By Gavin Claiborne, Sept. 3, 2024
Ninety-three Broncos were named to the California Collegiate Athletic Association’s All-Academic Team for the 2023-2024 season contributing to a new conference record with 1,030 student-athlete selections.
The CCAA began awarding All-Academic honors in 2005-2006 across 12 institutions in all 13 sports. Redshirt and Graduate students are not eligible to receive the award.
“In my first year as commissioner, I have been so impressed with the hard work these student-athletes put into academics, training, competition, and being leaders in our communities,” said Allen Hardison, the commissioner of the CCAA, in a statement. “It is something our conference is very proud of.”
To be selected for the honor, student-athletes must maintain a GPA of at least 3.40 with a minimum of 24 semester units completed, according to the All-Academic Team list.
Junior libero Sophie Biehler from Cal Poly Pomona’s volleyball team has been named to the CCAA All-Academic Team for her academic achievements the past two seasons.
As a two-time President’s List recipient, Biehler, a biology student, spends a lot of time at the University Library, where she participates in study groups that she formed with classmates to better help her excel in courses.
She mentioned that navigating through college as a student-athlete doesn’t always come easy, but she’s found a strong supporting cast in her coaches.
“I have research that I have to do, so my coaches are accommodating with (my schedule) and if I need to miss a practice because of (my schedule), which is really nice and helpful,” Biehler said.
Student-athletes like Biehler who received the CCAA honor didn’t achieve it solely on their own — their success is a testament to their coaches’ support.
CPP cross country and track and field head coach Chris Bradford emphasized the importance of college coaches ensuring their student-athletes succeed academically.
Bradford said he requires study halls for newcomers, invites guest speakers and has weekly meetings with his teams to discuss any academic assistance that student-athletes may need and which resources they have access to.
“We make sure at the beginning of every meeting that it’s not just about running fast and jumping high and all that,” Bradford said. “We’re talking about things that are real. We’re talking about, ‘Hey, midterms are coming up. Hey, priority registration for your classes is coming up. Hey, are you guys making sure that is something on your radar? ‘Cause it’s on ours.’”
To avoid any conflicts between classes and competitions, Bradford works closely with his student-athletes.
“We sign up for classes in October,” Bradford insisted. “We start talking about when spring classes are now, so they can plan their spring schedule around our practices, so we don’t have any issues hopefully!”
However, Bradford said he understands things don’t always go as planned for his student-athletes. Bradford and his staff arrange practices that are individual-specific — a benefit of being a running coach — and if needed, he also communicates with his student-athletes’ professors to find a solution.
“If it is something where they have to be (in class) at that time, then we work through that, because at the end of the day, they’re here to graduate and they’re here to be students, and that’s our priority,” said Bradford.
Bradford recognizes his primary role as a coach is to support the educational goals that his student-athletes have by providing advice and direction, he also believes that sports can serve as a form of motivation for student-athletes to succeed in the classroom.
“I think there’s a lot of things we do,” said Bradford. “But at the end of the day, the biggest, biggest thing we do is support what (student-athletes) are trying to do academically, because that’s why you’re here.”
Photos courtesy of CPP Athletics
