17 M State student-athletes earn MCAC Academic Excellence honors

At Minnesota State Community and Technical College, excellence on the court and the field is matched by achievement in the classroom.

The Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) recognized 17 M State student-athletes for outstanding academic achievement during the fall 2025 semester. These individual honors celebrate students who successfully balance full-time coursework with competition in NJCAA-sponsored collegiate athletics, demonstrating exceptional commitment, discipline and time management.

Among those honored are four Lady Spartans Volleyball team members:

Katie Hess

Keela Johnson

Kaitlyn Olson

Sophie Sanstead

The Spartans Football team also made a strong academic showing, with 13 student-athletes earning MCAC Academic Excellence recognition:

Jack Burdick

Amir Downs (All Division, All Region, Second Team All-American)

Tremayne Graham

J’Lan High (All Division, All Region)

Jame Hightower

Jaylen Igou

Parker Rand

Fred Rushing

Antonio Sanchez

Larry Smith

Demeutrese Thomas

Mark Vah

Colton Warrington (MCAC Sportsmanship Award recipient)

“These recognitions highlight what it truly means to be a student-athlete at M State,” said Steve King, co-athletic coordinator. “Our students are committed to excellence in everything they do.”

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