May 11, 2015 A total of 43 past and present UTEP student-athletes will graduate from the university this weekend.
The list includes 11 football representatives, six from soccer, six from softball, five from men's basketball, four from women's basketball, four from women's track & field, two from tennis, two from men's track & field, two from volleyball and one from men's golf.
Of the 43 graduates, nine have received Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Medals for compiling grade point averages of 3.75 or better - Hannah Asuchak (soccer), Kayla Black (softball), Jacqueline Cason (volleyball), Irene Gari (women's basketball), Mackenzie German (soccer), Colleen Hohman (softball), Lauren Katada (soccer), Amanda Pak (soccer) and Marissa Rodriguez (women's basketball).
A trio of former Miners - Quintin Demps (football), JoJo Garcia (men's basketball) and Dexter Pate (football) -- are completing their degree work following extended absences from campus. A member of UTEP's Centennial Football Team, Demps is the school's all-time leader for interception yards and later played in the NFL with Philadelphia, Houston, Kansas City and the New York Giants. Garcia played at UTEP from 1994-97, averaging 11.6 points and 9.9 rebounds, before enjoying a long professional career overseas. Pate played tackle for the Miners during the 1962 season.
Four football graduates were starters on last year's New Mexico Bowl team - Jameel Erving, Ian Hamilton, Adrian James and Jarrad Shaw. Nathan Jeffery is UTEP's no. 10 all-time leading rusher with 2,126 yards. LaQuintus Dowell and Ishmael Harrison are graduating with eligibility to spare; they will both be seniors in the Miner secondary in 2015.
C.J. Cooper, Cedrick Lang and Julian Washburn have led the UTEP men's basketball team to 78 wins over the last four years. Cooper is third in school history in three-point field goals, Lang is first in field goal percentage and Washburn is top-five in minutes (first) and field goals (fourth). They will be joined on the graduation stage by Hooper Vint, who will be a senior in 2015-16.
Headlining the list of women's basketball graduates is Chrishauna Parker, who is the only player in program history ranked in the top-10 for rebounds and assists. Parker has one year of eligibility remaining.
The soccer list includes four-year starters Hannah Asuchak, Mackenzie German and Tayler O'Hayre. Asuchak was a first team All-League player in 2014.
Highlighting the track and field contingent is 2014 All-American Mark Jackson, who ranks no. 5 in school history in the indoor triple jump.
Softball features Erika Arcuri, the 2013 Conference USA Newcomer of the Year, as well as Kayla Black, Ashley Eldridge and Tahla Wade, who rate among the school's all-time leaders in numerous statistical categories.
Tennis' Rebeca Calvillo is also one of the most decorated players in school history, having concluded her career with 151 combined victories.
UTEP Athletics May 2015 Graduates
Erika Arcuri (Softball)
Erika Arcuri was a two-year letterwinner, starting 94 games for the Miners. Her career batting average of .357 is ranked No. 3 in program history, while she consistently made spectacular plays in center field. She was a two-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Erika is a Multimedia Journalism major.
Hannah Asuchak (Soccer)
Hannah Asuchak was a four-year starter on defense who ranks seventh in school history for games played and minutes. She helped the Miners set school records for fewest goals allowed and goals against average in 2014, earning first team All-Conference honors. She was a four-time recipient of a C-USA Academic Medal and a two-time Academic All-District 7 selection. Hannah is a Management major.
Kayla Black (Softball)
Kayla Black was a four-year letterwinner, starting 161 games for the Miners. She tallied 69 RBI during her career to rank among the school's all-time leaders. She was a four-time recipient of a C-USA Academic Medal. Kayla is receiving a Nursing degree today after earning a Kinesiology degree in December of 2013.
Rebeca Calvillo (Tennis)
Rebeca Calvillo was a four-year letterwinner, playing in 230 combined matches. Her 74 doubles wins are the most in program history. Rebeca produced 151 combined wins, ranking second all-time. She was a five-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Rebeca is a Communication major.
