Rachael Lee Earns Student-Athlete Academic Award at VSU

Rachael Nicole Lee of Cartersville, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2025-2026 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award. She is pictured with Troy Katen, director of athletics at VSU.

VALDOSTA — Rachael Nicole Lee of Cartersville, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2025-2026 Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award.

The Division of Athletics Student-Athlete Academic Award is presented to a junior, senior, or graduate student-athlete with the highest grade point average. Ties are not broken. A highly versatile defender, Lee covers first base and the outfield for the Blazer Softball team, which she joined in 2025 after transferring from Gulf Coast State College.  

Lee graduated summa cum laude in early May with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Minor in Coaching, and a Minor in Health and Physical Education.

“This award means a lot to me because it shows that all the effort I’ve put into my time at VSU has paid off,” she said. “Being part of the Interdisciplinary Studies program has helped me grow in many ways, and this recognition is a great way to represent my overall experience.”

Lee’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence resulted in her earning All-Academic Team honors all four years of college, Easton/NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) All-America Scholar-Athlete honors, and the 2026 Outstanding Student in Interdisciplinary Studies Award.  She was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the National Collegiate Student-Athlete Honor Society.

“My plans after graduation are to move back home to Cartersville while completing my Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Health and Physical Education online through VSU,” she shared. “While doing this, I plan to work as an assistant coach at Cass High School and coach an Athletics Gold 9U softball team. My long-term career goal is to become a physical education teacher and a softball coach, where I can help develop athletes both on and off the field.”