News Summary
Winthrop University’s Avery Jolley has been awarded the 2024-25 Big South Co-Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, making history as the first female athlete from the university to achieve this honor. Maintaining a perfect 4.00 GPA, Jolley excels in her Business Administration major with a focus on Healthcare Management. In addition to her academic success, she has significantly contributed to the volleyball team’s performance, earning First-Team All-Conference honors and leading the Eagles to the Big South Championship final. Her achievements reflect the university’s dedication to fostering both academic and athletic excellence.
Rock Hill, SC — Winthrop University’s Avery Jolley has been named the 2024-25 Big South Co-Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first female athlete from the university to receive this prestigious award. This honor is shared with another athlete, indicating Jolley’s outstanding academic and athletic performance in the competitive landscape of college sports.
In addition to her recent accolade, Jolley has achieved a remarkable academic record, maintaining a perfect 4.00 GPA while majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management. Her commitment to excellence in academics is evidenced by being named to the President’s List five times and earning a spot on the Big South Presidential Honor Roll three times. She is also a recipient of the Commissioner’s Award, which recognizes student-athletes for their performance in the classroom and in their respective sports.
On the volleyball court, Jolley has made significant contributions to her team’s success. Last season, she earned First-Team All-Conference honors, playing a pivotal role in leading the Eagles to the Big South Championship final and securing a berth in the NIVC postseason tournament. She was the leading player for the Eagles, recording 320 kills and ranking second in the Big South with an average of 3.64 kills per set. Additionally, she averaged 4.00 points per set, placing her among the top players in the league. Jolley also surpassed 500 career digs last season, finishing 10th in the conference with an average of 3.00 digs per set.
Jolley’s achievements are not her first in collegiate athletics; she has consistently earned All-Conference recognition during her three seasons at Winthrop. Her accolades include First-Team honors in 2024, Second-Team in 2023, and Honorable Mention in 2022, showcasing her sustained performance and impact on the volleyball program.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Jolley is actively involved in campus life. She is a member of Winthrop’s Honors College and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Moreover, she has taken on a leadership role as treasurer of Winthrop’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), demonstrating her dedication to serving her fellow student-athletes while balancing her commitments on the court and in academics.
In the voting for the Big South Co-Female Scholar Athlete of the Year award, Jolley and her co-recipient, and a few other nominees faced strong competition. Jolley and her co-recipient tied with 27 points, having each received two first-place votes. Other nominees included Charleston Southern’s Taylar White, who garnered 22 points, and High Point’s Tessa Carlin with 21 points, indicating a robust pool of talent within the conference.
Jolley’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Winthrop University’s athletic program, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fostering both academic excellence and athletic success. Winthrop’s Head Coach Heather Gearhart has expressed pride in Jolley’s accomplishments, emphasizing her leadership qualities and dedication on and off the court.
With this recognition, Jolley sets a high bar for future student-athletes at Winthrop University, showcasing that excellence in sports and academics can go hand-in-hand.
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Additional Resources
- Winthrop Eagles News
- Wikipedia: Scholar-athlete
- High Point Panthers News
- Google Search: Big South Conference
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Student-athlete
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