TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida College System Activities Association has announced the 2023-24 Scholar-Athlete of the Year winners across its platform of Championship sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, softball, women's tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball.
From a total of 21 nominees, nine individuals were selected through a process coordinated by the various FCSAA sport chairs.
The nine individual winners are now under consideration for FCSAA Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, which are part of the FCSAA's End-of-Year Awards that includes Male and Female Athlete of the Year and Male and Female Academic Teams of the Year.
Finalists for all awards will be released Monday, July 1. Winners will be announced Wednesday, July 3.
Beach Volleyball Scholar-Athlete Award
|
Ana Paula Fallas Cruz, Palm Beach State
So. | Costa Rica
Boasts a 3.95 GPA...two-year starter for Palm Beach State College...helped the Panthers to back-to-back FCSAA and NJCAA Championships, playing on the number two pair in 2023 and number one pair in 2024...NJCAA First-team All-America in 2023 and 2024...was 22-1 against NJCAA opponents in 2024 and finished her career with an impressive record of 40-1 against NJCAA competition...she and teammate Zuzanna Michalska were named Pair of the Tournament at the 2024 NJCAA Beach Volleyball Championship...performed volunteer work with the local police department, helping with various public service events and community outreach programs.
"I can attest firsthand what an outstanding individual Ana is both on and off the court. She competed with an energy and passion that was infectious, consistently pushing herself and her teammates to achieve excellence. You would expect no less from a two-time First-team All American and winner of back-to-back National Championships." - John Scarpino, Director of Athletics, Palm Beach State College
Other nominees: Rhea Kohl, State College of Florida
|
Hal Chasey Award (men's basketball)
|
Mark Brown, Florida State College at Jacksonville
So. | St. Augustine, Fla.
Completed his A.A. degree at FSCJ in April, graduating with high honors and a 3.90 GPA...lauded by coaches for his work ethic, both on and off the court...helped FSCJ to the FCSAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship, the NJCAA Division II Gulf South District Championship and a berth in the NJCAA Division II Championship...played in 26 games, averaging 3.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists.
"I am very thankful for Mark Brown's selection for the prestigious Hal Chasey Award. He is a model Manta Ray, and we are proud of him for setting the standard of what we hope to achieve in our athletic program. Mark finished his time here with a perfect 4.0 GPA and degree in one hand, and a FCSAA Championship medal in the other. But beyond that, through his experiences, he carries with him the strong character and work ethic that will continue to serve him well as a productive member of our community." - Jerry Thor, Director of Athletics, Florida State College at Jacksonville
Hal Chasey was a long-time supporter of athletics at the former Manatee Community College, now State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, and the FCSAA.
|
Sandy Miller Award (women's basketball)
|
Ashley Thornton, Palm Beach State
So. | Belle Glade, Fla.
Needed only three semesters to graduate with her A.A. degree, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA...currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering...two-year starter at point guard, leading the Panthers to back-to-back NJCAA Region 8 Division II Championships...was named the 2024 NJCAA Region 8 Player of the Year and a third-team NJCAA All-American...volunteered at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches, working with kids for basketball camp, worked with the Winter Wonderland event for disadvantaged youth...worked various college events, including the PBSC Foundation Golf Tournament...also helped tutor her teammates and other student-athletes in math.
"Ashley was the sparkplug that made our team go. She may have been the smallest player on the court most of the time, but she played big for us all year. What is most impressive is her perfect GPA, pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. She is truly a student-athlete and well-deserving of this award." - John Scarpino, Director of Athletics, Palm Beach State College
Other nominees: Shakiria Chaney, Santa Fe; Federica Lagana, Florida SouthWestern
Sandy Miller was a coach at Santa Fe College, long-time chair of the Women's Basketball Committee and former NJCAA Assistant Region Director.
|
Larry Monts Award (men's cross country)
|
Brendan Hamilton, Daytona State
So. | Lake Mary, Fla.
Graduated with Honors from Daytona State College in May 2024 with a 3.68 GPA...helped the Falcons to the 2023 FCSAA Cross Country Championship...earned All-FCSAA honors with a sixth-place finish...later helped Daytona State finish third in team scoring at the NJCAA Championships...has mentored and tutored other students, especially in math and writing, and has been a reliable volunteer for the local running community.
"Brendan is the epitome of the 'student-athlete.' A conscientious student with a solid work ethic, his running career blossomed in his two years at Daytona State, earning him a spot on Stetson University's team this coming fall. He earned the respect of his teammates for his ability to compete hard, pushing others to perform their best. We wish Brendan well and look forward to watching him succeed." - Will Dunne, Director of Athletics, Daytona State College
Larry Monts was a coach and professor at the former Florida Community College at Jacksonville, now Florida State College at Jacksonville, from 1967 to 2001. He coached both men's and women's cross country and track & field, led FCCJ to two cross country national championships and coached 43 NJCAA All-Americans.
|
Larry Monts Award (women's cross country)
|
Shannon Jones, Daytona State
So. | Maitland, Fla.
Dedicated student who has achieved a 3.90 GPA at Daytona State College since returning from an 18-year hiatus from any formal schooling...will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Supervision and Management...placed second at the 2023 FCSAA Cross Country Championships, after winning the individiual title in 2022...a two-time NJCAA All-American...volunteer for her four-year old son's school as well as the team's efforts in the community race scene...has served as a mentor to her younger teammates.
