BATON ROUGE – The LSU Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes (CCACSA) recognizes 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 December 2024 CCACSA’s staff Student-Athletes of the Month:
Amani Bartlett
Senior, Mass Communication, Women’s Basketball
Reason for nomination: Amani is a senior with a 4.075 GPA midway through the semester, excelling in advanced-level journalism courses such as advanced broadcast, in-depth reporting, production, and live sports coverage.
Nominated by: Carole Walker, Senior Associate Director
Annie Beard
Junior, Interdisciplinary Studies, Gymnastics
Reason for nomination: Annie has been working hard in her degree and is even in a position to graduate early. She works ahead in her classes and is always going the extra mile to accomplish her tasks. Annie has been on the SEC Academic Honor Roll every year and continues to shine in her academics.
Nominated by: Taylor Dennehy, Assistant Director
Kolaj Cobbins
Freshman, Interdisciplinary Studies, Football
Reason for nomination: Kolaj is an outstanding student-athlete who embodies every aspect of what it means to excel in both academics and sport. Since joining LSU, he has achieved great success, all thanks to his dedication and hard work. Everyone at the Academic Center for Student-Athletes values his vibrant energy and personality. He is bound to find ongoing success in his academic pursuits at LSU.
Nominated by: Football Academic Team
Jalen Lee
Senior, Anthropology, Football
Reason for nomination: Jalen is a ray of sunshine. He attends every appointment on time, and many times early! He never complains, and we usually laugh throughout the session. He approaches every situation with a positive attitude. Jalen is more than capable to work on his own but accepts help when needed. He works ahead in his classes, and I never have to worry about him missing or not completing assignments. Not only is he a student, and an athlete, but he’s also a father. His son is his biggest priority, and watching him balance fatherhood, football, a shoulder injury, and academics has been so impressive and inspiring. He is a role model and true leader!
Nominated by: Football Academic Team
Yuya Sawada
Freshman, Nutrition & Food Sciences, Women’s Cross Country
Reason for nomination: Yuya is an international student from Japan, is currently at a 3.735 GPA while taking 17 credit hours this semester. Despite facing challenges with the English language, she is excelling academically and making a significant competitive impact as a member of the women’s cross-country team.
Nominated by: Carole Walker, Senior Associate Director
Kade Woods
Senior, Sport Administration, Baseball
Reason for nomination: Kade transferred to LSU last year and has worked hard to stay on track for graduation. He comes in everyday with a positive attitude and is willing to go above and beyond in his coursework. He has been a positive and encouraging influence on his teammates.
Nominated by: Taylor Dennehy, Assistant Director
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 composed 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.