By Cristian Reyes, Nov. 8, 2022
The California Collegiate Athletic Association recognized Cal Poly Pomona’s student-athletes, usually acknowledged for their athleticism, for their successes in the classroom for the 2021-22 school year.
The CCAA released their All-Academic Team list for each school in the division, and CPP recognized 90 student-athletes for this honor.
Student-athletes put many hours into their sport, but receiving this honor demonstrated additional discipline toward success in the classroom. The requirements for the award were earning a 3.40 GPA or higher and completing a minimum of 24 units for the school year.
Megan Shadrick, a third-year business administration major who is a part of the women’s track and field team, explained that once they are in season, the team is gone almost every weekend for events.
With Wednesdays off in season, Shadrick detailed her continued hectic practice schedule.
“For me, I try to get in an extra run in on Wednesday, even sometimes on the weekend, so sometimes I’m going five to six days a week practicing,” Shadrick said.
Currently president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee as well as a CPP farm store employee, balancing all her responsibilities has been challenging. Despite this, Shadrick still earned her place on the All-Academic team for CPP.
Shadrick managed her time using a Google doc that corresponded with her calendar.
“It keeps track of what I have for the week … it helps me memorize what I have next so I’m not late to anything,” Shadrick said.
Volleyball middle blocker Kaitlan Tucker acknowledged time being an obstacle for her as well.
Film work, traveling to games and daily practices take away Tucker’s time in the classroom. By balancing her schedule, Tucker received at least a 3.40 GPA or higher to earn All-Academic team honors along with 12 other volleyball athletes.
Ryan Fields of the men’s track and field team also achieved All-Academic honors. As a graduate student working towards his master’s degree in information security, Fields recalled that in high school he never had higher than a 3.0 GPA and did not try when it came to academics as he was fully focused on track and field.
When Fields arrived at CPP, the mentality to achieve on and off the track was a key change to his life.
“I’m extremely proud of my academics … being able to see my GPA go higher and higher, I came a really long way,” said Fields.
Shadrick and Fields both gave credit to their coaches and professors for helping them in their academics.
Shadrick explained that her coaches always remind the athletes about due dates such as add/drop periods and registration. If coaches see their athletes struggling, tutoring or study hall was encouraged for their rosters.
Fields credits professors for being understanding toward student-athletes. Using Canvas helps these athletes manage their deadlines and dates while competing.
For Tucker, she illustrates her pride for not just her academics but all the fellow Broncos’ efforts in the classroom.
“This is just a reflection of what CPP athletes are like. We are dedicated, hardworking, and well-rounded individuals that succeed on the court and field and in the classroom,” said Tucker.
Not only did CPP student-athletes obtain an overall 3.27 GPA, but 70% earned a GPA over 3.0.
As president of SAAC, Shadrick is looking to focus on student-athletes’ mental health and believes that the number of Broncos to be on the All-Academic Team can increase this year.
Athletes have outstanding talent that earned them a spot on a college roster, but that also comes with many challenges. These honored Broncos demonstrated that with adequate time management, they are able to perform as well in the classroom as they perform in competition.
Feature image courtesy of CPP Athletics