The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) has awarded junior women’s golf member Kristen Vidmar and senior men’s golf member Jake Pilarski the prestigious PSAC Champion Scholar Award.

PSAC gives this award to the student-athlete with the highest grade point average competing in a PSAC Championship. Vidmar, a chemistry major with a 3.8 grade point average, is humble in her recognition by the PSAC.

“It was an honor to be awarded this title, and it was a bit of a surprise because I know how hard my teammates work in their studies,” Vidmar said.

Juggling academics and a sport like golf would be a tough task for anyone, but Vidmar manages it with great success.

“I would have to say that having the professors and good friends who offer to explain the material I have missed while on the road has really helped me to succeed in academics,” said Vidmar. “As for golf, my teammates are a huge support system for me, and we’ve grown to become a family throughout the past years. I know I can always count on them to have my back, whether on the course or off. I could not thank them enough.”

With the fall season over, Vidmar can reflect on the achievements of her team and looks forward to the spring season.

“The fall season for our team was, overall, a success. We won the California Invitational and we placed third at the PSAC Championships,” said Vidmar. “We have a lot of young talent, and I know the program is only going to improve. I cannot wait to see what the spring season and the rest of my career at Mercyhurst is going to bring.”

Madeline Erickson
contributed to this article.