TRAFFORD, Pa. (pacathletics.org) – Franciscan senior Jazzlyn Melnyk (Weirton, W.Va./Madonna) and Waynesburg senior Seth Evans (Sharon, Pa./Sharon) were named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Scholar-Athletes of the Month for February.
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.
In February, Melnyk recorded 52 points, 65 rebounds, 15 assists, and 13 blocks. The senior guard opened the month with her fifth and final double-double of the season, posting 10 points and 11 rebounds while leading the Barons to their biggest comeback since 2016-17 and their second win of the season on February 1. She ended the season with a career-high 19 rebounds on February 22 against Geneva. Melnyk led the Barons in rebounds (224), assists (75), steals (54), and minutes played (924) this season and finished just one steal away from the program record.
Melnyk is a Management major who maintains a 3.94 GPA. She was a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection in 2022-23 and has been named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll three times.
On campus, Melnyk works in the athletic department as a compliance assistant and helps train fellow students in lifting and exercise programs through the campus gym. She is also actively involved in the local community and played a key role in organizing the inaugural Franciscan Community Invitational, where the Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders hosted the Weirton Madonna Blue Dons on Kozma Court in Finnegan Fieldhouse.
Female February honorable mention nominees included: Allegheny senior Celia Cocca (indoor track & field); Geneva senior Mackenzie Barricklow (basketball); Grove City senior Emma Plank (swimming & diving); Saint Vincent senior Abby Leskovansky (swimming & diving); Waynesburg senior Madisen Dayton (basketball); Westminster graduate student Madison Conley (indoor track & field).
Evans highlighted the month of February by earning Second Team All-Conference honors at PAC Wrestling Championships as the runner-up at 157 pounds. The senior received a bye in the quarterfinals and advanced to the semifinals, where he secured a 13-6 decision over Saint Vincent's Logan Bechtold. In the championship match, he fell to W&J's Casey Smith, who would later qualify for NCAA Championships.
Evans is pursuing a degree in Human Services with a minor in Communication. He maintains a 3.07 cumulative GPA.
Active on campus, Evans serves as the two-year Executive Editor of the Yellow Jacket Student Newspaper. He has also spent three years as a resident mentor. Beyond campus, Evans has made a significant impact by participating in two spring break service trips with Habitat for Humanity. During these trips, he helped build homes to address housing insecurity in Concord, North Carolina.
Male February honorable mention nominees included: Bethany senior Isiah Heverling (swimming & diving); Geneva graduate student Ryan Rachic (basketball); Grove City junior Alex Mitchell (indoor track & field); Saint Vincent junior Dev Ostrowski (basketball); Westminster graduate student Anthony Kamenski (indoor track & field).