For the 2014-2015 academic season, four Kent State athletes have been named Academic All-Americans by the College Sports Information Directors of America. That’s the most in one season for Kent State since 2004, when a record six student-athletes were honored, and it ties the second-highest total, recorded in 1991.
Emma Johnson, Senior | Groveport, Ohio
Major: Accounting/finance
GPA: 3.72
Sport: Softball (pitcher)
Also named: 2015 MAC Pitcher of the Year, MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete (spring 2015), 2015 NFCA All-Mideast Region Second Team, NFCA National Pitcher of the Week (April 28)
What it takes: “Determination and motivation”
Jordan Italiano, Junior | Canfield, Ohio
Major: Pre-med/chemistry
GPA: 3.98
Sport: Football (safety)
Also named: MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete (fall 2014), 2015 Smartest Player in College Football by NFL.com, Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, 2015 All-State American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team
What it takes: “Discipline and dedication”
Dior Delophont, Junior | Nancy, France
Major: Fashion design
GPA: 3.88
Sport: Track & Field
Also named: MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete (winter and spring 2015), Most Valuable Performer at the 2015 MAC Indoor and 2015 MAC Outdoor Championships, First Team All-American
What it takes: “Goals and priorities”
Jared Skolnicki, Sophomore | Pittsburgh, Pa.
Major: Mathematics
GPA: 4.0
Sport: Baseball (pitcher)
Also named: MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete (spring 2015)
What it takes: “Focus, consistency and a drive for success”