Find the ones who do both.
Every year, The Academic Athlete names a boy and a girl in each sport who are excelling at the top of their game and at the top of their class. They become the faces of the movement, proof for kids everywhere that you never have to choose between the podium and the honor roll.
The Ambassador Class
One boy. One girl. Every sport. Every year.
Sport by sport, we recognize the student-athletes who best embody the whole mission, then give them a one-year platform to lead. Cameron A. Martin, our overall brand ambassador, sits at the head of the class, and each sport ambassador joins the roster beneath him.
Who Qualifies
The minimum requirements
This title has to mean something, so the bar is real. Every ambassador must clear the academic gate first, then meet the athletic, character, and consent requirements. Anyone can be nominated; finalists verify their qualifications before selection.
- Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA (unweighted, 4.0 scale) or documented honor-roll standing
- Good academic standing with no current academic ineligibility
- Finalists provide a transcript or recent report card
- Finalists provide a teacher or counselor reference
No exceptions to the academic gate. If a student does not clear it, they cannot advance, regardless of athletic achievement.
- Currently active in the nominated sport (this season or within the past 12 months) on a school, club, or sanctioned team
- Demonstrated top-tier performance: varsity contributor, all-conference / region / state, championship placement, statistical leader, or team captain
- Coach or athletic director verification for finalists
- In good standing with the team and its eligibility rules
- Good school conduct standing in the current year
- Demonstrated leadership and sportsmanship
- Evidence of community involvement or service
- A short statement or essay from the student on what being an Academic Athlete means to them
- Enrolled in grades 6 through 12
- Middle School division: grades 6 to 8
- High School division: grades 9 to 12
- Currently open to student-athletes in Pennsylvania (expanding regionally)
- Parent or guardian consent and a signed media release (all participants under 18)
- Willing to serve a one-year term as an ambassador
- Available for a reasonable set of appearances, content, and Playbook mentoring
- Agrees to the Ambassador Code of Conduct
How It Works
The scouting season
The public helps us find them. A vetted panel decides. Think of it like a scouting season that ends on Signing Day, the crowd fuels the search, and adults protect the integrity of the honor.
Coaches, teachers, parents, and peers nominate a student-athlete. Self-nominations welcome. Share it to spread the word.
Finalists submit an application with a transcript, a coach verification, references, and parent consent.
A vetted adult panel scores each finalist on academics, athletics, character, and leadership. Never a public vote.
Ambassadors are revealed at our annual Signing Day event, with an All-Academic Team honoring the top finalists.
Ambassadors lead for one year: appearances, content, and mentoring inside The Playbook programs.
The Sports
Every sport has a seat
We name a boys' and a girls' ambassador in each sport we run a search for. Do not see your sport? Nominate anyway, we add sports as the search grows.
The Honor
What ambassadors receive
Official AA Sport Ambassador title, a digital badge, and a feature on our website and social channels.
Branded ambassador gear and a spotlight at the annual Signing Day reveal event.
A real leadership role inside The Playbook, mentoring younger students and representing the mission.
A spot on the Ambassador Wall and the alumni roster, returning each year to welcome the next class.
Where available, a scholarship or micro-grant, funded by sponsors and kept access-first.
For older athletes, real visibility with the coaches, schools, and partners in our network.
For Families
Built to protect kids
Our promises to every family
- Consent first. No child is featured publicly without signed parent or guardian consent and a media release.
- No public voting. Winners are chosen by a vetted adult panel, never by likes or shares.
- Privacy protected. No personal contact details are published. Schools are named only with family approval.
- One point of contact. All inquiries route through The Academic Athlete, never directly to a child.
- A clear code. Ambassadors and parents sign a simple Code of Conduct that comes with the title.
- Minimal data. We collect sensitive records only from finalists, only what is needed to verify.
Know a student who does both?
Nominate them today, or start an application. Every nomination you share helps us find the next class and grows the movement.
#DoBoth • #AcademicAthlete