Kent State Track & Field Teams, Athletes Recognized for Ac…read more.
NEW ORLEANS It’s been a season to remember for Kent State’s track and field family not just for the personal bests, thrilling finishes, and championship efforts but for the triumphs taking place far from the spotlight: inside the classroom.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its 2025 All-Academic honors, and Kent State earned a proud place on the list. Both the men’s and women’s teams were recognized as All-Academic Teams an honor reserved for programs with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. But the celebration didn’t stop there.
Eight individual student-athletes from Kent State also earned All-Academic distinction, highlighting the remarkable balance these young men and women have maintained between their demanding training schedules and academic responsibilities.
For Aliesha Shaw, this marks her fourth consecutive year being recognized by the USTFCCCA. That kind of consistency isn’t easy to come by, especially when juggling the pressures of high-level competition.
“I think people forget just how much time we spend training, traveling, and recovering,” Aliesha said. “To keep up with schoolwork on top of that takes real commitment but I’ve always felt supported here. This award means a lot to me.”
Joining her are Ayden Bath and Svenia De Coninck, each earning the honor for the second straight year. For both athletes, the news came as a gratifying reminder that their late nights, study sessions, and early morning workouts haven’t gone unnoticed.
“Winning races is great,” said Bath, a middle-distance runner, “but getting recognized for the effort we put into our classes? That hits differently. It feels like a full-circle moment.”
For Donovan Crawford, Keeli Dunaway, Joel Enander, Shelby Grover, and Charles Pawlosky, this year was a first they’ve just joined the ranks of All-Academic honorees, and it’s a moment they’ll never forget.
“I didn’t think about awards when I was grinding through papers and workouts,” said Shelby Grover with a laugh. “I just tried to stay focused and do the right things every day. It’s really special to see it all pay off.”
Earning USTFCCCA All-Academic status isn’t a walk in the park. To qualify, student-athletes must not only carry a GPA of 3.25 or higher, but they also have to rank among the top performers in the nation finishing top 96 in an indoor event or top 48 in their region for outdoor, or advancing to any round of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships.
That means these students aren’t just getting by in class they’re dominating on the track and maintaining academic excellence. It’s a dual achievement that deserves every bit of celebration.
Coach Bill Lawson beamed with pride when reflecting on his team’s accomplishments. “We always talk about being champions in every aspect of life,” he said. “These kids show up early, stay late, and push themselves to be better not just as athletes, but as students, teammates, and leaders. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Behind the scenes, the recognition is also a nod to the support system around these athletes. Academic advisors, professors, tutors, and coaches work together to make sure every student-athlete has what they need to succeed.
“It’s not just about getting good grades,” said Assistant Coach Maria Shaw. “It’s about building habits that will last long after graduation discipline, time management, resilience. These awards are proof that our athletes are learning more than just how to compete.”
The entire Kent State community has reason to celebrate. This year’s academic honors are the result of countless hours of dedication and they help paint a bigger picture of what success looks like in college athletics.
As summer winds down and preparations begin for the next season, these Golden Flashes carry more than medals and accolades they carry the pride of knowing they’ve truly done it all.
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To keep up with Kent State Track and Field, download the Golden Flashes official app on iOS or Android. You can also follow the team on X, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and student-athlete stories.
Because here at Kent State, success isn’t just measured in seconds and inches it’s also found in GPAs, growth, and grit.
