SACE September Champions of the Month
10/9/2025 11:03:00 AM | Student-Athlete Center for Excellence
Student-Athletes from Volleyball, Soccer and Football selected as September Champions of the Month
WACO, Texas –MJ McCurdy (volleyball), Skylar Zinnecker, Trent Thomas (football) and Jacob Redding (football) have been selected as the Student-Athlete Center for Excellence (SACE) September Champions of the Month.
This award recognizes student-athletes who achieve their personal bests in the areas of academic achievement, athletic success, character formation and spiritual growth.
Each of these student-athletes was nominated by a SACE team member based upon their embodiment of each of the four pillars.
McCurdy, a sophomore transfer from Texas State who goes by MJ, started the first six matches of the season at outside hitter and is averaging 1.62 kills per set with a .277 hitting percentage, 49 digs, 12 aces and 10 blocks for a volleyball team that's ranked No. 16 in the country. "Being a student-athlete at Baylor has been my dream since I was younger," said McCurdy, whose parents are both Baylor grads, "so I am very thankful for the opportunity to be here."
A pre-business major from Frisco, Texas, "MJ is also excelling in the classroom . . . and is trending towards achieving her personal best this semester," said assistant academic coach Faith Lynch, a former BU volleyball player herself. MJ said her professors "have been amazing and very accommodating for my busy schedule, which has been such a blessing."
Zinnecker, a junior marketing major from Austin, Texas, "has shown great initiative in preparing for life after soccer by actively seeking out internships and career opportunities," said Malcolm Givens, character formation coordinator. "Her commitment on and off the field makes her a strong example of what it means to be a Baylor Champion."
Currently out with an injury, Skylar "continues to manage her recovery process with focus and determination," Givens said. Baylor has been "an absolute blessing to me over the past three years," she said. "I am prepared for what is next because of Baylor and all the resources we are given."
A redshirt sophomore majoring in health, kinesiology and leisure studies, Thomas was "fully engaged" in the summer chapel service teaching, said Baylor Athletics Chaplain Kevin Washington, "He consistently stepped up when needed. And his intentionality in connecting with every kid at Mission Waco reflected his heart for service."
Now in his third season with Baylor football, he saw his first action in three of the Bears' first six games. "Being a student-athlete at Baylor means giving my all on the field and in the classroom while holding myself to the highest standard of discipline and toughness. It's about representing Baylor with pride, competing at the highest level and growing into a stronger leader and man through the game."
Named the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week, Redding had a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown in Saturday's 35-34 win over Kansas State and also had an end zone pick in the double-OT win at SMU. "Baylor has always been where I dreamed of playing," said Redding, a junior finance major from New Braunfels, Texas. "To be able to live my dream has been such a blessing."
Like Trent, Jacob has "remained consistently engaged in team chapels and Bible studies," Washington said, "demonstrating a genuine desire to deepen his faith and encourage those around him. All the while, he continues to compete at a high level, modeling what it means to pursue excellence in sport and in character."
This award recognizes student-athletes who achieve their personal bests in the areas of academic achievement, athletic success, character formation and spiritual growth.
Each of these student-athletes was nominated by a SACE team member based upon their embodiment of each of the four pillars.
McCurdy, a sophomore transfer from Texas State who goes by MJ, started the first six matches of the season at outside hitter and is averaging 1.62 kills per set with a .277 hitting percentage, 49 digs, 12 aces and 10 blocks for a volleyball team that's ranked No. 16 in the country. "Being a student-athlete at Baylor has been my dream since I was younger," said McCurdy, whose parents are both Baylor grads, "so I am very thankful for the opportunity to be here."
A pre-business major from Frisco, Texas, "MJ is also excelling in the classroom . . . and is trending towards achieving her personal best this semester," said assistant academic coach Faith Lynch, a former BU volleyball player herself. MJ said her professors "have been amazing and very accommodating for my busy schedule, which has been such a blessing."
Zinnecker, a junior marketing major from Austin, Texas, "has shown great initiative in preparing for life after soccer by actively seeking out internships and career opportunities," said Malcolm Givens, character formation coordinator. "Her commitment on and off the field makes her a strong example of what it means to be a Baylor Champion."
Currently out with an injury, Skylar "continues to manage her recovery process with focus and determination," Givens said. Baylor has been "an absolute blessing to me over the past three years," she said. "I am prepared for what is next because of Baylor and all the resources we are given."
A redshirt sophomore majoring in health, kinesiology and leisure studies, Thomas was "fully engaged" in the summer chapel service teaching, said Baylor Athletics Chaplain Kevin Washington, "He consistently stepped up when needed. And his intentionality in connecting with every kid at Mission Waco reflected his heart for service."
Now in his third season with Baylor football, he saw his first action in three of the Bears' first six games. "Being a student-athlete at Baylor means giving my all on the field and in the classroom while holding myself to the highest standard of discipline and toughness. It's about representing Baylor with pride, competing at the highest level and growing into a stronger leader and man through the game."
Named the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week, Redding had a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown in Saturday's 35-34 win over Kansas State and also had an end zone pick in the double-OT win at SMU. "Baylor has always been where I dreamed of playing," said Redding, a junior finance major from New Braunfels, Texas. "To be able to live my dream has been such a blessing."
Like Trent, Jacob has "remained consistently engaged in team chapels and Bible studies," Washington said, "demonstrating a genuine desire to deepen his faith and encourage those around him. All the while, he continues to compete at a high level, modeling what it means to pursue excellence in sport and in character."
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