GORHAM, Maine - Recognizing the outstanding achievements of our University of Southern Maine  student-athletes is something we are proud to do.  Starting with January 2022, Huskies' Athletics and University Credit Union are partnering up to highlight the varied and vital contributions USM student-athletes make in competition, in the classroom and in the community. 
 
Chosen by members of the Athletic Department administration, recipients of this honor successfully embody the Five Pillars of USM Athletics: Academic Excellence, Athletic Achievement, Personal Growth, Professional Development and Service to Community.  

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Rona Scott | Junior | Biology Education Major | Softball
 
Junior Rona Scott is the inaugural female UCU/Athletic Director Student-Athlete of the Month.  An all-conference first baseman for the Huskies' softball team, and a National Fastpitch Coaches' Association (NFCA) Scholar-Athlete, Scott is an officer with  Huskies' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and is a contributing member of Huskies' Student Athlete Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Committee.
 
Scott was selected at the UCU/Athletic Director Student-Athlete of the Month for her recent involvement with the NCAA Division III Immersion program, and for her current initiatives in development with the athletic department and USM Career & Employment Hub.  After her experience at the NCAA Convention, Scott found herself inspired to help students like herself prepare for professional events or interviews. With that in mind, Scott is working to create a Professional Etiquette seminar with the Career Hub, and is building momentum to create a Husky Wardrobe Closet – a space where student and student-athletes can find professional attire to wear and use for interviews and professional experiences.
 
Brogan Kane | Senior | Economics & Finance | Golf
 
Senior Brogan Kane is the inaugural male UCU/Athletic Director Student-Athlete of the Month.  A four-year member of the Huskies' golf team, Kane served as the team's co-captain during the 2021 season.  Described as a mature leader who is inclusive to all USM golfers with the ability to make the hard game of golf fun by his coach Reggie Grant, Kane was a member of the 2019 Huskies' golf team that captured the program's first conference title.
 
A dedicated and reliable student-employee in the athletic department during his time at Southern Maine, Kane has truly made a mark for himself this academic year stepping into a leadership role at the USM Ice Arena. Helping fill a staffing gap, Kane's experience, dependability and professionalism have been paramount in the USM Ice Arena's ability to serve all of its constituents at the same high level all have been accustomed too.  If you've been to any of the recent Huskies' men's or women's ice hockey home contests, Kane's work ethic and knowledge are on display with seamless game day operations taking place.
 

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WHAT IS THE UNIVERSITY CREDIT UNION/ATHLETIC DIRECTOR STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

 Throughout each academic year as Huskies' Athletics moves from fall to winter to the spring competition, Southern Maine student-athletes are consistently recognized at the state, conference, regional and national level for their outstanding and noteworthy performances on the field of competition. 
 
Academically, Huskies are also known for their superior performances earning All-Academic team honors from a variety of awards bureaus as well as the University. This fall, USM student-athletes combined for a department grade point average of 3.24, and Huskies' Athletics will honor its 215 William B. Wise Scholar Athletes in early April.  
 
Proudly supporting and emphasizing the Division III student-athlete model, Huskies' Athletics focuses its goals on five key areas for each of its nearly 450 student-athletes: Academic Excellence, Athletic Achievement, Personal Growth, Professional Development and Service to Community.
 
Many of USM student-athletes play big roles not only on their teams, but also in life -  as student employees, mentors, student organization leaders, civic rights activists, residence life assistants, and more. With that in mind, Director of Athletics Al Bean and University Credit Union are coming together to create a new way to honor and amplify the remarkable contributions of our student-athletes that go far beyond the stat sheet with the UCU Athletic Director Student-Athlete of the Month recognition.
 
"As a department, Huskies Athletics believes in the development of the overall student-athlete. As soon as they become a Husky, we are investing in their future. The goal for a USM student-athlete is for each and every one to realize their full potential academically, athletically, personally, professional and civically.  Our student-athletes are leaders on and off of the field and in the community.  With the creation of the UCU Athletic Director Student-Athlete of the Month honor, we are seeking to establish a tangible way to congratulate and encourage the work of student-athletes both inside and outside of the competitive arena."
 
The UCU Athletic Director Student-Athlete of the Month (one male, one female) will be chosen based upon Huskies' Five Key Pillars: Academic Excellence, Athletic Achievement, Personal Growth, Professional Development and Service to Community.  Members of the Huskies' Athletic Administration will nominate and choose those student-athletes to be recognized.
 
"We're excited for this new initiative and for the increased opportunities to recognize our tremendous student-athletes," said Bean.  "UCU's partnership further demonstrates their commitment to the overall growth and development of our programs."