All-Time ASC Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor Recipients

RICHARDSON, Texas – Twenty graduating student-athletes from the 10 American Southwest Conference member institutions are honored by the conference and their institutions 2022-23 ASC Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor recipients.
 
The Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor is the highest honor one can achieve as an American Southwest Conference student-athlete. Presented by the Faculty Athletics Representatives, the Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor is awarded to one male and one female member of each member institution's graduating class who has compiled the most outstanding record in academics, athletics, and leadership over their collegiate career.
 
Recipients of the 2022-23 ASC Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor represent 11 different conference sports. These individuals have earned academic honors, were accepted to graduate-level programs, are members of academic honor societies and campus organizations; competed on conference title teams; earned Academic All-America, ASC All-Academic, Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and All-Conference honors; and who served as volunteers, tutors and mentors within the campus and community.
 
 
ASC 2022-23 Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor Award Recipients

Member	Scholar-Athlete	Major(s)	Sport(s)	Hometown
Concordia Texas	Jacob Ismir	Mathematics	Cross Country	Fort Worth, Texas
	Sarah Ghormley	Environmental Science and Conservation	Volleyball	Bastrop, Texas
East Texas Baptist	Erick “EJ” Burgess	Political Science, Minor in Pre-Law	Football	Denham Springs, La.
	Ashley Croft	Rehabilitative Science	Softball	Cypress, Texas
Hardin-Simmons	Cody Harral	Biology	Football	Ballinger, Texas
	Samantha Tatum	Marketing	Basketball	Grapevine, Texas
Howard Payne	Casey Dufner	Kinesiology	Football	Austin, Texas
	Trynadee Greenwell	Kinesiology	Basketball	Rowlett, Texas
LeTourneau	Julian Lee	Mechanical Engineering	Tennis	Albuquerque, N.M.
	Kersten Reeser	Biomedical Engineering	Soccer	Dover, PA
Mary Hardin-Baylor	Sante Parker, Jr.	Computer Science	Football	Katy, Texas
	Maria Rico	Psychology	Soccer	Cedar Park, Texas
McMurry	Lewis Munro	Business Management	Golf	Aberdeen, Scotland
	Jesse Stephenson	Kinesiology	Softball	Marble Falls, Texas
Ozarks	Charleus Emmanuel Ritch	Business Administration	Soccer	Carrefour, Haiti
	Kailey Barnes	Physical Education	Soccer	Roanoke, Texas
Sul Ross State	Ian Craigie	Political Science	Baseball	Pflugerville, Texas
	Nadia Valverde	English	Softball	El Paso, Texas
UT Dallas	Trent Sakakini	Finance	Cross Country/Track & Field	Frisco, Texas
	Karen Alvarez	Marketing	Golf	Katy, Texas

 
Biographical information provided by each student-athletes' Faculty Athletic Representative and Sports Information Director.
 
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS
 
Jacob Ismir | Mathematics | Cross Country | Fort Worth, Texas
During his collegiate career, Jacob Ismir has been a record setter in cross country and track and field. He is the program’s record holder in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 10:05.05. Ismir helped lead the Tornados to a fourth-place finish at the ASC cross country championship in October, the highest in program history. Ismir earned cross country all-conference honors, which was the first time Concordia Texas had a representative since 2014.
 
Sarah Ghormley | Environmental Science and Conservation | Volleyball | Bastrop, Texas
In her collegiate career, Sarah Ghormley competed in 83 matches and 288 sets, registering 40 career double-doubles which was highlighted by her first 20-20 game with 21 digs and 20 kills in a win over Hardin-Simmons this fall. She is currently 11th all-time in the program and fifth all-time in the modern-scoring system with 1,008 digs and she is sixth all-time and first in the modern-scoring system with 966 kills. Ghormley has earned ASC All-Conference, ASC West Division, Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Team and was a two-time ASC Academic All-Conference selection.
 
EAST TEXAS BAPTIST
 
Erick “EJ” Burgess | Political Science, Minor in Pre-Law | Football | Denham Springs, La.
In Fall 2022, Erick “EJ” Burgess completed his fourth season as a defensive back for East Texas Baptist football team. Besides his successes on the field, he was honored in Fall 2022 as a member of both the ASC Outstanding Sportsman Team and the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. He also is a three-time member of the ASC Academic All-Conference. Burgess completed his undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Arts Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law) in December 2022 and was accepted to Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law.
 
