In a ceremony brimming with pride, Stevenson University inducted its newest members into Chi Alpha Sigma, the prestigious honor society that highlights the accomplishments of student athletes who balance rigorous academics and athletic excellence.
“It takes grit, determination, and you have to stay on a team,” said Chip Rouse, advisor of Chi Alpha Sigma, Maryland Omicron chapter. “Those things are hard to do.”
Chia Alpha Sigma is the only national honor society that recognizes student athletes who excel both on and off the field.
To be inducted, student athletes must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA with credits indicating third-year status, be members in good standing of an NCAA team, and be approved by their coach.
“[Chi Alpha Sigma] is national, has plans of going international, and represents the dual challenge of being an athlete and a really good student,” said Brett Adams, the Director of Athletics at Stevenson University.
At the induction ceremony on Sunday night, Chi Alpha Sigma pins that can be worn at graduation and job interviews were given to the inductees, along with a certificate. The table holding the pins was covered in a Chi Alpha Sigma drape.
For many student athletes, being inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma is the culmination of years of hard work, commitment, and perseverance. Annabelle Rossow, a third-year captain of the acrobatics and tumbling team, expressed her pride in being selected for this esteemed honor.
“It just shows all the hard work that I put in on and off the mat and in the classroom,” Rossow said. “All of us student athletes work incredibly hard, and time management is something we have to excel in.”
The demands of being both a student and an athlete can be overwhelming, yet the support system at Stevenson University helps student athletes manage their responsibilities.
“It makes you feel really proud to be a success,” said Anna Zadel, second-year player on the field hockey team. “It shows that there’s so much support for us too, and that there are people here who care about us and know how hard we work.”
Rossow also emphasized the important role of those who support student athletes, both academically and athletically.
“BK has been one of our biggest supporters,” Rossow said, referencing Dr. Beth Kobett, the Dean of the School of Education at Stevenson. “Also, my coach had such a big impact on me and a good impact on my team in general.”
Zadel recognizes that successful student athletes have to juggle the various aspects of their life, education, and athletic journey.
“I think one of my greatest challenges was putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together and figuring out how to prioritize my sleep, athletic ability, well-being and still perform well in the classroom,” Zadel said.
Rouse celebrates the student athletes who were inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma for being able to balance both academics and athletics.
“To excel at both a sport at the NCAA level and to be a scholar in the classroom is no easy task,” Rouse said. “I am just so proud of the students who can do it.”
