MARIETTA, Ga. — Today, Life University Athletics celebrated the academic achievements of its student-athletes during the Winter 2026 Commencement, as 33 Running Eagles from 12 athletic programs earned their degrees.
The Winter 2026 graduating class continued the department's tradition of excellence in the classroom, with 12 student-athletes graduating with honors, including three Doctors of Chiropractic and two graduate degrees. The group once again showcased the balance of academic and athletic success that defines Life U Athletics.
The ceremony was highlighted by a historic milestone for the women's volleyball program, as Victoria Davenport was named the university's Valedictorian. Davenport becomes the first women's volleyball student-athlete in school history to earn the distinction, graduating Magna Cum Laude and further cementing her place among Life U's academic elite.
Deputy Athletic Director Alaina Smith Walker praised the graduating class and the impact they have made during their time at Life U.
"This quarter brings yet another group of talented, hardworking, and high-achieving individuals to the graduation stage," said Smith Walker. "What most excites me, though, is that their biggest contributions are still to come. This diverse group of individuals is ready to make an immediate impact in the world outside of Life University, and while I miss seeing them succeed as student-athletes, I cannot wait to see them bring the Running Eagle spirit to their next endeavor!"
The class features a wide range of accomplishments, including multiple Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude honorees, dual-degree graduates, and student-athletes who excelled across a variety of disciplines and sports.
The Winter 2026 class leaves a lasting legacy of achievement, leadership, and dedication, continuing to set the standard for excellence as Running Eagles.
The full list of Winter 2026 Life University student-athlete graduates is below.
| Sport |
First Name |
Last Name |
Honors |
| MWR |
Zach |
Bailey |
|
| MRG |
Leon |
Best |
Cum Laude |
| WSC |
Dana |
Billington |
|
| MWR |
Xavian |
Bowden |
|
| MWR |
Tyler |
Brandt |
Summa Cum Laude |
| WSW |
Sophia |
Burleson |
|
| MCLRG |
Matthew |
Carrion |
Graduate Degree |
| MCLRG |
Adam |
Chadwick |
Dual Degree; Cum Laude |
| MWR |
Alexander |
Couto |
|
| WVB |
Victoria |
Davenport |
Valedictorian; Magna Cum Laude |
| MVB |
Jan |
Domenech |
Doctor of Chiropractic |
| MSW |
Máté |
Dort |
Magna Cum Laude |
| MTRF |
Andre |
Edwards |
|
| MRG |
Aaron |
Faison |
|
| WRG |
Sofia |
Fernandez |
Cum Laude |
| MWR |
Noah |
Flisser |
|
| MWR |
Joshua |
Frais |
|
| WSC |
Barbara |
Gonzalez Ruiz |
|
| WRG |
Serenity |
Hampton |
|
| MRG |
Asaru |
Holloway |
|
| MWR |
Reese |
Jones |
Cum Laude |
| MCLRG |
Seth |
Kramlich |
|
| WSC |
Justine |
Kuiper |
Summa Cum Laude; Graduate Degree & UG |
| MSC |
Andrea |
Musco |
|
| MWR |
Kendall |
Norfleet |
|
| MWR |
Dante |
Oliverio |
|
| MVB |
Carlos |
Pinto |
Magna Cum Laude |
| MBK |
Srdjan |
Popovic |
Magna Cum Laude |
| MTRF |
Christian |
Salt |
Doctor of Chiropractic |
| MWR |
Furman |
Smith |
|
| WSC |
Serenity |
Tumpkin |
|
| MVB |
Nefthalie |
Vigo Rodriguez |
Magna Cum Laude |
| MTRF |
Zachary |
Weinstein |
Magna Cum Laude; Doctor of Chiropractic |