Ashley Croft | Rehabilitative Science | Softball | Cypress, Texas
Ashley Croft completed her third season for the East Texas Baptist softball team. During this time, she’s been named NFCA All-West Region First Team, All-ASC First Team, NFCA Pitcher of the Week, and ASC Pitcher of the Week two times. Her academic achievements include membership to ASC Academic All-Conference and selection as a NFCA Scholar-Athlete. Croft currently holds a 3.9 GPA and graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Science, after which she will attend Texas Women’s University in pursuit of a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
 
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY
 
Cody Harral | Biology | Football | Ballinger, Texas
Cody Harral maintained a 4.0 grade-point-average as an undergraduate. He was named a first-team academic All-American by the College Sports Communicators and was named all-district for the third time. Harral was named the ASC football distinguished scholar-athlete. He was also one of the top punters in the nation, averaging almost 41 yards per kick and putting 13 of his 34 punts inside the 20.
 
Samantha Tatum | Marketing | Women’s Basketball | Grapevine, Texas
Samantha Tatum was one of the team leaders on the Cowgirl basketball team which won the ASC regular-season title with an unbeaten league record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Tatum maintained a 4.0 grade-point-average and was the vice-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was named All-ASC Second Team and received ASC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week multiple times.
 
HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY
 
Casey Dufner | Kinesiology | Football | Austin, Texas
Casey Dufner was a wide receiver and special team player on the Howard Payne football team. As a part-time wide out, he made five catches for 69 yards. On special teams, he had five total, four solo tackles. With a 4.0 GPA in Kinesiology, he was named Academic All-Conference team and he was part of the Outstanding Sportsmanship Team of the Year.
 
Trynadee Greenwell | Kinesiology | Women’s Basketball | Rowlett, Texas
Trynadee Greenwall had a productive career as a shooting guard and a defensive stalwart. As a senior she averaged nearly 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal a game, highlighted by a 20 point effort against Ozarks. A 4.00 GPA student in Kinesiology, she was selected Academic All-Conference. She is also active in the social sorority, Chi Alpha Theta.
 
LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
 
Julian Lee | Mechanical Engineering | Men’s Tennis | Albuquerque, N.M.
Julian Lee was a four-year member of the men’s tennis team 2023 ASC Sportsmanship Athlete of the year for the East Division. He earned 2022 ASC East Most Valuable Player and earned All-ASC in doubles. In 2021, he won ASC Sportsmanship Athlete of the year East Division. Lee is a three-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and once on ASC Academic All-Conference. Three-time, All-ASC East Division selection between singles and doubles. Lee is a six-time ASC East Player of the Week honoree. He also was 2022 Ojai West Regional Tournament Doubles Champion, founding member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and teaching leader, and member of regionally recognized senior design project team. Lee holds a 3.79 GPA.
 
Kiersten Reeser | Biomedical Engineering | Women’s Soccer | Dover, Pa. (3.76 GPA)
Kiersten Reeser was named American Southwest Conference Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022 and became a three-time All-ASC selection. Reeser was an ASC Defensive Player of the Week selection during 2022. She finished career as the program’s record holder for career saves and shutouts. Reeser was a CSC Academic All-District in 2022. A two-time team captain for women’s soccer, Reeser also led team devotionals and bible studies. Leader to the younger players offering guidance, support and prayer in all areas of the team. Reeser has been involved in the LeTourneau community: 'GoWeek' Community Service Leader, Car Show Fundraiser for mission trips, Ministry trip participant to Utah to minister the LDS community, and many more. Served the team by being the main person who did team laundry every day throughout the season.
 
UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR
 
Sante Parker, Jr. | Computer Science | Football | Katy, Texas
Sante Parker, Jr. boasted a 3.92 grade-point-average and was able to claim three consecutive College Sports Communicators Academic All-America honors and CSC Academic All-District honors. He was named to D3football.com Fourth Team All-America, AP Division III All-America First Team, ASC Defensive Lineman of the Year, and William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist. Parker, Jr. also received multiple honors for ASC All-Conference and ASC Academic All-Conference. He also was tabbed multiple times for a position on ASC Player of the Week and was on D3football.com Team of the Week.
 
Maria Rico | Psychology | Women’s Soccer | Cedar Park, Texas
Maria Rico notched a 3.91 grade-point-average at Mary Hardin-Baylor. She was on the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Team. Rico also was tabbed on First Team Region X and First Team All-ASC for consecutive years. She was All-ASC First Team three straight seasons and was the ASC Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 and 2021. Rico led the Cru to their first ASC Women’s Soccer Championship in 2022 and a first-round appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. Rico was tops in the league for goals (10), points (22), and shots on goal (29).
 
MCMURRY UNIVERSITY
 
Lewis Munro | Business Management | Men’s Golf | Aberdeen, Scotland
Lewis Munro recently graduated from the Johnson School of Business. Munro was a three-year member of the McMurry men’s golf program. He was recently recognized at McMurry Academic Awards Ceremony. Lewis is a two-time American Southwest Conference Academic All-Conference.
 
