Akili Carris, a standout player for the University of New Mexico baseball team, has been selected as the Mountain West Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a distinction that underscores his rare blend of academic excellence and athletic achievement.
Carris graduates with a flawless 4.00 GPA in his undergraduate studies in business administration, completing the degree in just three years, and is now nearing the finish of a master's program in the same field, also maintaining a perfect 4.00 GPA.
On the diamond, he earned All-Mountain West honors in 2026 after batting .323 with three home runs and 42 RBIs, cementing his status as one of the conference's most impactful players.
Community Impact and Leadership
Beyond academics and athletics, Carris has built a reputation for service, founding the UNM Child Life Volunteering Program that connects student-athletes with young patients at UNM Children’s Hospital.
He has organized toy drives, coordinated Halloween Haunted House events with Lowell Elementary School, and arranged Thanksgiving lunches, all aimed at giving back to the local community.
His leadership extends to campus governance, where he has served as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, participated in the Faculty Athletic Council, and contributed to the Stadium and South Campus Development Committee.
Carris also represented his peers in the New Mexico State Legislature, demonstrating a commitment to civic engagement that mirrors his dedication on the field.
Internationally, he remains connected to the sport as a member of both the Greek National Baseball Team and its U23 development squad, showcasing his global perspective and ambition.
The honor places Carris among only five Lobos to receive the Mountain West Scholar-Athlete award and makes him the sole baseball player in conference history to achieve the distinction twice, a testament to his sustained excellence.