Svidal again makes history with ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor; Atkins also recognized

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Amelia Svidal just keeps making Bellarmine University women’s track and field program history.

The Atlantic Sun Conference on Wednesday announced its postseason awards for the outdoor season, and the unveiling included ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors for Svidal.

It was an unprecedented acknowledgement, as the Knights sophomore becomes the women’s program’s first-ever ASUN superlative award winner.

The recognition comes on the heels of another groundbreaking feat by Svidal, who became Bellarmine’s first-ever gold medal winner in any gender after placing first in the triple jump at the ASUN Outdoor Championship. That excellence extends to the classroom, where she carries a 4.0 GPA majoring in psychology.

On the men’s side, Chase Akins completed a 2024-25 sweep of Academic All-ASUN Team accolades. The Knights junior garnered the recognition for cross country — along with the Scholar-Athlete of the Year laurel in that sport — and in both T&F campaigns.

Atkins earned a silver medal in the 10000m at the ASUN Outdoor Championship while also scoring in the 5000m after placing fifth. Off the track, he carries a 3.79 GPA majoring in exercise science.

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