BREAKING: Dalton State’s Kylie Gray has just been named to the prestigious 2025 SSAC Women’s Cross Country Scholar-Athlete Team, a significant honor that highlights her dual excellence in academics and athletics. This announcement was made earlier today in Montgomery, Alabama, and it underscores Gray’s remarkable achievement of maintaining a 4.0 GPA, making her one of only three student-athletes to do so.
The SSAC Scholar-Athlete Team is comprised of athletes who not only excel in their studies but also demonstrate outstanding performance on the course. All members of this elite group finished in the top-13 at the SSAC Championship, earning All-Conference honors. Notably, the coveted Scholar-Athlete of the Year award went to Kristina Stojanovic of William Carey.
Gray’s athletic performance has been equally impressive this season. She clocked a season-best 5K time of 19:10 at the NAIA Appalachian Challenge and achieved a personal best of 23:27 for 6K, a time she matched at both the SSAC Championship and the UAH Charger Invitational. Her standout finish of the season was a 4th place at the Mountainside Stride, and she also placed 43rd at the NAIA Appalachian Challenge.
To qualify for the SSAC Scholar-Athlete Team, student-athletes must be sophomores or above and hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3. They must also have participated in at least half of their team’s competitions and be key contributors. This rigorous standard ensures that only the top-performing students and athletes are recognized.
This accolade not only reflects Gray’s dedication to her studies but also serves as an inspiration for fellow student-athletes. As sports and academics increasingly intersect, her success demonstrates the possibilities for those who strive for excellence in both areas.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Kylie Gray as she continues to compete and uphold her impressive academic record. Stay tuned for more updates on her journey and the upcoming SSAC competitions.
