55 EFSC athletes were named to the NJCAA All-Academic teams
Eastern Florida State College: Academic Wins, Athletic Grins
Ten Teams, One Cool Certification
In a showcase of brainpower and athleticism, 10 teams from Eastern Florida State College clinched the 2024‑25 NJCAA Academic Team of the Year title—again, a perfect second consecutive year. The college’s students are proving that you can juggle both chalkboards and basketballs, and they’re doing it in style.
What Does It Mean?
- Brains First: The award celebrates teams whose players not only hit the field or court hard but also hit the books hard.
- Redundant Recognition: Achieving this honor two seasons in a row isn’t just a bragging right—it’s a testament to the dedication of coaches, faculty, and, of course, the students themselves.
- Community Pride: The accolade highlights how the campus culture encourages holistic growth—academic and athletic—making everyone in the community proud.
Who’s Bringing the Glory?
While the exact roster of winning teams isn’t listed, the spotlight shines equally on every squad that earned the recognition. From soccer to softball, basketball to tennis—every sport had a scholarly sprinkle that made it award-worthy.
Takeaway for Future Students
If you’re eyeing Eastern Florida State College, know that the environment supports scholarly achievements and competitive sports. And maybe bring a little extra foam finger for those win nights—because who says you can’t hit a buzzer beater and a top test score on the same day?
So, cheers to the 2024‑25 champions, and here’s to many more seasons of rockin’ the double‑major—ness!
From the Fields to the Frontline: Phillies Snag Brian Walters & Baseball & Golf Keep It Smart!
Quick Recap: Former Eastern Florida State and University of Miami pitcher Brian Walters just landed a contract with the Phillies in the 8th round. While he’s polishing his swing for the next season, the SUNY system’s athletic squads are getting top marks for their academic hustle.
Women’s Golf: Academic Aces Rise!
- Cayden Challacombe – Team GPA: 3.65, snagged Second‑Team All‑NJCAA
- Brittany Odic – Same honor, same stellar GPA
- Emma Parker – Also on the Second‑Team
- Mila Tang – Rounding out the Second‑Team lineup
- Jenna Barnett – Earned a spot on the Third‑Team
Team Highlight: The squad took a crisp 8th place overall at the NJCAA Division I National Tournament. Golf’s not just about swinging—it’s about smacking scores on the scoreboard!
Baseball: The Pinnacle of Smart Plays!
- Pitcher Kenneth Robinson – First‑Team All‑NJCAA with a flawless 4.00 GPA!
- Bryce Carter, Owen Simmons, Bo Tabola – Second‑Team reps
- Ashton Fernandez, Jacob Goodman, Parker Towbridge, Houston Wills – Third‑Team honorees
Playbook Summary: The baseball crew rounded up a competitive 3.50 GPA for the season, proving that fastballs and fast‑reads travel hand in hand.
Why It Matters
These athletes show that you don’t have to choose between your sport and your books. With majors in mind and trophies in hand, they’re winning both fields and minds. And if Brian Walters can go from the sandpit to the Phillies’ dugout, these teams prove that a solid GPA can be a doorstop to future champs.
EFSC’s Double‑Threat Season: Brainpower Meets Bracket‑Busting
For the second consecutive year, ten Eastern Florida State College teams have been crowned 2024‑25 NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year. Think of it as a double‑header—both brains and ball skills get the applause.
Men’s Soccer: The “GPA Gang” on the Green
- GPA: 3.31 – that’s basically the same as a top‑grade driver’s license.
- Advanced to the semifinals of the NJCAA Division I National Tournament. Yes, the world’s toughest grass field.
- All‑American Honors
- Luc Achermann‑Stanfield – Third‑team All‑American (the “third” means he’s still in the game).
- Daiki Okada – Joined him on the Second team.
- Mateo Galan, Randie Hernandez, Angelo Lamb, Aidan McAteer, Louis Munn – All on the Third team.
Men’s Tennis: Serving Smarts
- GPA: 3.35 – higher than most of the league’s gym vouchers.
- Finished 6th in the National Tournament. One step away from the podium.
- All‑Academic Selection
- Tomas Cardozo – Third‑team.
- Konstantin Kukaras – Third‑team.
Women’s Tennis: A High‑Scoring Affair
- GPA: 3.29 – we’re talking “smart‑school” level here.
- Secured 5th place—nice showing, if you’ve got a trophy case.
- All‑Academic Honorees
- Sara Ladino – Third‑team.
- Laura Yans – Third‑team.
Men’s Golf: Two‑Birdie Scholar
- Qualified for the NJCAA Division I National Tournament.
- Earned a spot on the All‑Academic team—because hitting a 50‑yard putt isn’t the only skill you’re fine with.
When academics and athletics collide, EFSC makes a perfect storm. Hats off to the student‑athletes and coaches—keep smashing those numbers, both on paper and on the field!
Eastern Florida State College Students Rock NJCAA Academic Honors
For the second year running, all of a sudden, EFSC’s athletes turned their desks into trophy cases, snagging 10 spots on the 2024‑25 NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year. That means 55 bright minds from the campus were all‑star scholars this season—talk about balancing books and basketball!
Mens Golf Gets the Green
- Team GPA: 3.06
- National Rank: 19th overall
- Second‑team MVP: Andrew Bell
Women’s Basketball Swings High
- Team GPA: 3.47 — the same fantastic score as last year!
- Second‑team stars: Amanda Baumgarte
- Third‑team squad: E’Zaria Adams, Ashleigh Battle, Karen Nimo
Men’s Basketball Scores Big
- Team GPA: 3.09
- Second‑team standout: Nate King
- Third‑team highlight: Ernests Locmelis
Softball Slings Scholars
- Team GPA: 3.46
- First‑team MVP (4.0 GPA): Martha Jones, outfielder extraordinaire
- Third‑team go‑getters: Jessica Camacho, Ashley Grieser, Cora Middleton, Luci Walters, Avery Velazquez, Madison Velazquez
Volleyball Mines Academic Gold
- Team GPA: 3.06
- First‑team champions (both 4.0 GPA): Libby Ashline, Mariana Lopes
- Second‑team crew: Camila Canedo, Sarah Henault, Sophia Iglesias
- Third‑team lineup: Dominae Jordan, Hailey Mull
With 55 bright athletes earning NJCAA All‑Academic accolades, EFSC proves it’s not just about scoring on the field—but hitting the books, too.
Hot Off the Press: The Space Coast Daily’s Latest Issue
July 14, 2025 – Brevard County’s premier newspaper has just rolled out its newest edition, and it’s brimming with all the scoops that keep the region buzzing. From the latest rocket launch updates to quirky local tales, the Space Coast Daily delivers news that keeps our community moving.
What’s Inside?
- Launchpad Highlights – The latest milestones from our local space ventures.
- Weather Alerts – All you need to know about the heating season on the coast.
- Community Events – Festivals, parades, and gatherings you won’t want to miss.
- Resident Spotlights – Human-interest stories that celebrate local talent.
- Tech Innovations – Cutting‑edge projects and companies shaping the future.
Editor’s Note
“Every paper, like a fresh rocket launch, gets you thrilled. Grab your copy, dive in, and let’s keep the excitement soaring!”