April 11, 2005
ORLANDO - A record 361 UCF student-athletes were recognized as members of the Athletics Director's Honor Roll during the Fourth Annual UCF Athletics Scholars and Service Awards Ceremony at the UCF Arena on Monday night.
The 361 Golden Knights earned a minimum semester or cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better during the 2004 calendar year. Of those, 41 had a semester or cumulative GPA of 4.00. The women's rowing team led with 78 scholar-athletes, while the football team showed the greatest improvement with 49 players.
"The annual increase of scholar athletes that UCF is witnessing each year is living testimony to student-athletes, coaches and administrators at UCF heeding the message that academic accomplishment is important," said Dr. Karl Mooney, the Director of Academic Services for Student-Athletes (ASSA). "It is not just about getting good grades, it is also about being a good, disciplined person who can benefit when higher levels of knowledge and skill are achieved. Everyday, the vast majority of UCF Golden Knight student athletes are preparing not only for the next athletic competition, but they are also preparing to make significant contributions in the competitions that they will face in the world after their collegiate career has ended."
Five student-athletes were further honored with individual awards. Senior football player Darcy Johnson and senior softball player Nikki Green received the Shining Knights Award for their academic efforts, team leadership, sportsmanship and community service.
Senior volleyball player Michelle Spaleta was named the Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, while the men's award was shared by seniors John and Tim Sobczak from the men's soccer team.
Spaleta and the UCF women's volleyball team were also tapped as the squad that had the most participation in community service activities. Overall, the Golden Knights touched the lives of over 6,000 people in the Central Florida community during 2004.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the UCF Golden Apple Inspiration Award as given by the scholar-athletes of the year to the UCF faculty member who had been most instrumental in the student's collegiate career. Spaleta chose to honor her ASSA advisor Sarah Hill, while John Sobczak recognized Dr. Alexander Leonessa, a professor in mechanical, materials and aerospace engineering.
A special Golden Apple was reserved for UCF Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. William Callarman for working on behalf of UCF student-athletes for the past 24 years.