GREENWOOD, Ind. – For the first time in his career Jeronimo Valdepena has been honored as Academic All-District for his performance on the field and in the classroom.
 
The recent Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Finalist was tabbed by CoSIDA as a 2020-21 recipient for men’s soccer.
 
Even though the Yotes did not compete this past season, selections were made on career athletic accomplishments and academic accolades from this season.  Valdepena maintained a 3.63 GPA while majoring in kinesiology.  He had a goal and four assists during the record-breaking 2019 campaign for the Yotes, their last in competition.  He has been a two-year starter for the Yotes since arriving from Patriot High School. Additionally, in the classroom he is a two-time CCAA All-Academic honoree and has been on the Dean’s List his entire tenure at CSUSB.
 
“First and foremost, thank you for this honor,” Valdepena said.  “Being a student-athlete can be difficult because of the effort needed to make sure we are performing our best on and off the field, but with the help of our amazing staff and coaches, it is easier to manage the workload. The way I succeed on and off the field is making sure I am 100% focused on the task in front of me, whether I’m in class, studying, or practicing. Maximum effort must be given in order to receive the best possible outcome.”
 
Valdepena is one of just four student-athletes from the CCAA selected to the 15-person West Region list.  He is now eligible to be selected as an Academic All-American, which would be the first in men’s soccer program history.