Jacqueline Cason (Volleyball)
Jacqueline Cason came to UTEP in 2010 and recorded 523 kills, 200 blocks and 114 digs with the Miners. She collected a career-best 10 kills versus Eastern Illinois her senior campaign. She was a five-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and a one-time recipient of a C-USA Academic Medal. Jacqueline is a Mechanical Engineering major.
C.J. Cooper (Men's Basketball)
C.J. Cooper played in 126 games for the Miners over the last four seasons, making a combined 57 starts as a junior and senior. He scored 844 points in his career and ranks third in school history with 158 three-point field goals, and 10th with 275 assists. The Miners were 30-5 when he scored in double figures. C.J. is a Communication major.
Eddie Custard (Football)
Eddie Custard transferred to UTEP from Alabama and played for the Miners for two seasons. He was a member of the defensive unit and saw action on the scout team. Eddie is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Laura Delgado (Women's Track & Field)
Laura was a four year letterwinner for both cross country and track and field. The distance runner ran a career-best, sub five-minute 1,500m at the 2012 Conference USA Championships. She clocked in with a ten minute, 43 second 3,000m time at the 2013 Texas A&M Invitational. She was a four-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Laura is a Metallurgical Engineering major.
Quintin Demps (Football)
Quintin Demps is UTEP's all-time leader with 404 interception yards, and ranks second with 17 interceptions. He also tallied 273 tackles and 24 pass break-ups. He later played in the NFL with Philadelphia, Houston, Kansas City and the New York Giants. He is a member of UTEP's Football Centennial Team. Quintin is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
LaQuintus Dowell (Football)
LaQuintus Dowell has participated in 34 games for the Miners playing on offense, defense and special teams. He was named UTEP's special teams player of the week six times during the 2014 season. He has compiled 300 rushing yards, 184 kick return yards, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries and will be a senior strong safety this fall. LaQuintus is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Ashley Eldridge (Softball)
Ashley Eldridge was a four-year letterwinner, starting 140 games for the Miners. She finished her career ranked in the top 10 in multiple categories, including batting average, doubles and RBI. She was a three-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Ashley is a Kinesiology major.
Marvin Emetom (Men's Track & Field)
Marvin Emetom ran a personal-best 100m dash time of 10.79 seconds at the 2015 UTEP Twilight. He ran his best 60m time of 6.95 seconds at the 2015 Lobo Collegiate. Emetom collected a career-best long jump of 6.57m at the 2015 Lobo Collegiate Open as well. He is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Jameel Erving (Football)
Jameel Erving played at UTEP for two seasons and registered 77 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, seven pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one sack. He recorded his first interception in a Miner uniform in the win over Middle Tennessee last season, helping the team secure a bowl bid and a winning campaign. Jameel is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
JoJo Garcia (Basketball)
JoJo Garcia played three seasons for the Miners from 1994-97 after transferring from Arizona Western Junior College. He averaged 11.6 points and 9.9 rebounds as a senior. He remains the only Miner since 1981 to collect 20 rebounds in a game with 22 versus BYU in 1997. He continued his basketball career overseas for several years before completing his degree work. JoJo is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Irene Gari (Women's Basketball)
Irene Gari played in 95 games for the Miners over the last three seasons, with 47 starting assignments. She scored in double figures 18 times and had her most productive season statistically in 2014-15, averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. Gari was a three-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and a one-time recipient of a C-USA Academic Medal. Irene is an International Business major.
Mackenzie German (Soccer)
Mackenzie German was a four-year starter at forward who piled up 26 points in her career. She finished with 10 goals, including four match winners, while adding six assists. She was a four-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and a two-time recipient of a C-USA Academic Medal. Mackenzie is a Kinesiology major.
Taylor Gunn (Women's Track & Field)
Taylor Gunn's career-best shot put of 14.66m ranks number six all-time in program history. The four-year thrower also rates in the top 10 in the discus and hammer throw. She was a member of the 2015 women's team that won the first conference title in program history. She was a four-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Taylor is a Digital Media major.
