Mikayla Thielges (left), Alyssa Ray (right) and head coach Tairia Flowers.

The rigors placed on the modern student athlete can be incredibly daunting, especially at a Division I school like California State University, Northridge. Between the hours working in both the gym and the library, it takes a very dedicated student to make it through to graduation day. That’s why it’s important to recognize those who make the list and get congratulated at the annual CSUN Varsity ‘N Academic Athletics Honor Roll banquet.

“This is a special time to honor CSUN’s student-athletes who have excelled on the playing field and in the classroom,” said Rick Mazzuto, CSUN’s athletic director. “They are all champions for being great representatives of Cal State Northridge.”

The 61 scholar-athlete honorees took their places — along with their more than 300 friends, family members and supporters — in the university’s Orange Grove Bistro to celebrate what has become a CSUN tradition. Since 1982, more than 500 Matadors have been honored at the banquet for their dedication to their grade point and batting averages. Students like women’s soccer Matador Marisa Miller, who was named co-CSUN Student-Athletes of the Year, put the demands of juggling athletics and schoolwork in perspective.

“Participating in soccer and also carrying a full school load of classes has certainly been a challenge,” said Miller, who is also pursuing a graduate degree in family studies. “If I can succeed in both endeavors in school, I can also succeed in helping families in life.”

For more: Cal State Northridge Honors Outstanding Student-Athletes at Varsity ‘N Academic Athletics Honor Roll Banquet [CSUN Media Releases]

Awards