Tuscaloosa Celebrates Graduation of 35 Crimson Tide Student-Athletes
Tuscaloosa, AL – This weekend marks a significant moment for 35 student-athletes from the University of Alabama as they prepare to graduate during the winter commencement. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday in the Coleman Coliseum, symbolizing the culmination of their hard work and dedication both in academics and athletics.
The graduating class includes members from the 2020 national championship football team along with five All-Americans and champions from various Southeastern Conference (SEC) sports such as football, soccer, and cross country. A total of 14 football players will receive their diplomas, including Jah-Marien Latham and Malachi Moore, both of whom played a vital role in the team’s recent success.
Football Achievements
All of the graduating football student-athletes contributed to at least one of the three SEC Championships won in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Notably, Tyler Booker earned All-American honors, while Kneeland Hibbett and Jalen Milroe were recognized on All-SEC teams. Their achievements are indicative of the high level of talent found within the Crimson Tide football program.
Other notable graduates from the football team include MJ Chirgwin, CJ Dippre, Tim Keenan III, Kendrick Law, Coby McNeal, Damon Payne Jr., Ty Simpson, and Kade Wehby. Each of these athletes has shown dedication not only on the field but also in their pursuit of higher education.
Soccer and Gymnastics Success
The graduating soccer team also has reason to celebrate with five members completing their degrees: Carys Hall, Kate Henderson, Nedya Sawan, Gessica Skorka, and Brooke Steere. Among them, Skorka is a standout with her accolades as an All-American and a two-time College Sports Communicator Academic All-American, contributing significantly to Alabama’s historic run in the 2022 College Cup.
Meanwhile, the gymnastics program will see four-time All-American Lilly Hudson graduate, along with fellow three-time Scholastic All-American Corinne Bunagan. Their success emphasizes the significance of academia in conjunction with athletics at Alabama.
Other Notable Graduates
Graduation day will also honor members from other sports, including Kaique Alves from men’s swimming, who is a seven-time All-American, and Megan Albamonti from women’s track. They reflect the diversity of talent across various athletic programs.
The cross country squad will celebrate the achievements of Brady Barton, who was part of the 2022 SEC championship team, along with golfers Elina Sinz and Isabella van der Biest. Other graduates include athletes from baseball, men’s basketball, rowing, women’s swimming, women’s tennis, and volleyball, showcasing the extensive range of disciplines represented in this graduating class.
A Promising Future
This weekend’s graduation ceremony symbolizes not just the end of an era for these athletes but also a new beginning. As they exit the University, these student-athletes carry with them the skills and knowledge acquired over their years of hard work, ready to take on new challenges in their lives beyond college sports.
The winter commencement is set to be a celebratory event, marking achievements that go beyond athletic success, as each student moves forward into their respective futures equipped with their hard-earned diplomas and valuable experiences.
