As we approach the pivotal year of 2025, we spotlight a graduating senior whose high performance has distinguished him within the Student Athlete Scholars (SAS) community: Zacobi Riley from North Charleston, SC. SAS is a merit-based society celebrating student-athletes who exemplify excellence both academically and in their respective sports at state and national levels.
An accomplished student-athlete, Zacobi has managed to shine amidst the rigorous demands of both his academic and athletic commitments. His sentiments about being part of the SAS illustrate the pride he takes in being a role model. “I really enjoy being a scholar student athlete,” Zacobi says. “It’s opened up a lot of opportunities for me and has taught me so much about being a role model for younger kids to look up to.”
The SAS not only values high achievement but also emphasizes mentorship within its ranks. This commitment to leadership and teamwork helps new SAS members navigate the college admissions process. A significant number of SAS members have attained admission into their top choice schools, often bolstered by impressive scholarship awards.
For Zacobi and others like him, this network of mentors became a valuable resource during the stressful admissions process. The tips and strategies offered by admissions counselors, specifically tailored for academically inclined athletes, helped them clear hurdles such as balancing grades, sports, and admissions applications while avoiding burnout.
Furthermore, SAS encourages its members to contribute to their communities and demonstrate leadership skills. Many SAS members, such as Zacobi, have led or even founded local chapters, further bolstering their profiles for college admissions and making them desirable candidates.
Zacobi Riley represents the best aspects of SAS: being a high achiever, balancing demanding commitments, enduring perseverance, and embodying the spirit of helpfulness and mentorship. As he prepares to make his final decision and accept a college admission letter, his experiences within SAS have undoubtedly equipped him with the wisdom necessary to make the ideal choice for his academic and athletic future.
The SAS community looks forward to celebrating Zacobi’s achievements and those of all its 2025 graduates. By setting high standards of academic, athletic, and social achievement, they demonstrate what it means to be a Student Athlete Scholar and continue to set the bar high for those who follow.
