TEMPE – Being a collegiate athlete requires more than just showing up for practice and competing hard on game day. Collegiate athletes are first and foremost students, and achievement in the classroom is the most important aspect of a student-athlete's career.
Each month, Arizona State recognizes four student-athletes for their outstanding achievements in the classroom, with two students-athletes earning the honor of highest achieving and two more for their academic improvements this semester.
Men's Highest Achieving
Sr. Frank Ogas – Football – Master's in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Frank Ogas is a redshirt senior who plays tight end for the Sun Devil football program. He is working toward a Master's in Emergency Management & Homeland Security, and currently holds a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA. Ogas joined the Devils as a walk-on, but his commitment in the classroom and on the field earned him a full scholarship in fall 2017.
"My motivation comes from my mom and dad," Ogas said. "They pushed me to strive for greatness as a kid. I want to make them proud in everything I do. I believe that I should bring passion and enthusiasm to anything I do, or why even do it? I take pride in representing the Sun Devil Way."
Ogas graduated with an impressive 3.85 GPA when he received his bachelor's degree in Educational Studies last year.
"Upholding the Sun Devil Way makes you a better person, and I firmly believe that," Ogas said. "Instilling qualities of our program in your own life will give you more fulfillment. You will build better relationships with the ones who mean the most to you. Taking ownership of the type of person you are is something we should take pride in."
Women's Highest Achieving
Sr. Jazmarie Mader – Soccer – Master's in Legal Studies
Jazmarie Mader (Jaz) is currently a senior on the women's soccer team, working toward her Master's degree in Legal Studies. Jaz graduated with her undergrad degree in Communications in May of 2017, and now has set herself up to earn a master's degree before her time at ASU comes to an end.
"My amazing support system has given me the confidence to chase the seemingly impossible task of balancing life on and off the field," Mader said. "Also, the amazing resources I have, such as OSAD and the administration to help keep me on track, have given me the ability to take advantage of all of the opportunities ASU has had to offer."
Jaz earned Pac-12 all-academic honors the past two seasons, and is the most experienced player on the frontline for Sun Devil soccer.
Men's Most Improved
Jr. Jay Jay Wilson – Football – Liberal Studies
Sun Devil football's Jay Jay Wilson is an incredibly versatile athlete who has transitioned over from tight end to linebacker this year. He scored his first pick-6 against Utah last month and as a tight end, he is known for his blocking ability both downfield and in the run game. Wilson has overcome many obstacles and has proven to be an accountable student-athlete on and off the field. His unselfish attitude has given the Sun Devil defense another weapon to utilize in their pursuit for a bowl bid.
Women's Most Improved
So. Courtney Leffel – Volleyball – Interdisciplinary Studies (Wellness Foundations and Business)
Courtney Leffel is currently a sophomore on the Sun Devil volleyball team majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Wellness Foundations and Business.
"I value the community and leadership here at ASU," Leffel said. "These qualities allow me to have a great vision for my future and live my life with a greater purpose."
Leffel graduated high school early and came to ASU in the spring of 2016. That fall, she played in all 32 games as a freshman. Leffel faced some adversity in her freshmen season that caused her academics to suffer. However, in spring 2017 and this fall, she has completely turned around her grades and has been working extremely hard on and off the court to be successful at both.
"My advice would be to seek out opportunities to improve yourself and those around you," Leffel said. "Challenge yourself in everything you do, and be accountable for your actions while being the best version of yourself."
Each month, Arizona State recognizes four student-athletes for their outstanding achievements in the classroom, with two students-athletes earning the honor of highest achieving and two more for their academic improvements this semester.
Men's Highest Achieving
Sr. Frank Ogas – Football – Master's in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Frank Ogas is a redshirt senior who plays tight end for the Sun Devil football program. He is working toward a Master's in Emergency Management & Homeland Security, and currently holds a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA. Ogas joined the Devils as a walk-on, but his commitment in the classroom and on the field earned him a full scholarship in fall 2017.
"My motivation comes from my mom and dad," Ogas said. "They pushed me to strive for greatness as a kid. I want to make them proud in everything I do. I believe that I should bring passion and enthusiasm to anything I do, or why even do it? I take pride in representing the Sun Devil Way."
Ogas graduated with an impressive 3.85 GPA when he received his bachelor's degree in Educational Studies last year.
"Upholding the Sun Devil Way makes you a better person, and I firmly believe that," Ogas said. "Instilling qualities of our program in your own life will give you more fulfillment. You will build better relationships with the ones who mean the most to you. Taking ownership of the type of person you are is something we should take pride in."
Women's Highest Achieving
Sr. Jazmarie Mader – Soccer – Master's in Legal Studies
Jazmarie Mader (Jaz) is currently a senior on the women's soccer team, working toward her Master's degree in Legal Studies. Jaz graduated with her undergrad degree in Communications in May of 2017, and now has set herself up to earn a master's degree before her time at ASU comes to an end.
"My amazing support system has given me the confidence to chase the seemingly impossible task of balancing life on and off the field," Mader said. "Also, the amazing resources I have, such as OSAD and the administration to help keep me on track, have given me the ability to take advantage of all of the opportunities ASU has had to offer."
Jaz earned Pac-12 all-academic honors the past two seasons, and is the most experienced player on the frontline for Sun Devil soccer.
Men's Most Improved
Jr. Jay Jay Wilson – Football – Liberal Studies
Sun Devil football's Jay Jay Wilson is an incredibly versatile athlete who has transitioned over from tight end to linebacker this year. He scored his first pick-6 against Utah last month and as a tight end, he is known for his blocking ability both downfield and in the run game. Wilson has overcome many obstacles and has proven to be an accountable student-athlete on and off the field. His unselfish attitude has given the Sun Devil defense another weapon to utilize in their pursuit for a bowl bid.
Women's Most Improved
So. Courtney Leffel – Volleyball – Interdisciplinary Studies (Wellness Foundations and Business)
Courtney Leffel is currently a sophomore on the Sun Devil volleyball team majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Wellness Foundations and Business.
"I value the community and leadership here at ASU," Leffel said. "These qualities allow me to have a great vision for my future and live my life with a greater purpose."
Leffel graduated high school early and came to ASU in the spring of 2016. That fall, she played in all 32 games as a freshman. Leffel faced some adversity in her freshmen season that caused her academics to suffer. However, in spring 2017 and this fall, she has completely turned around her grades and has been working extremely hard on and off the court to be successful at both.
"My advice would be to seek out opportunities to improve yourself and those around you," Leffel said. "Challenge yourself in everything you do, and be accountable for your actions while being the best version of yourself."