MOSCOW, Idaho - Every month we honor two Idaho student-athletes that embody what it means to be a Vandal in the classroom. This month, we catch up with volleyball's Jenna Ellis and men's basketball's Chris Sarbaugh.
Get to know Chris Sarbaugh
Originally from Spokane, Washington, Sarbaugh is completing his final year of graduate school at the University of Idaho as a M.S. Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership candidate. Sarbaugh was chosen to be the Male Scholar Athlete for March because of his dedication to his academic goals.
Deciding to attend the University of Idaho is something that Sarbaugh is most proud of. As a 4.0 graduate student, Sarbaugh has shown dedication to his studies while handling the rigorous schedule basketball brings. Being able to achieve this is not an easy accomplishment, Sarbaugh acknowledges the support he receives from his whole family for his success. He finds motivation through his family's support and satisfaction in making his mom, grandma, grandpa and uncle proud.
Idaho's Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Zac Claus, credits Sarbaugh's unselfishness on and off the court. Sarbaugh is, “Unselfish enough to share his thoughts and wisdom with teammates as to how to achieve success in the classroom while competing in basketball”. Coach Claus also stated that, “He takes his education seriously and is focused to stay on task and work ahead to maintain success in all classes and does this while balancing the rigors of team travel”.
It is increasingly obvious that Sarbaugh is extremely deserving of this honor. We could not be more proud of the contributions this young man has made to the University of Idaho. Sarbaugh represents himself, the basketball team, the College of Education and Idaho Athletics with distinction.
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Get to know Jenna Ellis
Originally from Pocatello, Idaho, Ellis is completing her M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences. As a student-athlete, she has participated as a libero on the women's volleyball team, has been named to the University of Idaho Dean's list every year, and received the Alumni Academic Award of Excellence in 2015. Ellis was chosen to be the Female Scholar Athlete for March because of her dedication to her academic goals.
In the classroom, Ellis has maintained a 3.93 GPA while maintaining the rigorous schedule of being a student athlete. She says that she never thought that her passion for healthy foods and lifestyle would lead to a career. After her freshman year at the University of Idaho, Ellis spoke with Dr. Samantha Ramsay, who inspired her to join the nutrition field. After graduation, Ellis hopes to obtain her Registered Dietitian credentials by passing the national RD exam in May 2017. Ellis would also like to work at the collegiate level and work with student-athletes one day.
Assistant Volleyball Coach, Kara Kiefer, stated that, “Jenna is a leader both on and off the court. Her dedication to volleyball as well as academics was superior.” Coach Kiefer also stated that during Ellis' senior volleyball season, “She worked tirelessly to fulfill the demanding requirements of a master's program while breaking records on the court.”
With the recognition that Ellis has obtained at the University of Idaho, it is obvious why she is deserving of this honor. We could not be more proud to report the contributions this young woman has made to the University of Idaho. She represents herself, the women's volleyball team, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Idaho Athletics with distinction.
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For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com. Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals
