TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida College System Activities Association has announced the 2024-25 Scholar-Athlete of the Year winners across 11 different sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, softball, women's golf, women's soccer, women's tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball.
From a total of 36 nominees, 11 individuals were selected through a process coordinated by various FCSAA sport chairs.
The 11 individual winners are now under consideration for FCSAA Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, which are part of the FCSAA's Annual Awards that also includes Male and Female Athlete of the Year and Male and Female Academic Teams of the Year.
Finalists for all awards will be released Tuesday, July 1. Winners will be announced Thursday, July 3.
Beach Volleyball Scholar-Athlete Award
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Aleksandra Wrobel, State College of Florida
So. | Bedzin, Poland
Achieved a 3.94 GPA during her time at State College of Florida, including a 4.0 GPA for the past three semesters...helped the Manatees to a National Runner-up finish at the NJCAA Beach Volleyball Championships...was named NJCAA First-team All-America, First-team All-FCSAA and All-FCSAA Pairs...volunteered in multiple on-campus events with SCF's student life team, the SCF Foundation and SCF Presidential Inauguration Team...in her free time, she also tutored teammates on both the indoor and beach volleyball teams.
"Aleksandra 'Ola' Wrobel is a terrific representation of what it means to be a scholar-athlete. She is a terrific student, who exceled in her studies. On the court, Ola is one of the best players in our program's history. She is well-deserving of this award and I am thrilled her commitment to academics and volleyball was recognized." - Nick Cichielo, Director of Athletics, State College of Florida
Other nominees: Abigail Bucci, Florida State College at Jacksonville
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Hal Chasey Award (men's basketball)
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Ryan Webster, Santa Fe
So. | Gainesville, Fla.
Graduated with High Distinction from Santa Fe in Spring 2025 following a 4.0 GPA and Dean's List recognition in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025...after playing his freshman season at Endicott College, he started 27 of 31 games for the Saints in 2024-25, shooting close to 42.0 percent from three and almost 50.0 percent overall from the floor...assisted with Boo at the Zoo, Run with the Cops and SFC alumni events.
"Ryan has been a great addition the SF family, as a local graduate who returned 'home' he has proven that you don't have to leave Gainesville to invest in your best self. He sets an example for his teammates and classmates on how to work hard and persevere." - Chanda Stebbins, Director of Athletics, Santa Fe College
Other nominees: Diego Dionisio, Florida State College at Jacksonville; Isaiah Dorceus, Daytona State; Julius King, Tallahassee State; Isaiah Sutherland, Pensacola State; Cole White, Polk State
Hal Chasey was a long-time supporter of athletics at the former Manatee Community College, now State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, and the FCSAA.
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Sandy Miller Award (women's basketball)
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Sarah Owona, Florida SouthWestern
So. | Opvelp, Belgium
Earned her associate's degree at FSW in Spring 2025, graduating with a 3.87 GPA...two-year starter for the Bucs and was Team Captain as a sophomore, helping the FSW return to the NJCAA Tournament after a five-season absence...named second-team All-Citrus Conference in 2025...will continue her athletic and academic career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
"Sarah has been one of the cornerstones to our program both on and off the court the past two seasons. She is an amazing young woman and leader, serving as our team captain as a sophomore and leading our team to a Conference Championship and back to the National Tournament where they reached the Sweet 16. With her work ethic, her focus on her academics, and her success on the court, Sarah is the poster child for this award. We will miss her next year as she moves onto Chattanooga, as much as a person as a player." - George Sanders, Director of Athletics, Florida SouthWestern State College
Other nominees: Allyson Ferguson, Northwest Florida State; Ashara Spruill, Tallahassee State
Sandy Miller was a coach at Santa Fe College, long-time chair of the Women's Basketball Committee and former NJCAA Assistant Region Director.
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Larry Monts Award (men's cross country)
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Evan Casterline, Daytona State
So. | Orlando, Fla.
Earned his associate's degree in May as a Quanta Honors College graduate with High Honors...finished with a 4.0 GPA...in 2024, he was the FCSAA DII Men's Individual Champion, finished 3rd at the NJCAA Championships and earned First-team NJCAA All-America honors...was also named NJCAA Atlantic Region Runner of the Year by the USTCCCA...volunteered at numerous local road races...has accepted a scholarship to Florida Gulf Coast University, where he will continue to run while majoring in Engineering.
