Falcons Continue Historic Classroom Success
The Daytona State Falcons continue the program's academic success in the 2025-26 year, earning a department GPA of 3.34, marking the 16th year in a row that the Falcons have posted a 3.0 GPA or better. 11 of 12 teams earned a 3.0 or higher and 38 Falcon student-athletes earned a 4.0 on the year. At the state level (FCSAA), the Falcons were awarded six individual Scholar Awards and two team scholar awards. 126 Student-Athletes were named to the FCSAA State All-Academic Team (3.0 GPA or higher). Below are each of the FCSAA Awards that were eanred by the Falcons.
Male Academic Team of the Year (11+ Participants)
Baseball
Female Academic Team of the Year (10 or fewer participants)
Women's Golf
Hal Chasey Award (men's basketball)
Tyrese Lacey
Graduated with Honors from Daytona State College in May 2026...achieved a 3.65 GPA...earned Dean's List and President's List recognition throughout his time as a DSC student...two-year starter for the Falcons, serving as Team Captain during his sophomore season...helped Daytona State to back-to-back appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament...led the nation in assists (7.0 apg) in 2025-26 and also averaged 13.2 points...characterized as a young man of exceptional character, leadership and potential.
"Tyrese's leadership, unselfishness, and commitment to excellence defines his excellence. Earning the Hal Chasey Award is a true reflection of the impact he's made on our program, in the classroom, and in the lives of those around him. These qualities have made him an invaluable member of our program and will continue to serve him well in the future." - Alison Mohr, Associate Athletic Director, Daytona State College
Larry Monts Award (men's cross country)
Spencer Lawrence
Graduated with Honors from Daytona State College in May 2025 and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree...has achieved an overall 3.75 GPA and has a perfect 4.0 GPA in courses at Daytona State...earned President's List recognition throughout his time at Daytona State...played an integral part on the Falcons' FCSAA Championship teams in both 2024 and 2025...also participated in the NJCAA Half Marathon both seasons...volunteered at numerous local road races.
"Spencer's leadership, dedication, and selflessness truly showcases what makes him special. Earning the Larry Monts Award is a reflection of the impact he's made in the classroom, in competition, and in our community. He has been a great ambassador for Daytona State College and has consistently proven to be an upstanding student-athlete" - Alison Mohr, Associate Athletic Director, Daytona State College
Jean Williams Award (softball)
Ava Unser
A Phi Theta Kappa Graduate with High Honors at Daytona State College in May 2026...achieved a perfect 4.00 GPA with President's List recognition throughout her time as a student-athlete with the Falcons...received DSC's Female Scholar-Athlete Award in 2026...a two-time All-Citrus Conference performer and earned second-team All-FCSAA honors in 2025...leaves Daytona State as the school's all-time record holder in wins (34) and strikeouts (296)...also phenomenal in the community, volunteering at toy drives during the holiday season, youth softball camps, beach cleanups and also made and donated blankets for the homeless...earned a scholarship to USC Upstate, where she will continue her academic and athletic careers this fall.
"Ava's drive, excellence, and commitment to others truly set her apart. Earning the Jean Williams Award reflects the incredible impact she's made in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. To say Ava is worthy of recognition or any award she could possibly receive would be an understatement." - Alison Mohr, Associate Athletic Director, Daytona State College
Women's Golf Scholar-Athlete Award
Emma Wells
Graduated with High Honors from Daytona State College in December 2025...achieved a perfect 4.00 GPA and President's List recognition wire-to-wire...member of the 2026 NJCAA National Champions and an integral part of the Falcons' program for the past two seasons...extremely dedicated to her success in the classroom and always strives to be the best she can both on and off the course...will continue pursuing a business degree at Jacksonville University.
"I couldn't be more proud of Emma for earning the FCSAA Women's Golf Scholar-Athlete Award. She exemplifies excellence, discipline, and integrity on and off the course. This honor is incredibly well-deserved." - Laura Brown, Head Women's Golf Coach, Daytona State College
Women's Soccer Scholar-Athlete Award
Julianna Trujillo
Graduated with Honors from Daytona State College in May 2026...achieved a 3.69 GPA...led the Falcons to FCSAA Championships in 2024 and 2025 and is a two-time NJCAA National Champion...two-time NJCAA All-American...FCSAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 and Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024...was recognized by DSC with the Outstanding Student Award for her contributions to the college and community and was inducted into the Hall of Fame...has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Virginia Tech.
"Julianna's great self-discipline, positive peer leadership, quality work ethic, loyalty and integrity sets a high standard for herself and those around her every day. Earning the FCSAA Women's Soccer Scholar-Athlete Award is a testament to the impact she's made on our program and in the classroom. She's truly earned this recognition." - Hope Clark, Head Women's Soccer Coach, Daytona State College
Men's Soccer Scholar-Athlete Award
Kyle Bernardo
Graduated with High Honors from Daytona State College in December 2025...achieved a 3.97 GPA...multiple President's List honors...helped the Falcons claim the FCSAA Championship in 2025, eventually advancing to the NJCAA National Championship match...overcame personal challenges during high school, proving that his journey is not defined by early setbacks but by how he overcame them...considered a role model for his peers and a young man whose story will continue to inspire others...earned a scholarship to the University of Albany, where he will continue his academic and athletic careers this fall.
"Kyle's journey is a true testament to resilience, determination, and growth. Earning the FCSAA Men's Soccer Scholar-Athlete Award reflects the hard work and character he brings every day. In every sense, Kyle Bernardo represents what it means to be a scholar-athlete" - Joe Avallone, Head Men's Soccer Coach, Daytona State College