Austin College takes immense pride in its student-athletes, who embody the very essence of Division III athletics by excelling in both academics and sports. This year, the spotlight shines on three outstanding individuals whose achievements are a testament to hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Junior Samantha Graham is a key member of the volleyball team, where she holds a starting position. “Austin College Athletics has had an immense impact on my life. Being a member of the AC volleyball team has taught me many things—for instance, what it really means to be a team player. It is amazing knowing that every girl on the team has my back while I have theirs. Seeing the culture come together on the court is indescribable. I have also had the blessing of playing for my father, Anthony Graham, who is the assistant coach. This is an experience that I will truly cherish forever,” said Samantha about her experience on the volleyball team. Samantha earns exceptional grades while pursuing a major in kinesiology and minor in biology. Balancing academics with the rigors of competitive sports is no small feat, yet Samantha consistently rises to the challenge. “It is amazing being able to walk into any building and see so many familiar faces. The size of our campus is perfect because it is big enough for opportunity, but also small enough where my professors know me and are welcoming any time I need help with anything."
Samantha Graham '26 - Volleyball
Cameron Hammond ’27 - Football
Cameron Hammond is a sophomore majoring in engineering physics while also pursuing a minor in computer science. He has quickly proven himself on the field as a two-year starter for the football team. “My favorite part about being a ’Roo is the family and community around me. Many of the people I have met in this open-armed community will be my brothers for life,” Cameron says about his experience as a student-athlete at Austin College. “It has caused me to mature not only as an athlete or a student but also as a young man in preparation for life after college.” In addition to his impressive athletic contributions, Cameron maintains outstanding marks. His accolades began in high school, where he was named the National Football Foundation’s Gridiron Club of Dallas Scholar-Athlete of the Year during his senior year at Colleyville Heritage High School. What is his secret to success when it comes to balancing sports and school? “Discipline and time management are truly key,” Cameron says. “The secret to balancing sports and school is being able to focus on your goals, whether that be on the field, in the classroom, or both.”
Grace Moothart ’26 - Basketball
Grace Moothart, a junior and a women’s basketball team starter, is a stellar example of what it means to be a dedicated student-athlete. “Austin College Athletics has strengthened all areas of my life. This program has made me a stronger athlete, teammate, student, and overall, a better person,” Grace says. She juggles multiple majors—business finance, sports management, and psychology—while maintaining an impressive GPA. “I find myself the most organized when I focus on one activity at a time. For me, it is all about living in the moment. Being exactly where your feet are with the people you love most is crucial, and without it, the balance is thrown off.” Grace made history by becoming AC’s first student selected to the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently. In this role, she will represent both the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) and the American Southwest Conference (ASC), a prestigious appointment and a testament to her efforts as a student-athlete at Austin College. “The Austin College community is my favorite part about being a ’Roo. I am fortunate to have met some amazing people here and to have built incredible relationships with them. I cannot believe the doors that have opened to me through the connections I have made. I deeply value my teammates, coaches, professors, as well as the staff at AC. The ’Roo environment is like no other, and I am beyond grateful to be a part of it.”
Samantha, Cameron, and Grace epitomize the extraordinary commitment required to excel both in the classroom and in sports, exemplifying what it means to be a DIII athlete. They are not only setting the standard for Austin College’s athletics program, but also inspiring their peers and representing ’RooNation with distinction on a national level. The lessons learned on the field and in the classroom will carry these student-athletes to even greater achievements beyond Austin College.