Leaders. Champions. Scholars. These three words preceded SEC commissioner Greg Sankey when he took the podium to start the conference’s media days on July 13, 2015. Education was the driving force behind his message, and one school took heed.
The University of Alabama graduated 34 student-athletes Saturday, five of which are affiliated with Crimson Tide football.
Current players Adam Griffith, Jerrod Bierbower and Steve Owens all received bachelor degrees. Former Crimson Tide players Chance Warmack (Tennessee Titans) and Chad Lindsay marched as well.
Alabama’s athletic department totaled more than 125 graduates in the 2014-15 academic year. Listed below are the student-athletes who marched with a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.
- Matt Airola- M. Track and Field/Cross Country
- Molly Atherton- Soccer
- Nia Barnes- W. Track and Field
- Lauren Beers- Gymnastics
- Jerrod Bierbower- Football
- Leah Bird- W. Swimming and Diving
- Remona Burchell- W. Track and Field
- Kaitlyn Clark- Gymnastics
- Riley Colburn- Baseball
- Kryssi Daniels- Volleyball
- Phillip Deaton- M. Swimming and Diving
- Hunter Dennis- Gymnastics
- Theresa Diederich- Soccer
- Nick Efkamp- M. Track and Field
- Brooke Elias- W. Swimming and Diving
- Emily Facchine- W. Swimming and Diving
- Mitch Greer- Baseball
- Adam Griffith- Football
- Nura Hussein- Rowing
- Briana Hutchen- W. Basketball
- Chad Lindsay- Football
- Yanique Malcolm- W. Track and Field
- Steve Owens- Football
- Brennan Parks- M. Track and Field
- Alex Pujol- M. Swimming and Diving
- Maureen Purcell- Rowing
- Levi Randolph- M. Basketball
- Ashley Sledge- Gymnastics
- Annalika Steyn- Soccer
- Kristel Vourna- W. Swimming and Diving
- Maruschka Waldus- Soccer
- Chance Warmack- Football
- Katherine White- Volleyball
- Kayla Williams- Gymnastics
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.