TRAFFORD, Pa. (pacathletics.org) -- Allegheny College junior Sophia Godzak (Belle Vernon, Pa. | Belle Vernon) and Bethany College graduate student Christian Funari (Wheeling, W.Va. | Wheeling Park) were named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Scholar-Athletes of the Month for March.
Each month, the SAAC groups at PAC member institutions are asked to nominate one male and one female student-athlete for PAC SAAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month consideration based on academic and athletic accomplishments. Nominees must be varsity team members in their respective sport and in their junior or senior year. Scholar-Athlete of the Month nominees must also have a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher and be actively involved within their campus communities.
Godzak opened the 2024 season on an eight-game hit streak, including a 4-for-4 that included a home run in a 7-0 win over Otterbein on Tuesday, March 5. The Gators continued with a successful month of March, posting a 10-4 record with Godzak hitting .348 with 11 RBIs, five runs scored and one home run.
The junior Neuroscience major, with a Global Health Studies minor, maintains a 3.78 GPA and has been named a Distinguished Alden Scholar (high dean’s list) two times. Godzak was a 2022-23 CSC Academic All-District selection, as well as being named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll. She is a member of the International Honor Society of Psychology (Psi Chi).
On Allegheny’s campus, Godzak is a member of the Pre-Health Club, Neuroscience Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is currently the SAAC co-president and former secretary and also a reporter for The Campus (student news). Godzak volunteers at the Meadville Medical Emergency Department and shadows Brian Ruby, PA-C at Penn Highlands Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.
Female March honorable mention nominees included Bethany senior Destiny Goodnight (softball); Franciscan junior Theresa Lyle (lacrosse); Geneva senior Julia Hart (softball); Grove City senior Erin Mulholland (softball); W&J senior Sofia Jenkins (lacrosse); Waynesburg senior Kayla Gratton (softball) and Westminster senior Breannda Davis (outdoor track & field).
Funari helped the Bethany men’s lacrosse team to a 4-2 record in March. The defensive standout totaled 16 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers, including a stellar performance in the March 30 win over Anderson (Indiana) in which Funari earned a game-high six caused turnovers. He currently holds the program record for caused turnovers in a career with 97 and single-season caused turnover record with 39.
In addition to being a standout on the field, Funari proves to be a standout in the classroom, graduating a year earlier than anticipated. Currently a graduate student working toward earning a masters degree in Business Administration, he maintains a 4.0 GPA. Funari has been named to the Dean’s List four times as well as the Presidents’ List twice (as an undergrad). He has also been honored with the Excellence Award in Finance.
An active member of Greek Life on Bethany's campus, Funari is a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, receiving the Paul A. Elfer's award for excellence as treasurer for the chapter and currently serving as president, receiving the President of the Year award. He was also a Greek Man of the Year nominee (Froscars 2024).
Male March honorable mention nominees included: Allegheny senior Jonathan Sharp (baseball); Geneva junior Derek Sears (baseball); Grove City junior Tyler Eagan (outdoor track & field); Waynesburg junior Dalton Mount (baseball) and Westminster junior Gavin Jones (lacrosse).