As the 2024-25 women's basketball season approaches, the California Community College Women's Basketball Coaches Association (CCCWBCA) announced its All-Academic Team for 2023-24. 

This honor recognizes student-athletes who have excelled in the classroom, maintaining a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA) throughout the school year. A total of 186 students across the state received this distinction, including four outstanding student-athletes from San Diego Mesa College:

Reese Honenthaner: 3.71 GPA
Alivia Gillespie: 3.62 GPA
Kayla Sabri: 3.55 GPA
Mia Hays: 3.5 GPA

The San Diego Mesa College athletic program has always prioritized academic success for its student-athletes.  Dean and Athletic Director Ryan Shumaker, alongside women’s head basketball coach Lindsay Samaniego, consistently champion the philosophy of “getting players out,” emphasizing education in addition to their athletic pursuits. “STUDENT-athletes… that’s what we do at San Diego Mesa College,” adds Shumaker. “High academic standards, athletic excellence, and future leaders of our communities. I couldn’t be more proud of these individuals for all of their hard work and dedication.”