NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. (pacathletics.org)--The Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) announced its 2020-21 PAC Scholar-Athletes of the Year Friday morning.
With overwhelming support from conference's presidents and athletic administrators, the PAC launched its Scholar-Athlete of the Year Banquet in 2014 as another way to recognize the league's student-athletes for their athletic achievements, excellence in the classroom and outstanding efforts in and around their campus and home communities.
Each of the PAC's 10 full-time member institutions – Bethany College, Chatham University, Franciscan University, Geneva College, Grove City College, Saint Vincent College, Thiel College, Washington & Jefferson College, Waynesburg University and Westminster College, along with football affiliates Carnegie Mellon University and Case Western Reserve University – continue to be represented by some of their most distinguished and decorated student-athletes.
Breanna Oltman
Atco, New Jersey
Hammonton High School
Major: Occupational Therapy
Sport: Soccer
Breanna was a four-year member of the women's soccer program, appearing in 54 career matches and totaling over 4,200 minutes on the field. She had a terrific 2020-21 season, helping Chatham earn its first-ever PAC title while limiting opponents to just five goals in 11 matches. Breanna's efforts did not go unnoticed, as she was named to the PAC's All-Tournament team and earned her second-straight First Team All-PAC designation. She was also recognized by the United Soccer Coaches, earning a spot on the Scholar All-East Region Team. On the academic front, Breanna was a 2019 inductee into the University's chapter of Psi Chi, the international honorary for psychology. During her undergraduate career, she was an active member of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, and as a graduate student, Breanna serves as the vice president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and as chair of the Public Relations Committee, which oversees Chatham occupational therapy communications. A four-time PAC Academic Honor Roll selection and career Dean's List recipient, Breanna complete her undergraduate degree in psychology last fall before moving into Chatham's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, where she maintains a 4.0 grade-point average.
Tyler Hayes
Bristow, Virginia
Patriot High School
Major: Exercise Science
Sport: Lacrosse
Tyler was a four-year member of the men's lacrosse program, helping build the program up from its first-ever season in 2018 before finishing his career as a captain. The midfielder is known for his tireless work ethic and selfless style of play, which is demonstrated by his 52 career assists. Tyler started all 11 games this spring and notched a career-high 19 goals, 16 assists and 33 ground balls. His 35 points this season led the team and capped his career total at 95. These efforts were enough to earn Tyler an All-PAC Second Team designation, which was the first of his career. In 47 career games, Tyler totaled 43 goals, 96 ground balls and 24 caused turnovers. He finished his four years as the all-time assists leader. Off the field, Tyler had an involved career in Chatham's exercise science program. He was a dedicated member of the Exercise Science Club and graduated with a 3.58 cumulative grade-point average. He also served as a rehabilitation aide with the physical therapy program at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Tyler will be joining the Class of 2024 at the University of Pittsburgh, where he has been accepted into the top-ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the country.
