue Devil squads were named All-Academic teams – baseball, softball, volleyball and men’s soccer.
Eleven Blue Devils had perfect 4.0 grade point averages, which earned NJCAA first team recognition. In addition, seven student-athletes were named to the second team with GPA’s of 3.75 or better and 10 were named to the third team with GPA’s of 3.6 or higher.
Five members of the softball team had 4.0 grade point averages, Kaylee Arnzen, Gracie Gentry, Shaylun Grosstephan, Hannah Redick and Britney Smith. Also earning first team honors with 4.0 GPA’s were Martina Glenn and Kirsten Bizzell, women’s soccer; Camryn Swanson, women’s basketball; DeVonte’ Beard, men’s basketball; Allayah Stillwell, volleyball; and Kalen Harrison, baseball.
“First and foremost, our coaches have done a great job in recruiting high quality athletes and holding them to high academic standards,” Tony Tompkins, KCKCC director of athletics, said. “I think our student-athletes understand why they’re here, whether to prepare for moving on to a four-year college or university or a career. This was kind of a goal and vision when I came here. I felt we could compete nationally but we could also raise the academic standards and for the last six years, the cumulative athletic department grade point has been more than 3.0.”
The success is the result of the efforts of many, Tompkins said.
“Most recently, we’ve added Robert Roberson to counsel our athletes; we’ve developed a strong relationship with Amanda Williams and her staff in the Learning Commons, keeping track of study hall hours and finding tutors for athletes who may be struggling; and we’ve had several faculty members who have been helpful in communications and support of athletes,” he said. “They say it takes a village, not one person to make things like this happen. It’s a community effort.”
KCKCC All-Academic student athletes for 2018-2019.
Baseball – First team: Kaleb Harrison, Neola, Iowa, 4.0. Second team: Traice Hartter, Topeka Seaman, 3.88; Third team: Everitt Griffin, Lincoln, Nebraska, 3.77; Phillip Bryant, Little Rock, Arkansas, 3.76; Eduardo Acosta, San German, Puerto Rico, 3.71; Tyler Henry, Gardner-Edgerton,3.70; Jake Martin, Aurora, Colorado, 3.68; Christopher Diaz-Vierra, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, 3.64.
Softball – First team: Kaylee Arnzen, Pampa, Texas, 4.00; Gracie Gentry, Turner, 4.00; Shaylun Grosstephan, Girard, 4.00; Hannah Redick, Shawnee Mission North, 4.0; Britney Smith, Basehor-Linwood, 4.00. Second team: Devin Purcell, Eudora, 3.90; Third team: Alexis Rymer, Piper, 3.72.
Women’s soccer – First team; Martina Glenn, Bonner Springs, 4.00; Kirsten Bizzell, Bonner Springs, 4.00; Second team: Alexandra Schemmel, DeSoto, 3.80; Erin Williams, Tonganoxie, 3.76. Third team; Madison Plake, DeSoto, 3.60.
Volleyball – First team, Allayah Stillwell, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, 4.00; Second team: Keli Sleefe, Andover Central, 3.83. Third team; Grace Golay, Wichita Trinity Academy, 3.68.
Women’s basketball – First team; Camryn Swanson, Blue Springs, Missouri, 4.00.
Men’s basketball – First team: DuVonte’ Beard, Kansas City Ruskin, 4.00.
Golf – Second team – Garrett Scott, Sabetha, 3.85.
Men’s soccer – Second team: Gustavo Palmieri, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 3.82; Third team: Hector Valles Bellver, Valencia, Spain, 3.76.