University of Colorado Athletics recognized the academic accomplishments of its student-athletes on Apr. 7 during the 34th Annual Student-Athlete Recognition Ceremony at the Touchdown Club in the Dal Ward Athletic Center.
The event highlighted that all varsity sport programs maintained a cumulative GPA above 3.0 through Fall 2025, with a record-setting semester GPA of 3.296 and an overall cumulative GPA of 3.274 for student-athletes. For eight consecutive semesters, Colorado’s student-athlete GPA has surpassed that of the general campus population.
During the ceremony, special awards were presented to outstanding individuals and teams. Phoebe Rogala, a sophomore lacrosse midfielder, received the Charging Buffalo Award for overcoming significant personal hardship while maintaining her academic progress. Yahya Attia (Football), Alaina Fantaski (Women’s Track & Field), and Cathinka Lunder (Women’s Skiing) were honored with the Kris Livingston Motivated to Succeed Award, which recognizes students who show self-reflection and commitment to academic improvement.
Willow Gretsch (Tennis) and Quency Wiggins (Football) earned Most Improved Student-Athlete Awards for demonstrating notable growth in their studies over previous terms. “This award is not just about grades, it’s about transformation,” said assistant director of academics Haley Major in presenting this award. “It’s about the courage to confront challenges and the commitment to grow through those challenges. Willow’s journey at CU began with obstacles that tested her both academically and personally… Like many students adjusting to new demands in college, she experienced moments of overwhelm that made it difficult to fully engage outside of structured support.” Since her sophomore year, Gretsch has kept a GPA above 3.0.
The Morgan Family Buff Club Scholar-Athlete Awards went to Jenna Morley (Lacrosse), Danny Tragarz (Track & Field), and Luka Riley (Skiing) as top sophomores, juniors, and seniors by cumulative GPA respectively.
Other honorees included recipients of RAPID Core Values Awards—Luke Dry (Track & Field), Ben Finneseth (Football), Sydney Jordan (Volleyball)—and Academic Promise Award winners William Bentley (Men’s Skiing), Logyn Greer (Women’s Basketball), and Yukiko Ikedo (Tennis). Ikedo was recognized for excelling academically while adapting to a new language and culture.
Team awards went to soccer for most improved team GPA after raising their average from 3.073 in Fall 2024 to 3.378 in Fall 2025; lacrosse earned Impressive Academic Performance honors after posting its highest-ever team GPA during Spring 2025 at 3.733.
In total, fifty-three student-athletes representing thirteen sports achieved perfect GPAs during spring or fall semesters last year.
