MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho's student-athletes, Naomi Schraeder and T.J. Patterson, have been named the Vandal Academic Services Student-Athletes of the Month supported by P1FCU. 

Schraeder is a freshman who joined the Vandal women's tennis team from Kelowna, Canada. She is pursuing a management and human resources degree and has demonstrated a strong commitment to her athletics ever since stepping onto campus. 

"Naomi is very involved in her academic success, and she works hard in the classroom," said Stacey Hyde. "She is a pleasure to work with and I am excited to see how she continues to grow at her time here at Idaho."

As she navigates her first year of college, Schraeder has learned to find balance with the help of the many resources provided by the academic center. "Having the academic center and an academic advisor has been a huge help when it comes to staying on top of class work, scheduling class around practice times, getting support when I'm struggling, and having people around me hold me accountable for the work I am doing", explained Schraeder. "Knowing I have support in academics helps me become the student I strive to be and that helps me perform better on the court."

Schraeder strives for greatness and has big goals she hopes to achieve during her time as a Vandal. "Academics is very important to me and my goal is to maintain a 3.5 plus GPA throughout the remainder of college", she said. "Athletically I have goals to be the very best version of myself. Every time I step on the court my goal is to play my hardest and contribute to the team in every way possible"

Patterson competes on the men's golf team and studies technology management. The Granite Falls, California native has already completed his undergraduate degree and is set to receive his master's degree this spring. 

"T.J. is always willing to volunteer and find new ways to stay involved in athletics," said Stacey Hyde. "He is the SAAC President here in Idaho. He is a representative in the Big Sky Conference and is a part of the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee."
 
Patterson has not only made an impact on the course but also on Vandal athletics through his work as SAAC President. "I chose to be involved in SAAC to get more involved with the student-athlete population and get to know them better," he explained. "Being president has been great. I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to offer my opinion on decision-making alongside faculty and other student-athletes. It is like one big family and I have formed so many great relationships along the way."

After five seasons as a Vandal, he will head back to California to pursue new endeavors. "After receiving my master's degree, I plan to return home and start working at a wealth management firm, but I am looking to pursue career options in the military," stated Patterson. 

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.