Robbi Pickeral Evans Senior Associate Athletic Director External Affairs and Strategic Communications | University of North Carolina Athletics Website
Robbi Pickeral Evans Senior Associate Athletic Director External Affairs and Strategic Communications | University of North Carolina Athletics Website
More than 300 members of the University of North Carolina community gathered for the annual Carolina Athletics Academic Awards Luncheon. The event celebrated academic achievements, with attendees including student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff. The gathering took place at the George Watts Hill Alumni Center.
The highlight of the luncheon was the recognition of this year's Top Ten Scholar-Athletes. These five men and five women are graduating with the highest cumulative grade point averages, collectively maintaining a 3.89 GPA. Each honoree shared words of gratitude and advice during their time on stage.
Natalia Aseguinolaza from the women's golf team spoke about teamwork and perseverance as she prepares to move to New York after graduation. Her mentor, Jackie Fritsch from Kenan-Flagler Business School, attended as her guest.
Dorritt Eisenbeis from field hockey emphasized leadership and learning, encouraging others to utilize Carolina's network. Chris Mumford from the Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship was her guest.
Christopher Holliday from football shared insights on college plans and thanked Dr. Erianne Weight for support.
Rob Landry from men's basketball discussed faith's role in his academic journey, with Dr. Chad Pecot as his guest.
Jack Loftus from men's lacrosse highlighted personal growth through his team's motto "Family, Academics, Lacrosse." Sandeep Rath attended as his guest.
Gigi Maroney from rowing advised persistence in passion projects. Cassandra Weatherford and Allen Wilson were her guests.
Alec Mulvaney from men's fencing spoke about relationships' importance, accompanied by Dr. Brendan Carr.
Peter Murphy from men's tennis expressed appreciation for Wendell Gilland's supportive environment despite being absent due to NCAA Tournament commitments.
Elizabeth Scotty from women's tennis credited those around her for her success while balancing academics and athletics. Jules Dixon-Green supported her efforts alongside coach Brian Kalbas.
Lauren Walsh from rowing reflected on personal growth at UNC with Arzu Ozouz as her guest.
Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham concluded the program by acknowledging faculty dedication to student-athlete success. Cunningham noted key values such as opportunity and mentorship expressed by the honorees: "It's really special to hear you reflect those values."
2023-24 Top Ten Scholar-Athletes include Natalia Aseguinolaza (women's golf), Dorritt Eisenbeis (field hockey), Christopher Holliday (football), Rob Landry (men's basketball), Jack Loftus (men's lacrosse), Gigi Maroney (rowing), Alec Mulvaney (men's fencing), Peter Murphy (men's tennis), Elizabeth Scotty (women's tennis), Lauren Walsh (rowing).