BATON ROUGE, La. – The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes honored six student-athletes for their academic achievements and community service for the month of May.
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.
May’s student-athletes of the month are Emma Goldman [Soccer], Dillon Gordon [Football], Jada Martin [Track and Field], John Valek III [Baseball] and Tony Westly [Football]. Bryiana Richardson [Track and Field] was selected as the Shaquille O’Neal Life Skills Program Student-Athlete of the Month.
Goldman and Richardson are kinesiology majors, Gordan and Martin are sport administration majors, Valek is a general business major and Westly is a graphic design major.
A native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Goldman enrolled during the 2016 spring semester after finishing her four-year career as a goalkeeper for Oakland High School. The freshman was a three-time all-state performer in Tennessee and helped lead her high school to two regional championships in 2013 and 2015.
Gordon is a senior tight end from Edgard, Louisiana who played in 42 games during his career, making 28 starts. The dominating blocker caught seven passes for 96 yards during his career.
Junior sprinter Martin is a two time All-American who competes in the 60M, 100M and 200M. During her sophomore season, the Lithonia, Georgia, native emerged as one of the NCAA’s leading 200-meter sprinters as she was a NCAA finalist for the first time in her collegiate career.
Valek is a senior left-handed pitcher from Parkland, Florida, who was immediately eligible to compete during the 2016 season after transferring from Akron University, which discontinued its baseball program. The southpaw has logged 61 innings in 13 starts and has struck out 49 and walked nine, compiling a 6-1 record.
Junior defensive back Westly transferred from Pearl River Community College. The newcomer from St. Gabriel, Louisiana walked onto the program during the spring and participated in spring practice.
Richardson was selected as the Shaquille O’Neal Life Skills Program Student-Athlete of the Month for her dedication to the community, participating in numerous service events throughout her three years. The junior hurdler from New Orleans, Louisiana, participates in the 60H, 100H, 400M, 400H and was a NCAA Championship qualifier in the 400-meter hurdles for the second-straight season during her sophomore campaign. She was also selected to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2015.
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.
The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes is a 54,000 square foot facility comprised of an academic affairs, student affairs and an information technology team, serving more than 530 student-athletes. The purpose is to provide an all-inclusive, student-centered support structure for all student-athletes from matriculation, through graduation and life beyond.