CHSS Student-Athletes Excel in Sports and Studies

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of 19 students at the Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar Athlete Awards ceremony on February 21. These exceptional individuals were honored for their ability to balance their passion for sports with their academic pursuits while maintaining a GPA of at least 3.75.

Being a college athlete requires hard work, determination, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. But for these scholar-athletes, their dedication has paid off both on and off the field. They've discovered that the skills they've honed as athletes have proven invaluable in their academic endeavors, while the discipline and focus they've developed through their coursework has enhanced their performance in their respective sports.

Several of the honorees shared their thoughts on the challenges and rewards of being a student-athlete. For Josh Walker, a Men's Cross Country/Track & Field athlete in the Criminology, Law, and Society program, managing his time and stress has been the biggest challenge. But the rewards of competing and excelling in both athletics and academics make it all worthwhile. “Balancing classes, practices, exams, projects, competitions, and sustaining a social life all at the same time can be difficult... so for me, maintaining a healthy relationship with all of these things I do is crucial. The rewards come in to play when you realize that it is a blessing to be able to do all of these things every day. When you reflect at the end of an exhausting day or week, there is reward when you think about how much you have accomplished and will continue to accomplish as you keep going. There is reward when all of your hard work pays off and you compete well or get an 'A' on that test. I think the biggest reward really stems from being able to do what you love with the people you love every day.”

Jester Hutchison, a Women’s Soccer athlete pursuing degrees in Creative Writing and Kinesiology, echoed these sentiments, “My biggest challenge with being a student-athlete has been time management and sacrifice. I participate on two teams (women's soccer and cheer) and pursue two different degrees, which means my schedule often looks like a giant jigsaw puzzle. However, my love for all of my activities and pursuits makes it worth it. Through support from my coaches, teachers, and support staff, I have been able to do anything I've set my mind to here at Mason.”

Emily Lewantowicz, a Women's Swim & Dive athlete in the Communication program, commented on the skills she's developed as a student-athlete, “Being a student-athlete at Mason has challenged me to work hard in all aspects of my life. I strive to be the best I can both in and out of the classroom, by taking initiatives and being a leader. I think that being an athlete has helped me develop all kinds of incredible skills that are easily transferrable to the classroom like time management, grit, and determination. A little competitiveness doesn’t hurt either!”

And for Arsalan Yaqubi, a Men's Track & Field athlete in the Criminology, Law, and Society program, the proudest moment of his college career thus far has been earning a scholarship after starting as a walk-on athlete.

As these scholar-athletes move on to the next chapter of their lives, they remain committed to excellence and eager to pursue their passions. Arsalan Yaqubi dreams of continuing his athletic career and representing the U.S. internationally while attending law school. “Untill then, I will strive to be the greatest thrower and track athlete that has ever stepped foot at Mason.”

Emily Lewantowicz plans to move into a full-time position on Capitol Hill before embarking on a career in law. “I am excited to see where the future takes me, and I know that I will always be grateful for my time as a student-athlete at Mason.”

To all the honorees, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences extends its warmest congratulations and wishes them the best of luck in all their future endeavors. They have truly set the bar high for future generations of student-athletes at Mason.

February 22, 2023