Ian Hamilton (Football)
Ian Hamilton played three seasons for the Miners, including 26 starts as a wide receiver. He led the team in receiving yards in 2014 and established a career-high with 130 yards against Rice. During his time at UTEP, he recorded a total of 975 receiving yards on 57 receptions with three touchdowns. Ian is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Ishmael Harrison (Football)
Ishmael Harrison moved from wide receiver to cornerback as a sophomore and over the last two years has produced 45 tackles and three pass break-ups. He will conclude his collegiate career this fall. He was a one-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Ishmael is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Colleen Hohman (Softball)
Colleen Hohman was a three-year letterwinner, starting 95 games for the Miners. She made key contributions in the circle and in the batter's box during her career, and once blasted two home runs in one inning. She was a four-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and a one-time recipient of a C-USA Academic Medal. Colleen is an Education major.
Mark Jackson (Men's Track & Field)
Mark Jackson was named a 2014 All-American at the NCAA Indoor Championships for his performance in the triple jump. He ranks fifth in program history in the indoor triple jump with a top mark of 16.38m. He collected a 10th-place finish at the 2013 Outdoor NCAA Championships with a mark of 15.87m. Mark is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Adrian James (Football)
Adrian James played four seasons for the Miners, making 19 starts at cornerback. He recorded 86 tackles with 14 pass breakups, four tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and two interceptions, including one last season that sealed the Miners' victory at New Mexico. He posted a career-best seven tackles in the New Mexico Bowl. Adrian is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Nathan Jeffery (Football)
Nathan Jeffery leaves UTEP ranked 10th in rushing yards with 2,126 and 11th in rushing touchdowns with 18. The team captain registered a single-game high three rushing touchdowns versus North Texas in 2014. He was named the C-USA Offensive Player of the Week after carrying 21 times for a career-best 177 yards and returning a blocked punt 24 yards for a score in the 2012 season opener against no. 4 Oklahoma. Nathan is a Kinesiology major.
Lauren Katada (Soccer)
Lauren Katada was a four-year letterwinner who appeared in games, including 17 starts. She tallied seven goals and 12 assists for 26 points, with three of her scores coming in pressure-packed penalty kick situations. She was a four-time recipient of a C-USA Academic Medal. Lauren is a Biology major.
Cedrick Lang (Men's Basketball)
Cedrick Lang played in 130 games for the Miners, making 87 starts, and scored 938 points. He ranks number one in school history in field goal percentage (.581) and 12th in rebounds (725). This year he was one of Conference USA's most-improved players with 20 double-figure scoring games. He was a four-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Cedrick is a Communication major.
Marie Leblond (Tennis)
Marie Leblond was a four-year letterwinner, playing in 225 combined matches. She won a combined 118 matches during her career, and a career-high 21 singles matches her sophomore season. She was a five-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Marie is a Health Promotion major.
Monica Lopez (Women's Track & Field)
Monica Lopez was a four-year letterwinner for the Orange and Blue. Her personal best triple jump of 12.19m ranks 10th in program history. Lopez recorded a personal best long jump of 5.62m at the 2012 UTEP Springtime. She is a Kinesiology major.
Aeisha McDavid (Women's Track & Field)
A four-year multievent athlete, Aeisha ranks in the top five in program history in both the pentathlon and heptathlon. Her career-best heptathlon of 4,415 points at the 2012 C-USA Championships is the fifth-best total in program history. She was a one-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Aeisha is a Management major.
Miraya Montiel (Softball)
Miraya Montiel was a two-year letterwinner, starting 88 games for the Miners. She produced a solid senior season, hitting over .300, while making spectacular plays on defense. Miraya hit her first collegiate home run her senior year, a grand slam at LA Tech. She was a one-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Miraya is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Madison Morris (Volleyball)
Madison Morris played in 83 matches for the Miners and tallied 117 kills, 57 blocks and 23 digs. She posted a career-high 15 kills and a .542 hitting percentage against UMass Lowell as a sophomore. Madison is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Darnell Murray (Football)
Darnell Murray was a valuable member of the UTEP scout team while doubling as a reserve linebacker. He was a one-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Darnell is a Criminal Justice major.