"From day one, Evan showed drive and determination to give Daytona State his all. He thrived in our Quanta Honors program and excelled in his sport with only one year of high school experience. Evan was a great role model for those around him and was a vital part of our success. We wish him well as he moves on to Florida Gulf Coast University." - Judy Wilson, Head Men's Cross Country Coach, Daytona State College
Other nominees: Jaime Candelaria, Pasco-Hernando State
Larry Monts was a coach and professor at the former Florida Community College at Jacksonville, now Florida State College at Jacksonville, from 1967 to 2001. He coached both men's and women's cross country and track & field, led FCCJ to two cross country national championships and coached 43 NJCAA All-Americans.
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Larry Monts Award (women's cross country)
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Francesca Azzollini, Daytona State
So. | Winter Park, Fla.
Earned her associate's degree after her first year at Daytona State then proceeded to work towards a bachelor's in Supervision and Management while completing her athletic eligibility...has maintained a 4.0 GPA during the 2024-25 academic year and has posted a 3.97 GPA at Daytona State...the Falcons' No. 2 runner, she placed ninth at the 2024 FCSAA Championships, helping Daytona State to a DII runner-up finish...volunteer work ranges from helping at community road races to tutoring other DSC students to serving as a host for prospective student-athletes who visit the College.
"As a former soccer player, Francesca quickly learned how to handle a new sport and balance it with her academics. She thrived in the classroom, holding herself to a higher standard. Always with a positive outlook, Francesca developed into one of our strongest runners even though she had little experience, a testament to her strength and tenacity." - Judy Wilson, Head Women's Cross Country Coach, Daytona State College
Other nominees: Liliana Flores, Seminole State; Isabella Mesa, Central Florida; Roxxi Ottum, Florida Gateway
Larry Monts was a coach and professor at the former Florida Community College at Jacksonville, now Florida State College at Jacksonville, from 1967 to 2001. He coached both men's and women's cross country and track & field, led FCCJ to two cross country national championships and coached 43 NJCAA All-Americans.
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Vicki Schnurr Award (women's tennis)
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Elena Martinez Prado, Eastern Florida State
So. | Sevilla, Spain
Finished her college career at Eastern Florida State with a 3.6 GPA...named to Honor's List and President's List at EFSC...played No. 2 singles for the Titans, where she advanced to semifinals at the NJCAA Tennis Championships...lauded for her work ethic, positivity and encouragment and for being a great leader.
"We are very excited for Elena receiving the Vicki Schnurr Award! Elena excelled on the court and in the classroom at Eastern Florida; she is very deserving of this prestigious award and she is a true student athlete in every way. We are all very proud of her and she represents Eastern Florida with distinction." - Jeff Carr, Associate Vice President, Athletics, Eastern Florida State College
Vicki Schnurr was Chair of the State Tennis Committee and Coach at Hillsborough Community College.
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Roberta Stokes Award (volleyball)
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Leia Lund, Daytona State
So. | Stockholm, Sweden
Earned her associate's degree in Spring 2025, graduating with High Honors and achieving a 4.0 GPA...in 2024, she was named All-FCSAA and Second-team NJCAA All-America...beyond the court, she received DSC's Outstanding Student-Athlete Academic Award for volleyball and both the L. Gale Lemerand Leadership Award and DSC's Student-Athlete of the Year award...dedicated hours to organizations such as Easter Seals, the City of Port Orange, Jeep Beach and the DSC Foundation, showing a genuine commitment to serving others.
"There are very few Leia Lunds in this world! She truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete—driven, selfless, and an incredible teammate. Leia leads with character in everything she does, both on and off the court. I am so proud of her for earning the Roberta Stokes Award—without question, there is no one more deserving." - Laura Anderson, Head Volleyball Coach, Daytona State College
Other nominees: Nina Boledovicova, Florida SouthWestern; Maria Contreras, Santa Fe; Sofia Sanchez, Polk State
Roberta Stokes was a longtime Volleyball Coach at Miami Dade College-Kendall Campus.
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Bill Tuten Award (baseball)
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Griffin Sorrow, Santa Fe
So. | Fayetteville, Ga.
