ALBANY, Ga. – On Thursday, January 29th, Albany State University Athletics proudly hosted its annual Academic Parade of Champions, a signature event that continues to grow in excitement and significance for Golden Ram student-athletes.
The Parade of Champions recognizes student-athletes who achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher during the academic year (Spring and Fall 2025), reinforcing Albany State's commitment to excellence in the classroom as strongly as excellence in competition. What has become an annual tradition is one that student-athletes eagerly anticipate, as they are celebrated by faculty, staff, and campus leadership for their academic accomplishments.
Several faculty and staff members, deans, and cabinet members were on hand to cheer on the honorees, including University President Dr. Robert Scott, underscoring the institution-wide support for student-athlete success.
"This is who we are," said Director of Athletics Kristene Kelly. "We will always celebrate the academic accomplishments of our student-athletes with the same pride and energy that we celebrate championships. These moments matter because they reinforce that success at Albany State is about developing the whole student: academically, athletically, and personally."
For student-athletes, the event serves as both recognition and motivation.
"It feels great to be celebrated for what we're doing in the classroom," said freshman football player Zha'lyn Bell, who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA for the Fall 2025. "We work hard every day, and events like this remind us that our academics truly matter."
Coaches echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the connection between discipline in the classroom and success in sport.
"When our student-athletes are locked in academically, it carries over to everything we do," said Patrick Gayle, head men's basketball coach. "This event reinforces the standards we set and the pride we take in doing things the right way."
As Albany State Athletics continues to build a culture rooted in accountability, achievement, and support. The Academic Parade of Champions stands as a visible reminder that academic excellence is not optional; it is celebrated.
Stay Connected
For complete coverage of ASU Athletics, follow us on social media @asugoldenrams (Instagram), @ASUGoldenRams (Twitter), ASU Rams Nation (Facebook), or visit the official home of the Golden Rams at www.asugoldenrams.com.
ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football with all teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.
