Brock Bearden, a standout baseball player from Texarkana, Texas, has been recognized with the prestigious Elite Scholar-Athlete Award by the NCAA. This award highlights his dual achievements in academics and athletics at the University of Texas at Tyler.

Excellence in Academics and Athletics

The Elite Scholar-Athlete Award is a testament to Bearden’s dedication both on the field and in the classroom. It is presented to student-athletes who not only compete at the highest level in their sport but also maintain the highest academic standards. Bearden, a junior majoring in Mass Communication, boasts a perfect 4.0 GPA, making him a deserving recipient of this honor.

Bearden’s performance on the baseball field has been equally impressive. Over the course of 59 games this season, he has achieved a batting average of .326, with 11 doubles, two triples, nine home runs, 44 RBIs, and 58 runs scored. His contributions have been vital to his team’s success, and his commitment to excellence sets a strong example for his peers.

A Legacy of Achievement

Bearden is the third athlete from the University of Texas at Tyler to receive this award in consecutive years, following in the footsteps of Sam Schott in 2025 and Carel Wessel in 2024. This streak of recognition underscores the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of academic and athletic excellence.

The NCAA’s Elite Scholar-Athlete Award is presented at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s 90 championships, recognizing the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA. To be eligible, athletes must be at least sophomores academically and in their second year of competition at their institution, as well as active members of their respective NCAA Championship rosters.

Bearden’s achievement not only brings pride to Texarkana but also highlights the importance of balancing academics with athletics. His success story is an inspiration to young athletes striving to excel in both arenas.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.