June 2021 CCACSA Student-Athletes of the Month

BATON ROUGE – The LSU Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes (CCACSA) recognizes six student-athletes for their scholastic and community achievements each month. Student-athletes are chosen based on their commitment to academic success and for their devotion to volunteerism and service to the community.

Here are the June 2021 CCACSA’s staff Student-Athletes of the Month:

Benjamin Ambrosio: Fr., Men’s Tennis, Santa Rosa, Argentina (Major: Sport Administration)

Nominator – Learning Specialist Molly Ann Walke and Academic Advisor Delanie Authement: “Benjamin started at LSU in January with a huge challenge ahead. As a native Spanish speaker, he conquered his first semester of college while simultaneously learning English and competing all spring. He impressed me so much with his organization, planning, and determination to succeed.”

Ellie Baldwin: Sr., Women’s Swimming, Derby, England (Major: Sport Administration)

Nominator – Academic Advisor Delanie Authement: “I am extremely proud of Ellie’s effort and performance this semester. She has secured an internship in her home country of England this summer and will be graduating in August. After graduation, she will be returning to LSU to complete a master’s program. Ellie is incredibly special and I am extremely thankful that I get to work with her and experience her unique light and impeccable wit on a daily basis.”

Maribeth Gorsuch: Sr., Softball, Lewisville, Texas (Major: Interdisciplinary Studies)

Nominator – Sr. Associate Director Carole Walker: “Maribeth has overcome quite a few academic struggles and most recently the loss of her father who was also her coach since she was a little girl and her biggest fan. Maribeth graduated this spring and there’s no doubt that not having him there to cheer her on as she walked across the stage was hard. I’m so very proud of Maribeth and all she has accomplished on the field and in the classroom.”

Montserrat Gutierrez Lavenant: Fr., Women’s Diving, Tijuana, Mexico (Major: Mass Communication)

Nominator – Academic Advisor Delanie Authement: “Montse performed extremely well this semester. In the fall she faced numerous challenges and he impressed me this semester with her tenacity and will to succeed. She managed a rigorous course load while competing for LSU and training/competing for the Mexico National Diving Team in the latter portion of the semester. In the face of all these responsibilities, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her studies and kept a positive attitude. I could not be more proud of her.”

Will Hellmers: Fr., Baseball, Metairie, Louisiana (Major: General Business)

Nominator – Assistant Director Taylor Dennehy: “Will has worked hard his freshman year and managed to successfully balance his schoolwork along with competing on the field. Will did a great job communicating with his professors and getting his work done while on the road. He always comes to study hall prepared and with a great attitude. This sets a great example and standard for his teammates as well.”

Kiya Johnson: So., Gymnastics, Dallas, Texas (Major: Sport Administration)

Nominator – Assistant Director Taylor Dennehy: “Kiya has set a great example of showing how to be successful in your sport and in the classroom. Since she started at LSU, she has continued to show improvement in the classroom each year. Kiya made the Dean’s List in the Fall 2020 semester then kept the momentum rolling and earned a place on the President’s Honor Roll this Spring 2021 semester. I’m so proud of the hard work Kiya has put into her academics and the time she takes to go the extra mile!”

Accountability – Commitment – Success – Integrity – Diversity – Teamwork – Service – Education

It is through living the values of the Total Team Commitment 2017-2022, particularly education, academic success, and service to the community that six student-athletes are recognized as Cox Communications Academic Center Student-Athlete of the month. These values are fundamental to the growth and development of our student-athletes as they enter to learn, then leave to serve.

The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes is a 54,000 square-foot facility comprised of teams for academic affairs, student affairs and information technology, who annually serve more than 500 student-athletes. The purpose of the CCACSA is to provide an all-inclusive, student-centered support structure for all student-athletes from matriculation, through graduation, and life beyond.