Achievement like this doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of relentless discipline both on the track and in the classroom. And that’s exactly why Amanda Radava’s latest honor is catching everyone’s attention.
Amanda Radava has officially been selected for the 2025 CUSA All-Academic Team, as announced by Conference USA on Tuesday — a milestone marking her very first appearance on this prestigious list since joining the Crimson & White. But here’s where it gets even more impressive…
Currently majoring in kinesiology, Radava maintains an extraordinary 3.94 GPA. In her debut season at NM State, she didn’t just perform well academically — she excelled. She earned a place on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and received the Commissioner’s Academic Medal, achievements that highlight her dedication far beyond athletics.
On the cross-country course, Radava became a driving force behind the Aggies’ success. She played a key role in securing two team titles: one at the Lori Fitzgerald Memorial Open, hosted by NM State, and another at the Dave Murray Invitational in Tucson. And this isn’t just team success — Radava claimed the individual title in Tucson as well, marking her first personal victory with the Crimson & White. Some might argue that such a rapid rise is rare—but Radava is clearly proving otherwise.
Her standout season continued at the Conference USA Championships, where she finished 11th overall. This strong performance earned her a Second-Team All-CUSA selection and contributed to NM State’s impressive runner-up finish.
For full coverage of NM State Cross Country, fans can visit the official home of Aggie athletics at NMStateSports.com and follow the program on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook under @NMStateXCTF.
But here’s a question worth debating:
Do exceptional student-athletes like Radava raise the standard for what universities should expect from their athletes, or does it create pressure that’s unrealistic for most students to meet? Share your thoughts — agreement, disagreement, or something in-between — in the comments below.
