Iowa State University Athletics
ISU Announces Student-Athletes of the Semester
06.02.2017 | Athletics
AMES, Iowa - The Iowa State Office of Student-Athlete Development announced on Friday that four Cyclone student-athletes have been honored for their hard work and dedication in the classroom during the spring semester. The students being honored are Cassie Diaz (gymnastics), Hank Swalla (wrestling), Nick Weiler-Babb (basketball) and Sami Williams (softball).
Cassie Diaz – Freshman (All-Around)
Hometown:Â Downey, Calif.
Major:Â Kinesiology & Health
Diaz has been named one of Iowa State's student-athletes of the semester following her first year on campus. The native of Downey, Calif., put up one of the best balance beam performances of the season for Iowa State with a 9.900 on Jan. 29 vs. Texas Women's University.
Hank Swalla – Redshirt Freshman
Hometown:Â Ames, Iowa
Major:Â Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Swalla, who hails from Ames, Iowa, had a strong redshirt freshman campaign, wrestling to a 4-2 mark while competing in the Duhawk Open and Grandview Open. Swalla was crowned co-champion at the Duhawk Open with teammate Dale Hilleman.
Nick Weiler-Babb – Redshirt Sophomore (Guard)
Hometown:Â Arlington, Texas
Major:Â Event Management
Nick Weiler-Babb became a key contributor for the Cyclones in 2016-17 after sitting out the previous season due to NCAA transfer rules. Weiler-Babb appeared in all 35 games for ISU, averaging 4.0 points and 3.1 rebounds. The native of Arlington, Texas was also named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Sami Williams – Freshman
Hometown:Â Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Major:Â Computer Engineering
Sami Williams earns student-athlete of the semester honors following one of the best freshman campaigns in program history. Williams set a single-season school record with 20 doubles while hitting .363 en route to First Team All-Big 12 and First Team All-Region honors.
The Iowa State OSAD's Student-Athlete of the Month program was implemented by Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Services Patrice Feulner. Student-athlete development staff members who oversee each sport submit nominations, and the staff votes on the monthly winner.
