ACC Announces Inaugural Graduate Scholar-Athletes of the Year for 2025–26

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference recognized more than 260 student-athletes as the inaugural class of ACC Graduate Scholar-Athletes for the 2025–26 academic year, honoring individuals who have excelled both in the classroom and in competition while pursuing graduate degrees. Representing all 18 ACC member institutions, the first-year recognition program reflects the conference's continued commitment to academic achievement and athletic excellence.

"We're excited to celebrate the inaugural class of ACC Graduate Scholar-Athletes and recognize what they've accomplished both academically and athletically," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "Earning a graduate degree while competing at the highest level speaks to their commitment, discipline and drive. These student-athletes embody the ACC's dedication to developing leaders who excel long after their playing careers are over."

To earn ACC Graduate Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognition, student-athletes must successfully complete a graduate degree program (excluding certificate programs) and meet the Conference's athletic participation requirements during at least one season while enrolled as a graduate student.

Consistent with the criteria for the ACC Undergraduate All-Academic Teams across the league's 28 sponsored sports, student-athletes must meet the following participation requirements:

Team sports (baseball, men's and women's basketball, field hockey, football, men's and women's golf, gymnastics, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, volleyball, and wrestling): Student-athletes must have competed in at least 50% of their team's contests. Baseball and softball pitchers must have appeared in at least 20% of their team's contests.
Individual sports (men's and women's cross country, men's and women's fencing, rowing, men's and women's swimming & diving, and men's and women's track & field): Student-athletes must have competed in either the ACC Championship or the NCAA Championship.

Pitt's ACC Graduate Scholar-Athletes are:

Kavir Bains-Marquez (Football)

Ellen Baker (Cross Country, Track & Field)

Hallie Copperwheat (Gymnastics)

KK Esparza (Softball)

Donat Fabian (Swimming & Diving)

Gracie Kahoun (Lacrosse)

Maureen McNierney (Lacrosse)

Nilay Upadhyayula (Football)

Tieley Vaughn (Softball)

Arnau Vilamitjana Ciurana (Soccer)