Two Air Force Academy hockey players have earned a prestigious spot on the 2026 Academic All-District At-Large team, a recognition that blends athletic achievement with academic excellence.
The College Sports Communicators, which administers the honor, requires student-athletes to be at least sophomores and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, underscoring the rigorous standards set for nominees.
A Dual Triumph
Brendan Gibbons, a rising senior majoring in operations research, carries a 3.81 GPA and has been lauded as a three-time member of the AHA all-academic team. His on-ice contributions include playing in all 37 games last season, ranking sixth on the team with 20 points and scoring six goals, earning his second CSC all-district honor.
Holt Oliphant, a 2026 graduate in military and strategic studies, also boasts a 3.81 GPA and a record of four AHA all-academic selections. He too appeared in every game during the 2025-26 campaign, contributing 16 points — seven goals and nine assists — while posting 41 blocked shots, a performance that secured his third CSC all-district accolade.
Both cadets will learn whether they advance to the national All-America list when the CSC At-Large Academic All-America team is announced on Wednesday, July 8, a date that promises to spotlight their dual dedication to scholarship and sport.
Their selections reflect a broader trend of Air Force Academy athletes excelling in the classroom, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to developing well-rounded leaders who succeed on the rink and in the lecture hall.