ASHLAND, Va. – The Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) announced its 2025-26 Academic All-State Team, recognizing 215 student-athletes from 36 colleges and universities across the Commonwealth. Southern Virginia University placed six student-athletes on this year's team in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the classroom and in competition.
Abigail Snyder
Senior | Rocky Ford, Colo. | Business Management and Leadership | Women's Basketball
Snyder capped off one of the most decorated seasons in program history by earning USA South Player of the Year, USA South Tournament MVP, and All-Region honors. She was also named a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American, earning Third Team Division III recognition.
Gracie Fulton
Senior | Staunton, Va. | Biology | Women's Volleyball
Fulton concluded her career as a two-time USA South All-Conference selection and two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree. She was also named to the 2025 USA South All-Tournament Team.
Ellie Patterson
Senior | Meridian, Idaho | Family and Human Development | Women's Lacrosse
Patterson closed her career as the 2026 USA South Defensive Player of the Year after another record-breaking season. She finished fifth nationally in caused turnovers per game (3.93), was a three-time USA South All-Conference selection, and earned USA South Academic All-Conference honors four times. Patterson leaves Southern Virginia as the program's career (140) and single-season (59) record holder for caused turnovers.
Zack Geertsen
Senior | Draper, Utah | Business Management and Leadership | Baseball
Geertsen concluded one of the most accomplished careers in program history. A three-time USA South All-Conference selection, he earned First Team honors as both a designated hitter/utility player and starting pitcher while also receiving multiple Second Team selections at both positions. He was named the 2024 USA South Rookie of the Year and collected three All-Region honors, including D3baseball.com Region 6 Rookie of the Year. A two-way standout, Geertsen finished his career with a .380 batting average, 102 RBIs, 12 home runs, and 15 pitching victories. He was also honored with the USA South's prestigious 2026 Don Scalf Award.
Benjamin Simister
Senior | St. George, Utah | Business Management and Leadership | Men's Soccer
Simister finished his career as a multiple First Team All-Conference selection and the 2023 USA South Rookie of the Year. He also earned CSC Academic All-District honors and was selected as a CSC Academic All-America finalist.
Jacob Feldman
Senior | Lexington, Va. | Spanish | Men's Tennis
Feldman was named USA South Academic All-Conference with Distinction in each of the past three seasons. The university's salutatorian, he also helped lead the men's tennis team to its second consecutive USA South Spring Sportsmanship Award.
These six student-athletes exemplify Southern Virginia University's commitment to excellence in the classroom and in competition, representing Knight Athletics with distinction through their academic achievement, athletic success, and leadership.
For the most up-to-date information and details on Southern Virginia University athletics, visit knightathletics.com and follow @svuathletics on Instagram.