Tayler O'Hayre (Soccer)
Tayler O'Hayre was a mainstay for UTEP's back line, finishing her career ranked second at the school for minutes played (7,284) and tied for fifth in starts (80). Her efforts in 2014 helped the Miners establish single-season program records for fewest goals allowed and goals against average. She was a four-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Tayler is a Biology major.
Marta Oledzka (Women's Basketball)
Marta Oledzka appeared in seven games for the Miners during the record-setting 2013-14 campaign before transitioning to working with the team as a program coordinator. She had numerous responsibilities and contributed to the team in many facets. She was a one-time selection to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Marta is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Amanda Pak (Soccer)
Amanda Pak fought through injuries to play in 48 career contests, contributing four goals and an assist for nine points. Included among her goals was a match winner as a freshman. She was a four-time recipient of a C-USA Academic Medal. Amanda is a Biology major.
Chrishauna Parker (Women's Basketball)
Chrishauna Parker helped the Miners win 20+ games in three straight years for the first time in program history before missing the 2014-15 season with an injury. She is the only player in program history to rank in the top 10 for both rebounds and assists. She is also top-10 in double-doubles and free throws made. She was named to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll twice. Chrishauna is a Criminal Justice major.
Dexter Pate (Football)
Dexter lettered for the Miner football team during the 1962 season. He played tackle following an All-State prep career in Big Spring, Texas. Dexter is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Marissa Rodriguez (Women's Basketball)
Marissa Rodriguez was a fan favorite who made the most of her time as a walk-on with the Miners. She appeared in 30 games, connecting on 5-of-11 three-point attempts. She also served as the Conference USA SAAC representative for the NCAA Advisory Board and has been accepted into law school at Notre Dame. She was a four-time recipient of a C-USA Academic Medal. Marissa is an Accounting major.
Roberto Ruiz (Men's Golf)
Roberto Ruiz averaged a solid 74.3 strokes per round during his career for the Orange and Blue. He played in 44 tournaments and 129 rounds during his time in El Paso. During his four-year career, he was UTEP's top finisher seven times and collected three top-10 finishes. Roberto is a Finance major.
Jarrad Shaw (Football)
Jarrad Shaw played in 22 games for UTEP and started all 13 contests as a senior, leading the team to a bowl appearance. He tallied 14 receptions for 174 yards in three seasons with a career-long score of 48 yards. He registered a career-best performance last season with 76 yards at New Mexico. Jarrad is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
Gina Soto (Soccer)
Gina Soto was a four-year letterwinner who started 54 games. She scored six goals, with two of the tallies serving as match winners. Soto also took care of business in the classroom by landing on the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll four times. Gina is a Health Promotion major.
Hooper Vint (Men's Basketball)
Hooper Vint has appeared in 63 games for the Miners and took advantage of increased playing time this past season. He tallied 87 points, 63 rebounds and 15 blocks in 364 minutes, and is expected to play an even greater role for UTEP as a senior in 2015-16. Hooper is a Communication major.
Tahla Wade (Softball)
Tahla Wade was a four-year letterwinner, starting 141 games for the Miners. She produced a record-breaking senior campaign, as the speedster holds the career record for triples with nine, while setting the single-season record for stolen bases with 17. She was named to the 2012 and 2013 C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Tahla is a Marketing major.
Julian Washburn (Men's Basketball)
Julian Washburn was named the 2015 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and was a three-time selection to the league's All-Defensive Team. He ranks first in school history in minutes with 4,448, fourth in field goals with 592, sixth in points with 1,526, tied for eighth in three-point field goals with 119, 11th in assists with 274 and 12th in steals with 118. Julian is a Multidisciplinary Studies major.