"We are very proud of Shannon for all her accomplishments while completing her degree after an 18-year gap from her high school graduation. As a non-traditional student-athlete, she balanced studies, running, and family life very well. Along with her running accolades, she was a committed teammate, mentor, and leader for her team. We wish her well in her future endeavors." - Will Dunne, Director of Athletics, Daytona State College
Other nominees: Iraly Faria, Central Florida
Larry Monts was a coach and professor at the former Florida Community College at Jacksonville, now Florida State College at Jacksonville, from 1967 to 2001. He coached both men's and women's cross country and track & field, led FCCJ to two cross country national championships and coached 43 NJCAA All-Americans.
|
Vicki Schnurr Award (women's tennis)
|
Alessia Ciampi, St. Petersburg
So. | Prato, Italy
Has posted a 4.0 GPA while enrolled at St. Petersburg College...helped the Titans to a pair of NJCAA Tournament appearances (2023, 2024), including a fourth-place finish at the 2024 NJCAA Women's Tennis Championships.
"Alessia has been the 'rock' of the SPC women's tennis team, both on and off the court, for the past two years. Not only is she a fearless competitor, but she has displayed some true leadership skills in her approach to being a student-athlete. She is very intentional in her approach to improving her skill set on the court but gives the same energy in the classroom, evidenced by graduating with a 4.0 GPA. While she will be missed dearly, we are excited to see what her future brings and happy that she will be an SPC Titan for life!" - Davie Gill, Director of Athletics, St. Petersburg College
Vicki Schnurr was Chair of the State Tennis Committee and Coach at Hillsborough Community College.
|
Roberta Stokes Award (volleyball)
|
Matilda Dahlstroem, Hillsborough
So. | Malmo, Sweden
Completed her A.A. degree at Hillsborough in May 2024 with a 4.0 GPA...was named NJCAA Honorable Mention All-America in 2023, ranking first in the nation in both kills per set and points per set...what you won't find on the stat sheet is the value of her sophomore leadership and dedication to HCC and the Hawks' volleyball program...volunteered with a local train and play program for volleyball beginners...also participated in an enrichment fair at a local public school.
"We are so proud of Matilda for receiving the Roberta Stokes Award. Matilda was a standout athlete at Hillsborough Community College for two years and received her Associate of Arts Degree with a 4.00 GPA. The future is bright for Matilda, and we cannot wait to see what she is able to accomplish at Eastern Illinois University." - Sarah Lytle, Director of Athletics, Hillsborough Community College
Other nominees: Emma Testi, Daytona State; Ana Tezdoradze, Miami Dade; Victoria Zibecchi, Florida SouthWestern
Roberta Stokes was a longtime Volleyball Coach at Miami Dade College-Kendall Campus.
|
Bill Tuten Award (baseball)
|
Xavier Lopez, Daytona State
So. | Orlando, Fla.
Posted a 3.93 GPA at Daytona State College...has graduated with his A.A. degree...named Daytona State's Baseball Player of the Year in 2024...also selected All-FCSAA...led the Citrus Conference with a .445 batting average and also posted eight home runs and 46 RBI...leading by example, he spearheaded the team's efforts to be invovled in the community with events such as SPARC of Volusia County, American Heart Association Annual Heart Walk and participated in camps for under privileged youth in Volusia County.
"It was evident from the beginning of his first season that Xavier was a team first guy. Not initially a starter, he earned his opportunity and took full advantage. He was a quiet leader who provided a steady, calming force. His numbers on the field and in the classroom speak for themselves. We are proud of all he accomplished as a Falcon and look forward to following him at the next level." - Will Dunne, Director of Athletics, Daytona State College
Other nominees: Brandon Clarke, State College of Florida; Preston Murphy, Northwest Florida State; Isaac Upole, Florida SouthWestern
Bill Tuten served as the FCSAA Athletics Commissioner and NJCAA Region 8 Director for 24 years, representing St. Johns River Community College. A member of the FCSAA Hall of Fame, Tuten's high regard for the importance of a quality education along with athletic opportunities for student-athletes has been a driving force for academic excellence in Florida.
|
Jean Williams Award (softball)
|
Ashlyn Shirah, Northwest Florida State
So. | Slidell, La.
Earned her A.A. degree from Northwest Florida State College in May 2024, finishing with a perfect 4.0 GPA...lauded for her work ethic, positive attitude and ability to lead by example, both on and off the field...led the Raiders to their best two seasons in the 35-year history of the program...in 2024, she batted .418 with 13 home runs and 78 RBI to earn Third-team NJCAA All-America honors...active in numerous community service projects, including Challenger League, heart walk, breast cancer awareness and community engagement on behalf of NWFSC.
"We are thrilled for Ashlyn to receive this amazing honor. She represents everything that we strive for our student-athletes to achieve. Our College benefited greatly from Ashlyn's leadership and athletic prowess, as well as the sterling example she set academically with a perfect 4.0 GPA." - Ramsey Ross, Director of Athletics, Northwest Florida State College
Other nominees: Jordyn Anderson, Lake-Sumter State; Rachael Lee, Gulf Coast State
Jean Williams was the softball coach at the former Lake City Community College, now Florida Gateway College, and also served as the FCSAA Women's Athletics Commissioner and NJCAA Region Director for more than 20 years.
|
