RICHARDSON, Texas – Five Belhaven student-athletes were named Distinguished Scholar-Athletes for their respective fall sports team, announced the American Southwest Conference on Wednesday (Jan. 25).

The Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Teams recognizes student-athletes who achieve a high level of academic achievement (a 3.20 grade-point average or better) while competing as a starter or important reserve on their team. Overall, 59 student-athletes were named to the American Southwest Conference 2016 Fall Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Teams.
 
Lydia Brandt - Women's Cross Country
Brandt has maintained a 3.79 cumulative grade point average while majoring in Classical Education. The junior from Matthews, N.C. has been named to the ASC All-Academic Team the last two seasons and has also earned 2016 NCCAA Scholar-Athlete recognition. 

Tanner Rogers - Football
Rogers is a Business major with a 3.43 GPA, and was named to the 2016 ASC All-Academic Team. The sophomore from Florala, Ala. unselfishly moved from his natural position as a defensive lineman to the offensive line this season, and was an important part of a Belhaven offense that set program records in passing attempts and passing touchdowns.

Emily Chastain - Women's Soccer
Chastain has accumulated a 3.57 GPA as a Social Work major, and earned both 2016 ASC All-Academic and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete recognition. The senior from Madison, Miss. helped anchor the Blazers defense this season, making 16 starts in 17 games and ranking third on the team in minutes played.

Scott Malcolm - Men's Soccer
Malcolm is a Psychology major with a 3.68 cumulative GPA, who has twice earned ASC All-Academic recognition. The senior from Glasgow, Scotland was a member of the Belhaven men's soccer team that advanced to the 2015 NCCAA Final Four.

Kelly Aholt - Volleyball
Aholt has a 3.68 cumulative GPA as a Biology major, and has been named to the ASC All-Academic Team the last two seasons. The junior from Scottsdale, Ariz. earned NCCAA Mideast All-Region honors in 2015 and 2016, and finished the 2016 season ranked second in the ASC in assists per set (8.82). 

Click here to view the complete ASC release. 

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