Student-athletes receive most of their praise during competition, practices, and workouts. The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes chooses to acknowledge the other side of these athletes: their inner scholar.
“I’m excited about our young men and women’s accolades,” said Kenneth Miles, the executive director of the Cox Center. “One of the things that’s great about [the gala] is the opportunity to celebrate, affirm, show [the athletes’] hard work, show that they’re beyond just being athletes…but scholar athletes.”
LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva declared, “[The academic gala] is my favorite event of the year. We honor…all of our great athletes and their great achievements throughout the year.”
“The academic gala has become a tradition now,” head gymnastics coach, D-D Breaux shared, “Traditions are such a rich part of everything we do at LSU.”
Male and Female Scholar Athletes of the Year were J.D. Moore (football) and Jalea Jackson (track and field).
Male and Female Volunteers of the Year, completing the most community service hours, were Morgan Wells (track and field) and Christyna Pitre (soccer).
The Community Service Cup was awarded to the gymnastics team.
The highest team GPAs went to men’s golf and beach volleyball.
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The Mikey’s Awards celebrated the brightest Tiger athletes.
The Tiger Cup is the best team all-around award calculated based on academic GPA, community service, and final standing in the SEC. The 2017 Tiger Cup was awarded to the gymnastics team.
The Biggest Upset award went to the men’s basketball team for their 85-67 upset over No. 9 Kentucky.
The Best Play award went to the baseball team for the appearance of the Rally Possum, which inspired their comeback win over Arkansas.
Male and Female Best Record-Breaking Performances went to Derrius Guice (football) and Ashleigh Gnat (gymnastics).
Male and Female Most-Valuable Athletes were Leonard Fournette (football) and Ashleigh Gnat (gymnastics).
The Eye of the Tiger Award, given to the athlete who’s overcome tremendous adversity, was bestowed upon Colby Delahoussaye (football).