ASU Student Athletes of the Month announced

By Matt Storey, ASU Media Relations

Elizabeth Harkin of the women's soccer team and Steve Jones of the men's basketball team have been named Student-Athletes of the Month, the Office of Student-Athlete Development announced Monday.

Harkin, a sophomore pre-health/biology major, currently has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the Barrett Honors College.

She was selected as a Scholar Baller captain for the soccer team this semester, as she provided leadership to her team in character, accountability and responsibility throughout the season.

In November, CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) selected Harkin to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VIII second team.

She balanced her academics with her responsibilities on the field, managing the team's busy travel schedule this fall by taking exams on the road while playing in all 19 of the team's matches this season.

In addition, Harkin is a frequent volunteer for a local animal shelter and rescue center.

"Liz displays the same tenacity and dedication in the classroom as she does on the soccer field," ASU biology professor Stanley Faeth said. "She is excelling in both the lecture and laboratory in BIO 187 and is able to effectively juggle the rigorous demands of academia and sports."

Jones, a junior BIS major focusing on mass communication and communications, is maintaining a 3.22 GPA this semester while taking 18 credit hours.

This semester, Jones has challenged himself to improve his academic record, and he plans to apply to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in the spring.

"Steve has really grown academically this semester and has challenged himself to reach his original goal of majoring in broadcast journalism," men's basketball academic coach Sabrina Thomas said. "He has tremendous work ethic and keeps a positive attitude and outlook no matter what the situation."

Jones' work ethic and attitude on and off the court have made him a role model to his teammates, and he is considered to be one of the team's most enthusiastic players.

He played in 27 games last season, making six of his 15 3-point attempts, and he has appeared in two games so far this year.