Baxter, Brasel, Dunajcik, and Smith Named Daktronics NAIA Cross Country Scholar-Athletes

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released the 2023 Daktronics NAIA Cross Country Scholar-Athletes list on Thursday, including four UHSP student-athletes.

Abby Baxter and Charlotte Dunajcik were among 626 women's cross-country student-athletes to receive the award from across the country. Zach Brasel and Jeremy Smith were part of the men's honorees, including 491 student-athletes. Baxter, Dunajcik, and Smith are receiving the award for the first time. This is Brasel's third time receiving the award, having been selected each year since becoming eligible in 2021.

In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at said institution.

On Nov. 3, Baxter, Brasel, Dunajcik, and Smith were named to the American Midwest Conference Academic (AMC) All-Conference Team, along with four of their teammates: Sophie Eastham, Lillian Thomas, Abbey Wallace, and Ajia Vigil.  

Brasel and Alyssa McPike were named to the 2023 American Midwest Conference Cross Country Champions of Character Team for demonstrating outstanding character through the five NAIA core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.