Achieved a 4.0 GPA during his time at Santa Fe, earning his associate's degree in Spring 2025 and graduating with Highest Distinction...a financial accounting major...played in a total of 86 games over his two seasons with the Saints...recognized as a leader on campus and in the community...served on a student-athlete panel who engaged with visting Take Stock in Children students...served as FCA president as a sophomore.
"I am so proud of Griffin's commitment to becoming his best. He has been a model student and exceptional worker on the field. He makes our department better and is an unselfish leader." - Chanda Stebbins, Director of Athletics, Santa Fe College
Other nominees: Luke Boykin, State College of Florida; Andrew Dawson, South Florida State; Anthony Florio, Daytona State; Preston Murphy, Northwest Florida State; Simon Scharff, Polk State
Bill Tuten served as the FCSAA Athletics Commissioner and NJCAA Region 8 Director for 24 years, representing St. Johns River Community College. A member of the FCSAA Hall of Fame, Tuten's high regard for the importance of a quality education along with athletic opportunities for student-athletes has been a driving force for academic excellence in Florida.
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Jean Williams Award (softball)
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Rosalie Dufresne, Tallahassee State
So. | Quebec, ONT, Canada
Earned her associate's degree in Spring 2025, graduating with honors and as a member of the President's List, thanks to a cumulative 4.0 GPA...twice named Second-team All-Panhandle Conference...has consistently demonstrated the ability to manage her responsibilities with maturity and poise far beyond her years...one of Tallahassee State's most admired student-athletes...has left an indelible mark on the campus and community.
"No one could be more deserving of this award than Rosalie. She is the epitome of a student athlete that any coach and athletic director would want in their program. Her character, along with the work ethic on and off the court every day, enables her to be a leader and role model for others around her. This shows in the fact she was voted the TSC Female Student Athlete of the Year! I am unbelievably proud of her and honored to be her athletic director. I'm thrilled to see her continue her success as she has committed to play at Louisiana Tech next season." - Chuck Moore, Director of Athletics, Tallahassee State College
Other nominees: Leah Clark, Central Florida; Madison Conway, Santa Fe; Savannah Ellis, Lake-Sumter State
Jean Williams was the softball coach at the former Lake City Community College, now Florida Gateway College, and also served as the FCSAA Women's Athletics Commissioner and NJCAA Region Director for more than 20 years.
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Women's Golf Scholar-Athlete Award
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Tylar Whiting, Daytona State
So. | South Daytona, Fla.
Achieved a 3.92 GPA, earning her associate's degree in Spring 2024 and graduating with High Honors...is halfway to a bachelor's in Supervision of Business Management...after a redshirt season, she has been one of the Falcons' top performers, earning All-America honors and helping the team to the NJCAA Championship in 2024 as well as a third-place team finish in 2025...was Team Captain in 2025...has received the Falcon Engagement Award the last couple of years and received the L. Gale Lemerand Leadership Award in 2024...will continue her academic and athletic career at Mercer in the fall.
"I am very proud of Tylar Whiting receiving the FCSAA Women's Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. Tylar's commitment to her studies and sport was her top priority and this showed every single day. Tylar always strives to be her best and she is a well deserving recipient of this honor." - Laura Brown, Head Women's Golf Coach, Daytona State College
Other nominees: Emma Parker, Eastern Florida State; Liv Romer, Palm Beach State
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Women's Soccer Scholar-Athlete Award
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Sophia Varga, Daytona State
So. | Flagler Beach, Fla.
Earned her associate's degree in Spring 2025, graduating with Honors and achieving a 3.65 GPA...helped the Falcons to the 2024 NJCAA Championship while being named Second-team All-FCSAA and All-America by the United Soccer Coaches...was FCSAA Freshman of the Year in 2023...received DSC's Outstanding Student Award and was inducted into the Hall of Fame...will continue her academic and athletic career at UCLA...credited for her energetic personality, leadership skills and teamwork ability.
"We are proud of Sophia and how she continues to represent our women's soccer program on and off the playing field. She was an outstanding leader and an integral piece to helping us build the program and win a National Championship. She has left a lasting legacy here at Daytona State." - Hope Clark, Head Women's Soccer Coach, Daytona State College
Other nominees: None
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