Texas A&M University–Texarkana Student-Athletes Shine Academically and Athletically
TEXARKANA, Texas – The Texas A&M University-Texarkana Athletic Department concluded the 2025-26 academic year with one of the most successful seasons in program history, earning significant achievements both in competition and in the classroom.
A&M-Texarkana student-athletes continued to excel academically, with 52 Eagles earning NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition during their respective seasons. To qualify, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically, attend their institution for at least one full academic year, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
The Eagles also placed 35 student-athletes on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Teams. The honor recognizes student-athletes who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher while meeting sport-specific participation requirements.
Athletically, the 2025-26 campaign was highlighted by six NAIA All-Americans: Paulina Dobreva (Volleyball), Desroy Jordan (Men's Indoor Track & Field), Vinae Edwards (Women's Outdoor Track & Field), Jayden Erikewe (Men's Outdoor Track & Field), Ana Paola Gonzalez (Women's Tennis), and Lucia Siddens (Women's Tennis). Dobreva, Edwards, Gonzalez, and Siddens each became the first NAIA All-Americans in their respective program's history.
A total of 68 Eagles earned All-Conference honors during the academic year, including six conference Player of the Year awards. Dobreva was named the Red River Athletic Conference Volleyball Player of the Year and Attacker of the Year, while Lauren Herz earned Defender of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors. Ashley Rhame was selected as Freshman of the Year, and Gideon Kiptoo earned Men's Cross Country Freshman of the Year recognition.
Volleyball Head Coach Madeleine Halford was named RRAC Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season after leading the Eagles to both the RRAC Regular Season Championship and RRAC Tournament Championship.
Throughout the year, A&M-Texarkana student-athletes earned 56 RRAC Player of the Week awards. Baseball and both men's and women's cross-country teams finished as conference championship runners-up, while several programs continued to establish themselves among the conference's top competitors.
The Eagles also enjoyed success on the national stage. Volleyball, Men's Basketball, and Softball all qualified for the NAIA National Tournament, while 14 student-athletes earned individual national championship berths. Those qualifiers included seven cross-country runners, four indoor track and field athletes, and three outdoor track and field athletes.
"The accomplishments of our student-athletes this year reflect the culture of excellence that continues to flourish within our athletic department," said A&M-Texarkana President Dr. Ross Alexander. "Their dedication to achieving success in competition, in the classroom, and within the community exemplifies what it means to be an Eagle. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and are excited about the future of A&M-Texarkana Athletics."
The achievements of the 2025-26 academic year underscore the continued growth and momentum of A&M-Texarkana Athletics and reflect the department's commitment to developing champions in competition, academics, and life.