Gary Martin of the Virginia track and field and cross country program was named the men’s Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Indoor Track & Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year, according to an April 24 announcement from the conference. Fourteen Cavaliers, including both men and women, were also recognized on the All-ACC Academic Teams.
The award highlights Martin’s achievements both in athletics and academics. He is a Media Studies major who has earned multiple honors during his collegiate career. This season, he defended his title in the men’s 3000 meters at the ACC Indoor Track & Field Championships with a time of 7:43.18, finished second in the 5000 meters with a time of 13:41.66, and secured first team All-America honors by finishing fourth in the mile at NCAA Indoor Championships.
Martin was twice named to The Bowerman Watchlist this season. He broke his own school record in the 5000 meters with a time of 13:05.57 and contributed to Virginia’s NCAA No.9 all-time mark in the distance medley relay (9:16.75). This is his second time earning ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors; he previously received this recognition for cross country in 2024 after winning that championship.
The Cavaliers placed nine women and five men on this year’s All-ACC Academic teams. Selection requires student-athletes to have at least a 3.0 grade point average for both their most recent semester and cumulative academic career, as well as participation in either ACC or NCAA indoor championships during that season.
Women’s honorees include Sarah Akpan (Sociology), Gillian Bushee (Commerce), Tatum David (Public Policy & Leadership), Cate DeSousa (Media Studies/Public Writing & Rhetoric/Leadership), Brooke’Lyn Drakeford (Kinesiology), Suzie Kennelly (Arts & Sciences Undeclared), Samantha Romano (Commerce), Elsa Spoor (Physics), and Ella Woehlcke (Commerce). Men’s selections are Will Anthony (Mathematics/Physics), Gary Martin (Media Studies), Jeremiah Nubbe (Aerospace Engineering), Justin Rogers (General Business) and Henry Sullivan (Real Estate).
Looking ahead, these recognitions underscore continued academic excellence among student-athletes within Virginia’s track & field program.
