Kylie Gray of Dalton State has been honored as one of the top student-athletes in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) by being named to the 2025 SSAC Women’s Cross Country Scholar-Athlete Team. This recognition highlights her exceptional performance both academically and athletically, as she maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Gray is one of only three student-athletes on the list to achieve this academic distinction while also excelling in competition. All members of the Scholar-Athlete Team finished in the top 13 at the SSAC Championship, securing All-Conference honors. The title of Scholar-Athlete of the Year was awarded to Kristina Stojanovic from William Carey.
Outstanding Academic and Athletic Performance
In addition to her academic success, Gray demonstrated her prowess on the cross country trails this past fall. She achieved a season-best time of 19:10 in the 5K at the NAIA Appalachian Challenge and recorded a notable 23:27 in the 6K at both the SSAC Championship and the UAH Charger Invitational. Her top performance of the season came with a fourth-place finish at the Mountainside Stride, where she showcased her competitive edge.
Furthermore, Gray placed 43rd at the NAIA Appalachian Challenge, solidifying her position as a key contributor to her team’s success. Her combination of academic excellence and athletic achievement exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the SSAC.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholar-Athlete Recognition
To qualify for the SSAC Scholar-Athlete Team, student-athletes must meet specific criteria. They need to be sophomores or above in both academic and athletic standings, serve as starters or key reserves, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3, and have participated in at least 50% of team competitions. Additionally, graduate students and transfers must have completed one semester at their institution.
Gray’s accomplishments reflect a commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom, setting a standard for her peers and future student-athletes in the SSAC.