Jesse Stephenson | Kinesiology | Softball | Marble Falls, Texas
Jesse Stephenson maintained the highest GPA among senior scholar-athletes. She earned a perfect 4.0 GPA while also playing outfield for the War Hawks. A three-year team member, she turned in a .303 batting average and led the team with 11 stolen bases en route to a tie for third place in the league and the program's third successive conference postseason tournament berth. Stephenson was a member of Kinesiology Klub, Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK), member of the Honors program, earned PEK Jeffrey Vesley Scholarship, Deans list all three years, Summa Cum Laude graduate, Gold Scholar-Athlete, three-time ASC Academic All-Conference, nominated for College Sports Communicators academic all-district/All-American honors.
 
UNIVERSITY OF THE OZARKS
 
Charleus Emmanuel Ritch | Business Administration | Men’s Soccer | Carrefour, Haiti
Charleus Emmanuel Ritch was named First Team All-Conference for the third time following the 2022 season. Charleus was among the conference leaders in goals and points and now has 22 career goals. He was named ASC Offensive Player of the Week twice during the season. Ritch was named ASC Freshman of the Year. He has also been on the ASC Academic All-Conference Team and Dean’s List while at Ozarks. Additionally, Charleus was a member of the 2021 ASC Men’s Soccer Championship Team. He was the university's 2022-23 Male Athlete of the Year.
 
Kailey Barnes | Physical Education | Women’s Soccer | Roanoke, Texas
Kailey Barnes is among the few women’s soccer players in program history to earn All-Conference four times. She started in 56 games during her career and finished with three career goals. Barnes is a member of the ASC Academic All-Conference Team and has been on the President’s List and Dean’s List while at Ozarks. Barnes was named to the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society as a junior. She is a cum laude graduate.
 
SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY
 
Ian Craigie | Political Science | Baseball | Pflugerville, Texas
Ian Craigie boasted a cumulative GP of 3.17 and was able to excel inside the classroom and beyond. Fall 2021 introduced Craigie to an internship with a local public defender that recommended he return to work during and after Law School. Craigie was selected to present his research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium for the past two years. He is also a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national science honors society. His professors and leaders on campus noted Craigie’s ability to think critically and the discussions and leadership he has demonstrated in the classroom and on the field in his career as a Lobo. Craigie has taken an active role in SAAC and Pre-Law Association, which he serves as Treasurer. He finished third in the league for saves with four and is an ASC Academic All-Conference selection.
 
Nadia Valverde | English | Softball | El Paso, Texas
Naida Valverde supports a 3.1 GPA and has been named to the Dean’s List the previous three semesters. Valverde was noted by her faculty that she brings a vibrancy in the room that was palpably felt that encouraged other students to participate. Valverde is a member of SAAC and was inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, the national English honors society. She also engaged in 150 hours of community service, including 30 hours in the local community. Some events included: Hall of Honor Alumni Gala, Sonic Nights for SAAC, community clean-up, reading to elementary students, Fall Carnival at elementary school, and Sully’s showcase recruitment event. Has been named ASC All-Conference three times and on ASC Academic All-Conference.
 
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
 
Trent Sakakini | Mechanical Engineering | Cross Country/Track & Field | Frisco, Texas
Trent Sakakini was the President of UT Dallas’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He was the 2022 ASC Outstanding Track Athlete and High Point Athlete. Sakakini won five ASC Track and Field Championships events – 800 meters (2022, 2023), 1,500 meters (2022) and 3,000-meter steeplechase (2022, 2023). Sakakini was two-time All-ASC First Team, three-time ASC Track Athlete of the Week, 2022-23 ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Team, and two-time Academic All-ASC. He holds UT Dallas program records in 800 meters, 1,500 meters, and steeplechase. In Cross Country, Sakakini has been All-ASC five times and is a three-time Academic All-ASC selection. He was runner-up at the 2020 ASC Championship.
 
Karen Alvarez | Marketing | Women’s Golf | Katy, Texas
Karen Alvarez won the NCAA Elite 90 three consecutive years. Alvarez claimed the 2023 ASC Championship Individual Medalist and is a two-time ASC All-Tournament team selection. She was the 2022 and 2023 ASC Golfer of the Year. Alvarez is a three-time All-ASC First Team selection. Alvarez earned 2023 WGCA All-America Honorable Mention. She was a three-time WGCA All-Region selection. Alvarez claimed the 2020 WGCA All-American Scholar honor. She earned 12 ASC Golfer of the Week honors in career. Alvarez holds career school records in scoring average, tournament wins, and birdies.