University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: UNC NEWS SERVICES
Twenty Tar Heels Recognized As ACC Graduate Scholar-Athletes
August 10, 2026 | Baseball, Field Hockey, Football, Men's Lacrosse, Men's Soccer, Softball, Women's Lacrosse, Volleyball, Wrestling, Cross Country, Track & Field, Academics
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Honoring individuals committed to excellence in the classroom and in competition, the Atlantic Coast Conference recognized more than 260 student-athletes, including 20 Tar Heels, as the inaugural class of ACC Graduate Scholar-Athletes for the 2025-26 academic year.
To earn ACC Graduate Scholar-Athlete recognition, students must complete a graduate degree program and meet athletic participation requirements while enrolled as a graduate student.
Overall, 20 Tar Heels earned the honor in the first year of the award, continuing Carolina's high achievements in the classroom and in competition.
North Carolina 2025-26 Graduate Scholar-Athletes
Nacho Abeal – Men's Soccer
Blaise Atkinson – Men's Track & Field
Ella Auderset – Women's Track & Field
Shelby Barbee – Softball
Austin Blaske – Football
Tom Chmielewski – Baseball
Will Coogan – Men's Cross Country
Ty English – Men's Lacrosse
Kara Heck – Field Hockey
Maddy May – Volleyball
Max Murphy – Men's Cross Country
Ethan Oakley – Wrestling
Will O'Steen – Football
Makayla Paige – Women's Track & Field
Colton Sands – Men's Cross Country
Adam Smith – Men's Track & Field
Sophie Straka – Women's Lacrosse
Michele Tarpey – Softball
Spencer Triplett – Football
Brooklyn Walker-Welch – Women's Lacrosse
To earn ACC Graduate Scholar-Athlete recognition, students must complete a graduate degree program and meet athletic participation requirements while enrolled as a graduate student.
Overall, 20 Tar Heels earned the honor in the first year of the award, continuing Carolina's high achievements in the classroom and in competition.
North Carolina 2025-26 Graduate Scholar-Athletes
Nacho Abeal – Men's Soccer
Blaise Atkinson – Men's Track & Field
Ella Auderset – Women's Track & Field
Shelby Barbee – Softball
Austin Blaske – Football
Tom Chmielewski – Baseball
Will Coogan – Men's Cross Country
Ty English – Men's Lacrosse
Kara Heck – Field Hockey
Maddy May – Volleyball
Max Murphy – Men's Cross Country
Ethan Oakley – Wrestling
Will O'Steen – Football
Makayla Paige – Women's Track & Field
Colton Sands – Men's Cross Country
Adam Smith – Men's Track & Field
Sophie Straka – Women's Lacrosse
Michele Tarpey – Softball
Spencer Triplett – Football
Brooklyn Walker-Welch – Women's Lacrosse
Players Mentioned
F/M
/ Men's Soccer
Sprints
/ Track & Field
Distance
/ Track & Field
INF
/ Softball
Offensive Line
/ Football
LHP
/ Baseball
Distance
/ Track & Field
Defensive Midfielder
/ Men's Lacrosse
F
/ Field Hockey
L/DS
/ Volleyball
Distance
/ Track & Field
Offensive Line
/ Football
/ Wrestling
Distance
/ Track & Field
Distance
/ Track & Field
Throws
/ Track & Field
Defender
/ Women's Lacrosse
INF
/ Softball
Long Snapper
/ Football
Defender
/ Women's LacrosseFriday, August 07
Tuesday, August 04
Thursday, July 30
Thursday, July 30