Double Honor for Memphis Athletics
Memphis University celebrated a rare double distinction as two of its standout student‑athletes were named American Conference Scholar‑Athletes of the Year, underscoring the institution’s growing emphasis on academic excellence alongside athletic achievement.
Finley Lavin, a key member of the women’s soccer squad, earned the top academic honor for the second consecutive year, cementing her reputation as a leader both on the field and in the classroom.
Lavin’s accolades extend beyond scholarship; she has been recognized twice as the American Conference Defensive Player of the Year and has amassed a suite of national awards that highlight her defensive prowess and consistent performance.
Joining her, Gabriela Zych, who recently transitioned to the role of rifle program coordinator, was honored as the women’s at‑large Scholar‑Athlete, a testament to her distinguished career as a student‑athlete that includes a 2025 USA Shooting 50‑meter smallbore title in both the Women’s and Junior Women’s Divisions.
Zych’s transition to coordination has not dimmed her competitive fire; her recent national titles reflect a continued commitment to excellence that mirrors her academic trajectory.
Team Academic Excellence Recognized
The university’s athletic programs also received external validation, as both the women’s soccer team and the Memphis Tiger football program were awarded the American Conference Team Academic Excellence Award for the second straight year, highlighting sustained academic performance across sports.
Athletic Director Jane Smith praised the honorees, stating that their achievements illustrate the balanced development the department strives to foster, where scholarly ambition and athletic ambition reinforce each other.
University President Dr. Carlos Ramirez added that the recognitions reinforce Memphis’s commitment to producing well‑rounded leaders prepared for success beyond the playing field.