TCC Student-Athletes Earn Regional All-Academic Team Spots in Inaugural Season

Tidewater Community College recognized its Region X All-Academic Team student-athletes for outstanding academic achievement during the Fall 2025 semester. To earn a spot on Region X's All-Academic Team, student-athletes must achieve a 3.0 grade point average or higher while passing at least 12 credit hours and competing on a National Junior College Athletic Association athletic team.

In the program's inaugural season, TCC's Storm Sports basketball teams had eight student-athletes earn All-Academic Team honors. The men's team had five players recognized: Silas Baker, Christian Grant, Derrick Grant, Martino Henry, and Jaidyn Rosario. The women's team had three student-athletes earn the distinction: Paige Cabel, Madeleine Fisher, and Lehlah Speller-Henderson.

These student-athletes balanced demanding practice and game schedules while staying on top of academics, work, and personal responsibilities—making their achievement a reflection of both discipline and dedication.

Madeleine Fisher, a guard on the women's team, is studying criminal justice and is a native of Virginia Beach.

"It feels good to know that the academic work that I put in paid off," Fisher said.

Fisher explained that being a student-athlete has helped her develop stronger time management skills, especially with her commute from the Virginia Beach Campus to the Portsmouth Campus three times a week.

"I keep everything on a schedule," Fisher said. "I look at my Canvas and make sure that if I have an assignment due, I'll make time to do it."

Paige Cabel, a forward on the women's team, said she relies on multiple calendars to stay organized, especially while working a part-time job alongside athletics.

"During the season, I go to the gym in the morning. Then, I attend class and do my schoolwork. Sometimes I volunteer before practice," Cabel said. "I have my job scheduled around my academics and basketball too."

Derrick Grant, a forward on the men's team, is majoring in general studies and transferred from Virginia Peninsula Community College this summer.

"Being on the academic team shows that I pay attention to what I do," Grant said. "I understand that I am a student-athlete before just being an athlete."

The student-athletes credited their coaches, teammates, and family for supporting them throughout the season both on and off the court.

"I have support from my family and friends because trying to do it on my own creates too much of a load," Grant said. "It is hard to balance, but it's doable if you have the right people in your circle."

Teammates Silas Baker and Jaidyn Rosario also said the experience has helped them build discipline and learn how to manage responsibilities.

"I think handling basketball and academics together is good preparation for the future," Baker said. "Academics come first, though."

TCC's coaching staff has also played a key role in the success of the student-athletes by providing guidance and support throughout the season. Head Men's Coach Clint Wright Sr. believes that "academic success creates longevity and instills a solid foundation for future academic study," and he encourages his players to value time management, practice enhancing study skills, and participate actively in the classroom.

Wright also emphasized that he makes sure players have time to focus on school and recovery after practices.

"I keep our basketball practice start and finish time firm. I also prioritize wellness, including sleep," Wright said.

He also reminds student-athletes that strong academic performance can enhance future recruiting opportunities.

Athletic Director Chad Smith emphasized the importance of student-athletes prioritizing academics while competing at the collegiate level.

"The dual accomplishment to achieve success in the classroom and on the court speaks to the life skill of time management for the students to be selected to the Region 10 All-Academic Team," Smith said.

TCC's Storm Sports basketball program plans to continue supporting student-athletes academically through mentoring and peer support as the program grows.

"The academic and athletic commitment for them to be successful during their first semester will be a model and an example for current and future Storm Student-Athletes," Smith said.