CCACSA Names October 2026 Student-Athletes of the Month
Abigael Chemnagei, Jackson Congdon, Parker Del Balso, Sabrina Lyn, Sean Thompkins Jr., and Ni Xi were named the CCACSA’s staff Student-Athletes of the Month for October 2026.
The selection process evaluates student-athletes based on their commitment to academic success, consistent volunteerism, and service to the community. Nominated by academic support staff and athletic department personnel, the honorees represent a cross-section of programs competing in the fall sports calendar in Baton Rouge.
LSU Track and Swimming Athletes Earn Academic Recognition
Abigael Chemnagei, a sophomore majoring in sport administration in women’s track and field, was nominated by Learning Specialist Isabella Braga and Senior Associate Director Carole Walker. Staff highlighted her transition to the United States and her adjustment to life as a student-athlete at LSU over the past year. Chemnagei ended her freshman year with strong academic marks and maintained that proactive work ethic into her sophomore semester.
In swimming and diving, three athletes received recognition from Director of Academic Affairs Jason Shaw. Jackson Congdon, an undecided freshman on the men’s team, was cited for his attention to detail and timely communication during his first semester. Parker Del Balso, a senior mathematics major and first-semester transfer to the women’s program, established a foundational academic record during the first half of the fall term. Sabrina Lyn, a senior in animal sciences on the women’s swimming and diving team, earned notice for consistent effort and steady progress toward her projected Spring 2027 graduation.
Football and Tennis Transfers Adjust to LSU Academics
Sean Thompkins Jr., a junior studying interdisciplinary studies on the football team, was nominated by the Football Academic Support Team. As a transfer student, Thompkins adjusted to a new system and academic expectations while working through the transition.
Ni Xi, a junior in business analytics on the women’s tennis team, also received a nomination from Jason Shaw following her first-semester transfer to LSU. Staff pointed to her proactive use of available campus resources and attention to detail in meeting coursework demands.
The CCACSA recognizes these monthly achievements under the institutional values of accountability, commitment, success, integrity, diversity, teamwork, service, and education.