December Student-Athletes of the Month

BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes (CCACSA) recognizes six student-athletes for their scholastic and community achievements each month. Student-athletes are chosen based on their commitment to academic success and for their devotion to volunteerism and service to the community.

Here are the December 2020 CCASA's staff Student-Athletes of the Month:

• Virginia Dirks, Fr., Women's Track & Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Major: Biology)

Nominator – Academic Advisor John Parham: "Virginia started her college career strong and continues to raise the bar when it comes to her academics. She is determined to succeed as a Division I student-athlete."

• Shanya Luna, So., Women's Track & Field, Eagle Pass, Texas (Major: Sport Administration)

Nominator – Academic Advisor John Parham: "Shanya performed well on the trail for the cross country team this semester and is a strong leader by example in the classroom."

• Lexie Nibbs, So., Gymnastics, Houston, Texas (Major: Interdisciplinary Studies)

Nominator – Assistant Director Taylor Dennehy: "Lexie has made great improvements in her academics since her freshman year. She is doing a great job understanding how she learns and works on her assignments. From struggling in her first semester, she is coming into her own as a student."

• Kiana Oshiro, Sr., Women's Golf, Central Point, Oregon (Major: Interdisciplinary Studies)

Nominator – Assistant Director Taylor Dennehy: "Kiana came to LSU last year as a transfer student. She wasn't sure of what her major should be, but has worked hard in her classes to find the right fit for her. She is currently balancing 18 hours along with her practice and competition schedule and doing a great job."

• Isak Vikstrom, So., Men's Swimming & Diving, Helsingborg, Sweden (Major: General Business)

Nominator – Academic Advisor Delanie Authement: "Since arriving at LSU last season, Isak has excelled in the classroom. He has overcome numerous obstacles and is consistently celebrated by his professors. One professor recently shared that she had never encountered a more kind, motivated, and driven student in her 15 years of teaching. His quiet, subtle leadership style is far more impactful than he will ever understand."

• Tiara Young, So., Women's Basketball, Shreveport, Louisiana (Major: Sport Administration)

Nominator – Learning Specialist Molly Ann Walke: "Tiara's confidence as it relates to academics has grown over the last year. She is proactive about working ahead on assignments and stays in constant communication with ASCA staff to ensure she is making the most of her academic career."

Accountability – Commitment – Success – Integrity – Diversity – Teamwork – Service – Education

It is through living the values of the Total Team Commitment 2017-2022, particularly education, academic success, and service to the community that six student-athletes are recognized as Cox Communications Academic Center Student-Athlete of the month. These values are fundamental to the growth and development of our student-athletes as they enter to learn, then leave to serve.

The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes is a 54,000 square-foot facility comprised of teams for academic affairs, student affairs and information technology, who annually serve more than 500 student-athletes. The purpose of the CCACSA is to provide an all-inclusive, student-centered support structure for all student-athletes from matriculation, through graduation, and life beyond.