Story by- Thomas Strasshofer, John Carroll Sports Information
Senior Courtney Phoennik of the John Carroll University Women’s Track and Field team excels both in the classroom and on the track. In doing so, Phoennik is the recipient for the OAC’s Scholar-Athlete award for the month of April.
Phoennik is a South Fayette High School product, out of McDonald, PA where she learned her strong work ethic and exceptional leadership skills, which fit perfectly into the culture at John Carroll University.
The senior carries a 3.71 cumulative GPA in the classroom, majoring in Early Childhood Education. Phoennik is undoubtedly dedicated to her studies, however she is also a student of the game.
Phoennik, who specializes in sprints and jumps, put together an excellent senior indoor track season in 2021. The track star toppled the school record in the Triple Jump on Feb. 14 at a mark of 12.07m to win the event for the Blue Streaks. In addition, Phoennik captured victories in the 500m on Feb. 21, Triple Jump on Jan. 24, and the high jump on Jan. 30.
Phoennik’s career is decorated with awards and accolades. To mention a few, prior to the 2021 season, Phoennik was a six time All-OAC selection in the Triple Jump. She also is a two-time All-Great Lakes Region athlete in the Triple Jump for both indoor and outdoor track and field.
Individual accolades aside, Phoennik’s most important achievement was aiding the John Carroll women’s track and field team to the program’s first ever OAC indoor championship this season. This marks the only indoor conference championship won by either the men’s or women’s programs in school history. Phoennik played an integral role, winning the triple jump and 500m, as well as placing third in the high jump and long jump.
“Courtney is the consummate student-athlete,” said Head Track and Field Coach Kyle Basista. “From day one since she stepped on to campus, she has fully committed to everything she has done. Courtney is a great leader and a perfect example of what being a student-athlete is all about. She's been a tremendous asset to our program on and off the track.”