NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) has announced the 2020-21 Academic All-District Men's and Women's Basketball Teams. Representing both the Thresher basketball programs on this list are Abby Schmidt and Jaylon Scott.
The CoSIDA Academic All-District awards are nominated and voted on by CoSIDA members, and recognize student-athletes for their achievements both athletically and academically. The NAIA division had a total of 23 student-athletes on each of the women's and men's teams this season, separated geographically into four divisions.
Schmidt was joined by Kylah Comley (Sterling College) to represent the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, while Scott was the only KCAC player on the men's team.
This is Schmidt's third time being named a CoSIDA All-District recipient in her career at Bethel. The graduating senior became the first female student-athlete in Bethel College history last year to be named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America team, receiving a second-team nod.
Schmidt's athletic career is highlighted by being a three-time All-American, including an appearance on the NAIA All-America Third Team earlier this season. The senior leaves Bethel as the all-time leader in all major rebounding, blocks, and field-goal percentage records, as well as being second in the program's history in points.
This is Scott's second time being named a CoSIDA All-District recipient in his career at Bethel. The junior is aiming to become the first men's basketball player in Bethel history to be named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America team, and second male overall in Bethel history (Connor Mickens from the men's golf team became the first all-time from Bethel in 2018-19).
Scott led the Threshers to one of the best seasons in program history. Bethel captured the conference regular season and tournament championships before claiming the team's first two national tournament victories in its history. The Threshers' run in the national tournament ended in the Round of 16, the farthest they have ever advanced. Scott was named an NAIA First Team All-American due to his efforts leading the team, becoming the second men's basketball player at Bethel to earn a first-team All-American nod (Mark Ediger in 1998-99).
Both Schmidt and Scott are now eligible for the CoSIDA Academic All-America teams. These ballots are currently being voted on by CoSIDA members, with results expected to be announced on May 25.
CoSIDA Academic All-America® Program
CoSIDA began the distinguished Academic All-America® program in 1952, and since then, has honored thousands of deserving student-athletes from numerous sports across all divisions with these elite Academic All-America® scholar-athlete honors.
Currently, CoSIDA sponsors Academic All-America® programs for men's soccer, women's soccer, football, volleyball, men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, softball, and men's and women's track and field/cross country. Many other sports are eligible through the at-large program.
To learn more about the award, click here.
