BATON ROUGE – The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes honored six LSU student-athletes as part of their academic achievements and community service for April.
Each month, five student-athletes are recognized for their academic improvement, dedication and proven ability. In addition, one student-athlete is chosen through LSU’s Student-Athlete Affairs program for their volunteerism and commitment to the community.
April’s student-athletes of the month are Rikki Alcaraz [Softball], Chris Davenport [Football], Sam Delahoussaye [Volleyball], Samantha Goates [Swimming & Diving] and Chris Sciambra [Baseball]. Madie Jones [Volleyball] was selected as the Shaquille O’Neal CHAMPS/Student-Athlete Affairs Athlete of the Month.
Alcaraz is planning to major in education, while Davenport is majoring in interdisciplinary studies. Delahoussaye is majoring in general studies, and Goates is a history major. Sciambra is majoring in construction management whereas Jones is an industrial engineering major.
Alcaraz, a freshman infielder from Orland Park, Ill., came to Tiger Park’s infield after assisting her high school team to three regional championships from 2008-10. She is hitting .238 during her 21 appearances and notched Tiger Invitational All-Tournament Team honors after she tallied a career-long five-game hitting streak from Feb. 21-26.
A junior offensive tackle from Mansfield, La., Davenport completed a successful sophomore season in 2011 after he redshirted as a true freshman. He moved from defensive tackle to his current position before his most recent season and played in 10 games. Davenport has served the community in a variety of ways, as he has spoken at a local middle school in preparation for the students’ upcoming Leap tests and read to children with fellow teammates.
Delahoussaye, a senior defensive specialist from Madisonville, La., has started her career by playing in 92 consecutive volleyball matches over her first three seasons. She enters her senior campaign 251 digs away from reaching 1,000 career scoops. Within the community, Delahoussaye recently volunteered for the Special Olympics and took part in the ‘Read Across Louisiana’ event in February.
A senior swimmer from Exeter, Calif., Goates has excelled in the sprint freestyle and backstroke. Although currently competing in her fourth season for the Tigers, all of her seasons have been filled with impressive accolades, including her 2011 selection to All-American Second Team. This isn’t limited to athletic achievements, however, as she earned SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll and has achieved SEC Academic Honor Roll every year since.
Sciambra, freshman baseball player from Baton Rouge, La., served as the starting centerfielder for the Purple and Gold until recently suffering a season-ending neck injury. He is expected to return to the field in the fall, but he continues to support his team from the sidelines. His background in leadership ability is evident through the success of his high school’s baseball team, as he played a key role in earning the team’s 2010 5A state championship title. His hard work later earned him a first-team Class 5A All-State selection.
A junior outside hitter from Plano, Texas, Jones is a valuable asset to her team. She turned in 10 or more kills in 19 of 27 matches and her 3.55 per set average ranked sixth in the conference en route to All-SEC Second-Team accolades. Her commitment to her team has not ceased academic achievements and achievements within the community. She earned 2010 SEC Academic Honor Roll and Community Service Team honors. Jones recently volunteered for the Special Olympics and took on the task to spearhead the Mikie’s Awards and Talents Show back on April 17 that will benefit the Best Buddies organization.
For putting forth extra effort in the classroom and community in addition to their rigorous academic and competition schedules, these six student-athletes will have their pictures displayed on the wall in the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes.