In a remarkable demonstration of academic excellence, 38 student-athletes from Arizona State University (ASU) have been honored on the 2024 Fall Academic All-Big 12 Team.
This significant achievement underscores the Sun Devils’ commitment to balancing rigorous academic pursuits with athletic responsibilities.
Criteria for Selection
To be eligible for the Academic All-Big 12 Team, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and participate in at least 20% of their team’s scheduled contests. The recognition is divided into two categories:
First Team: Student-athletes with a GPA of 3.20 or higher.
Second Team: Student-athletes with a GPA between 3.00 and 3.19.
Sun Devils’ Academic Achievements
The 38 ASU honorees span various sports, reflecting the university’s holistic emphasis on academic success across its athletic programs. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it marks ASU’s inaugural year in the Big 12 Conference, following their transition from the Pac-12 in the 2024-25 academic year.
Notable Individual Honors
Several Sun Devil student-athletes have distinguished themselves with individual academic accolades:
Argentina Ung (Volleyball): Ung was named the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America Third Team, becoming the first Sun Devil to earn this honor in the current academic year. She also received recognition as the Big 12 Setter of the Year and was selected for the All-Big 12 First Team.
Mary Shroll (Volleyball): Shroll earned the title of Big 12 Libero of the Year and secured a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team, highlighting her dual commitment to academic and athletic excellence.
Institutional Support and Commitment
ASU’s administration has consistently emphasized the importance of academic achievement among its athletes. The university offers resources such as tutoring, academic advising, and study facilities tailored to support student-athletes in managing their dual roles effectively.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
This recognition builds upon ASU’s history of academic accomplishments within its athletic department. In the 2023-24 academic year, the Sun Devils had 79 athletes named to the conference’s Winter Academic Honor Roll, with five programs achieving double-digit honorees.
As ASU continues its journey in the Big 12 Conference, the university remains committed to fostering an environment where student-athletes can excel both in their sports and academic endeavors. The recent accolades serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Sun Devils, setting a high standard for future cohorts.
In conclusion, the recognition of 38 Sun Devils on the 2024 Fall Academic All-Big 12 Team highlights Arizona State University’s dedication to academic excellence within its athletic programs. This achievement not only honors the individual efforts of the student-athletes but also reflects the supportive infrastructure and culture of success cultivated at ASU.
