Elkins, W.Va. — Senators student-athletes Becca Rodrigues and Brycen Sechler have been named finalists for the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference (MEC) Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, as announced by the league office on Wednesday.
Each year, the MEC recognizes one male and one female student-athlete from each member institution who excel both academically and athletically. To qualify, nominees must carry at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA, compete in a minimum of 50 percent of their team's contests in a MEC-sponsored sport, and spend at least one academic year in residence at their institution.
Rodrigues, a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, recently completed her fifth season with the Senators women's swimming program while earning a nursing degree. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a perfect 4.00 GPA, she served as the Class of 2025 Salutatorian, was named D&E Scholar-Athlete of the Year, earned four MEC Academic All-Conference honors, and received multiple academic awards including the Academic Award of the Nursing Department and Faculty Senior Award, while making the President's List every semester. At the 2024 MEC Championships, she scored in three individual races. She also contributed to two top-eight relay finishes. Over her career, she recorded eight program all-time top-10 performances. Rodrigues was also involved on campus as a Resident Assistant, and a member of the International Student Organization and Zeta Kappa Xi sorority.
Sechler, from Meyersdale, Pa., is a senior double major in Accounting and Finance who graduated as the College's Valedictorian with a flawless 4.00 GPA. His academic accomplishments include the Freeman J. Daniels Senior Award, the L. Newton Thomas Award, and the Department of Business Entrepreneurship Academic Award. On the baseball field, Sechler made 15 appearances for the Senators during the 2024 season, logging 27.2 innings with a 1-1 record. His best outing came in an eight-inning, scoreless performance at Barton. Over his four-year career, he appeared in 63 games, pitched 98.2 innings, struck out 37 batters, and recorded a 1-4 career record. Beyond the field, Sechler was involved in the Accounting Club and served as Vice President of Finance for Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
Each finalist will receive a commemorative plaque from the MEC. The overall Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year award winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 26.
For the complete list of MEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year finalists, click here.
