MOSCOW, Idaho – Taylor Brickey and Shea Mattson have been named Vandal Academic Services' Student-Athletes of the Month for October, supported by P1FCU.

Brickey is an outside hitter on the Vandal volleyball team, competing in her senior season. The Bend, Oregon native holds a 3.96 GPA and is pursuing a degree in medical sciences. She was nominated for her motivation in the classroom and success both on and off the court.

"Taylor is a motivated student in the classroom," Academics Coordinator Stacey Hyde said. "She will earn a Medical Sciences degree at an accelerated pace. Along with that she is involved in SAAC and is a great student to work with."

Brickey is appreciative of her time at UI and how it has helped to prepare her for life after volleyball. "All the advisors, especially Stacy, have helped me so much, making sure I'm on top of my classes and ensuring I get all the credits I need to graduate early," Brickey said. "The professors here have made the courses very interesting and helped apply the topics to the fields their students will be working in."

Her plans after graduation include more schooling to obtain a Bachelors in Nursing. "I am currently applying to accelerated nursing programs all over the West Coast with the plan to get my BSN within 12-16 months," Brickey stated. 

Mattson is a senior on the men's cross country team, earning a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). The Selah, Washington native owns a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA.

"Shea started working on a master's in teaching as he finished up early with his Broadcast and Digital Media degree," Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Support Services Thad Hathaway said "I'm excited to see Shea continue to exceed as he wraps up his time at University of Idaho this year!"

Earning a bachelor's degree in broadcasting and a master's degree in secondary education within five years is a significant achievement, as Mattson recognizes the university advisors and teachers who have supported his success. "I'm super thankful that the university's advisors were able to help me find a pathway to earn a master's in 3 semesters," Mattson said. "A B.S. in Broadcasting and an M.A. in Secondary Education isn't a frequent combo. I will graduate from the U of I with multiple job opportunities at my disposal, both media and teaching-related. I am on track as of now to have all certifications necessary to teach 6-12th grade English and Social Studies in the state of Idaho (and my home state of Washington) at the end of this Spring!" 

One of the best parts of Mattson's day is getting to spend time in the classroom and interacting with students in his student-teaching role. "Right now, I'm really enjoying spending time in the middle school classroom and learning how to promote a positive, productive, and responsible learning environment," Mattson stated. "I enjoy meeting students and helping them achieve more than they previously thought. It's very rewarding to see young people be proud of the work they did."

Once he closes out his track career and lands his next job, Mattson has ambitions to give back to the sport he loves. "I intend to begin coaching track and cross country at the middle and high school levels!" 

P1FCU is proud to partner with the Idaho Vandals and support the financial literacy education of our students through various programs. Learn more at p1fcu.com/govandals.

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