SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society, has announced that Malak Mowafi, a senior student-athlete at Penn State Schuylkill, has been honored with its 2023-24 National Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. This award recognizes one male and one female student-athlete nationwide who have demonstrated extraordinary academic and athletic achievement, as well as service and leadership on campus and in the community.

To be considered for the award, nominees must be junior or senior Chi Alpha Sigma inductees who have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.40 throughout their collegiate careers and have shown how their experiences as scholar-athletes have empowered them for success after graduation.

"We are very pleased to recognize Malak with this honor," said Kellen Wells-Mangold, executive director of the National College Athlete Honor Society. "Of the many deserving student-athletes nationwide who were nominated, Malak stood out as a leader in competition, the classroom and her communities. Chi Alpha Sigma is proud to celebrate her achievements."

Mowafi, who competes in cross-country, women's basketball, and track and field, exemplifies the qualities this award seeks to honor. With a 4.0 GPA, she is double majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations and criminal justice, with minors in sociology and security risk and analysis. Additionally, she has earned certificates in crime, psychology and public policy from the National Security Agency, highlighting her commitment to both academic excellence and career preparedness.

On the court, track and trail, Mowafi has garnered numerous accolades, including:

• USCAA All-Academic Team (2023-24 track and field, cross-country, basketball; 2022-23 cross-country)

• PSUAC All-Academic Team (2023-24 cross-country; 2022-23 women's basketball, track and field, cross-country; 2021-22 cross-country)

• USCAA Silver Medalist (steeplechase, 2024, 2023)

• PSUAC John Fritz Sportsmanship Award (2023-24 women's basketball, women's cross-country; 2022-2023 women's cross-country)

• PSUAC All-Conference First Team (2023-24 cross-country)

• PSUAC Runner of the Week (2023 cross-country)

• Penn State Schuylkill Cross Country MVP Award (2023-24, 2021-22)

• Track and field record holder (3000 meter and 3k steeplechase races)

"Malak's success is a testament to her hard work, determination and leadership," said Kayla Felty, director of athletics at Penn State Schuylkill. "She has been an exemplary student-athlete, consistently pushing herself and her teammates to new heights. Her ability to balance the demands of rigorous academic programs and competitive athletics is nothing short of extraordinary. Malak's legacy at Penn State Schuylkill will serve as a benchmark for future generations of student-athletes."

Her academic achievements are equally impressive, having earned the following honors:

• Penn State Schuylkill Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2023-24)

• Penn State Schuylkill Criminal Justice Research Award (2024)

• Criminal Justice Academic Award (2024)

• Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award (2024)

• Evan Pugh Scholar Award (2024)

• President Sparks Award (2023)

• President Walker Award (2022)

• Dean's list recipient every semester since fall 2021

• Third-year status in the campus honors program

"Malak embodies the very essence of what it means to be a scholar-athlete," said Penn State Schuylkill Interim Chancellor Cory Scherer. "Her tireless dedication to both her studies and her athletic pursuits is truly inspiring. She has not only excelled academically and athletically but has also set a standard of leadership and service that will leave a lasting impact on our campus community. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and know that her future holds great promise."

Reflecting on her achievements, Mowafi shared, "My combined passions for both academics and athletics have only enhanced my development as a student and individual. Being a double-major student-athlete has opened the door to invaluable networking opportunities and experiences. My involvement in the programs and associations has allowed me to connect with professionals in the criminal justice and cybersecurity fields, peers, professors, and mentors who have all significantly impacted my academic and future career paths.

"Athletically, my commitment and achievements across multiple sports continue to provide me with imperative skills such as time management, teamwork and leadership. Having the opportunity to serve as captain of multiple teams for the past two years has further developed my leadership abilities, teaching me how to motivate and guide others as we are all working toward the same goal."

Chi Alpha Sigma, with 354 chapters nationwide across NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III institutions, has chosen Mowafi as the first student-athlete from a non-NCAA institution to receive this award. Past recipients have attended institutions such as Bowling Green State University, Johns Hopkins University, North Carolina State University and Rutgers University.

Chi Alpha Sigma is the first and only nonprofit organization that honors collegiate student-athletes who have excelled in both the classroom and in athletic competition. Established in 1996, Chi Alpha Sigma's mission is to recognize college student-athletes who receive a varsity letter in their sport while maintaining a 3.40 or higher cumulative GPA throughout their junior or senior years.