In the US college system, true success is measured both on and off the field. Right across the NCAA, FirstPoint USA athletes are earning widespread recognition for academic distinction, student leadership, and positive campus influence.
Our student-athletes embody the "best of both worlds." Beyond their sporting achievements, they are developing rich, versatile resumes that set them apart in the global job market. Here, we highlight several individual success stories whose accomplishments—ranging from Ivy League academic accolades to campus initiatives—demonstrate the transformative potential of the American university experience.
Rethin Pranav Senthil Kumar | Cornell University
Indian tennis player Rethin Pranav Senthil Kumar enjoyed an exceptional freshman year at Cornell University, combining elite athletic performance with one of the most demanding academic environments in the world.
While helping Cornell secure the Ivy League Championship, Rethin earned Second Team All-Ivy League honours in both singles and doubles following a breakout season that established him among the conference's leading players.
His academic achievements have been equally impressive. During his first year at Cornell, Rethin became a member of the university's exclusive 4.0 Club for Student-Athletes, recognising those who achieve a perfect academic record while competing in Division I athletics.
National Collegiate Rugby D1 Scholar All-Americans
In rugby, four FirstPoint athletes were recognised by National Collegiate Rugby with D1 Scholar All-American honours.
The Scholastic All-American program annually recognizes student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. To qualify, athletes must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher for the academic year and be rostered for at least 50% of the A-side matches during either the Fall 15s or Spring 7s seasons.
· EJ Bowdler: Southern Nazarene University
· Cameron Kean: Brown University
· Dan Kilcoyne: University of Notre Dame
· Luke Turner: University of Rio Grande
This recognition was coupled with success on the field, notably EJ winning the NCR DI National Championship with SNU, while Cameron helped the Brown men’s rugby team to Ivy League Conference glory.
Myra Batra | Ohio Northern University
Golfer Myra Batra has typified the mantra of fully embracing university life in the US during a successful freshman year on and off the course at Ohio Northern University.
Starring from the Polar Bears women’s golf program, Myra helped her team capture the conference championship and qualify for the NCAA Division III National Championships, contributing to one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Academically, she earned WGCA All-America Scholar recognition, one of collegiate golf's leading academic honours, and achieved Dean's List status during both semesters.
Beyond the classroom, Myra was inducted into the Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Business and the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, received an additional scholarship, became a College of Business Mentor, and was selected as a Bear Ambassador. She was also recognised for Woman in Leadership by both the Women's Golf program and the College of Business.
Yannick Kraus | Harvard University
German decathlete Yannick Kraus has thrived at Harvard University, where he is studying Economics while competing at one of the nation's leading track and field programs. During his freshman season, he has been one of Harvard's most exciting young athletes, setting a new university indoor heptathlon record and medalling at the Ivy League Championships.
His success in the classroom was recognised nationally when he was named a 2026 USTFCCCA NCAA Division I All-Academic Athlete, an award presented to student-athletes who combine elite athletic performance with outstanding academic achievement.
The honour places Yannick among an elite group of student-athletes recognised across the United States for excellence both academically and athletically.
Kyle Bennett | University of Rio Grande
With aspirations to develop a career in coaching, Kyle Bennett maximised his time as a soccer player at Rio Grande to great effect. A goalkeeper who made the moves to the US from Dundee, Scotland, he designed and led clinics for aspiring goalkeepers and completed an internship as a personal trainer at Rio Grande. He also served in leadership roles including a presence as a member for the school's Title IX board.
Having graduated from the University of Rio Grande with a Bachelor's degree in Sports and Exercise Science and a minor in Business Administration and Management, he is now pursuing a Master's of Science in Health and Human Performance from Brevard College, where is the soccer program’s Assistant Coach and Strength & Conditioning Coach.
Fabio Mastromarino | New Jersey Institute of Technology
Italian fencer Fabio Mastromarino enjoyed a remarkable first year at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). He earned NCAA All-American honours and established himself among the country's leading collegiate épée fencers, and was named NJIT Male Newcomer of the Year, an award selected from student-athletes across all varsity sports at the university.
The university-wide honour recognised the immediate impact he made within the NJIT athletic department and highlights the influence international student-athletes can have from the moment they arrive on campus.
Ben McLaughlin | Wagner College
Scottish swimmer Ben McLaughlin was recognised for his contribution to university life through Wagner College's Internationalization Action Award. The award is presented to students who make a significant contribution to the institution's international community and campus culture through leadership, community engagement and supporting fellow students.
Ben’s achievements demonstrate that the collegiate experience is about much more than athletic performance, providing opportunities to influence and improve the wider university community.
Ashley Herbert | Michigan State University
Scottish field hockey goalkeeper Ashley Herbert is part of a Michigan State University program that has received national recognition for its academic standards.
The Spartans field hockey program was recognised by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) for academic excellence, with the program receiving national academic honours and numerous student-athletes recognised for their academic achievements.
Competing within one of the NCAA's major conferences, Ashley has benefited from a culture that places significant emphasis on educational achievement alongside athletic performance.
Holly Beckinsale | UMass Lowell
Northern Irish field hockey player Holly Beckinsale has made an impressive start to her collegiate career at UMass Lowell University, combining NCAA Division I athletics with academic excellence.
During her freshman year, Holly earned selection to the NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad, recognising student-athletes who achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher while competing at the highest level of collegiate field hockey.
She was also part of a UMass Lowell program that received the NFHCA Division I National Academic Team Award, recognising teams that achieved a combined GPA of 3.50 or greater. The achievement placed the River Hawks amongst the country's strongest academic field hockey programmes.
Ruby Tonelli-Smith | Bryant University
Australian swimmer Ruby Tonelli-Smith - an Honors student at Bryant University - is enrolled in the university's accelerated 3+1 MBA program while simultaneously pursuing double minors in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Legal Studies. Her ability to manage such an ambitious academic pathway while competing at NCAA Division I level earned her selection to the 2025-26 America East Women's Swimming & Diving All-Academic Team.
This came during a season of extraordinary athletic success. Ruby was named the America East Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet after winning conference titles in the 100 Butterfly, 200 Butterfly and 200 Individual Medley, helping Bryant secure its first conference championship in programme history.
More Than Athletics
Ultimately, the college experience is about preparing young people to thrive in every arena. Seeing FirstPoint athletes earn honors for academic brilliance and community leadership is a powerful reminder of what makes this journey unique and transformative.
Winning on the field or on the track is fantastic, but thriving off it is what lasts. We congratulate all our student-athletes for representing the very best of FirstPoint USA—setting the standard for what it truly means to succeed.
