Photo by: Ethan Mito/Texas A&M Athletics
Five Aggies Earn 2023 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award
Jan 11, 2024 | Center for Student-Athlete Services
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Five Texas A&M student-athletes received the 2023 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award on Tuesday, which recognizes the significant accomplishments of student-athletes in the classroom while competing at the highest level of college sports, the organization announced.
The Aggies to earn the honor were Sydney Fritsch (Softball), Andrea Perttula (Women's Swimming & Diving), Alessio Pirruccio (Men's Track & Field), William Smoot (Football) and Kenner Taylor (Men's Tennis).
"We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes as this is a very prestigious award, requiring a 3.8 GPA to be eligible," Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Paul Batista said. "It establishes again the emphasis our entire Athletics Department places on the 'student' side of athletics. Congratulations to the entire department, these student-athletes, their coaches, support staff and academic advisors - who are the best in the business. As a faculty member, it makes me proud to recognize and acknowledge their accomplishments. Well done!"
The Award is given annually to student-athletes who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.80 or above and have participated in at least two years of NCAA intercollegiate athletics at a Football Bowl Subdivision Institution. The 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award was established by the 1A Faculty Athletics Representatives to recognize student-athlete academic achievement.
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For complete coverage of Texas A&M Athletics, be sure to follow the Aggies on social media at @12thMan (X), @12thman (Instagram & Threads) and @AggieAthletics (Facebook) or visit the official home of Texas A&M Athletics at 12thMan.com.
The Aggies to earn the honor were Sydney Fritsch (Softball), Andrea Perttula (Women's Swimming & Diving), Alessio Pirruccio (Men's Track & Field), William Smoot (Football) and Kenner Taylor (Men's Tennis).
"We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes as this is a very prestigious award, requiring a 3.8 GPA to be eligible," Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Paul Batista said. "It establishes again the emphasis our entire Athletics Department places on the 'student' side of athletics. Congratulations to the entire department, these student-athletes, their coaches, support staff and academic advisors - who are the best in the business. As a faculty member, it makes me proud to recognize and acknowledge their accomplishments. Well done!"
The Award is given annually to student-athletes who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.80 or above and have participated in at least two years of NCAA intercollegiate athletics at a Football Bowl Subdivision Institution. The 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award was established by the 1A Faculty Athletics Representatives to recognize student-athlete academic achievement.
Follow the Aggies
For complete coverage of Texas A&M Athletics, be sure to follow the Aggies on social media at @12thMan (X), @12thman (Instagram & Threads) and @AggieAthletics (Facebook) or visit the official home of Texas A&M Athletics at 12thMan.com.
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