ATLANTA – The Southern Athletic Association announced their 2023 Fall SAA All-Sportsmanship Team on Thursday. Beyla Bleichner, Jacks Dowdy, Darren Labit, Landry Lemoine, Trista Naquin and Sarah Strickland all represented Millsaps College Athletics.
 
The SAA places an emphasis on good sportsmanship and fair play among all competitors. The conference honors those student-athletes among the SAA's eight full-time members who embody sportsmanship. The league's eight full-time and four affiliate members submitted student-athletes from their programs.
 
Senior Beyla Bleichner represented the Millsaps women's soccer team well. The midfielder started in two games, while appearing in nine total matches.
 
Classmate Jacks Dowdy of the men's soccer program tallied a goal and two assists after starting in all 17 games for the Majors. He also made his third appearance on the All-SAA Team following the season.
 
Junior Darren Labit started in all 10 games at safety for the Millsaps football team. He had five tackles against Centre on Oct. 21, while Labit also amassed 23 total tackles, forced a fumble and blocked a kick in 2023.
 
Graduate Landry Lemoine of the men's cross country team was also noticed for his incredible demeanor on and off the trails. During the season, he placed 65th at the Rhodes Invitational and 67th at the SAA Cross Country Championships. Lemoine earns his third All-SAA Sportsmanship Team nod.
 
Representing the Millsaps volleyball team is sophomore Trista Naquin. The middle/outside hitter appeared in 16 games while starting in five. She totaled five kills on three occasions and posted a career-high seven digs in a matchup with Howard Payne on Sept. 2.
 
Junior Sarah Strickland stood out for the Millsaps women's cross country team after qualifying for her third regional meet. Strickland placed 25th at the SAA Championships with a 6K time of 25 minutes, 35.4 seconds. She later placed 111th in the competitive NCAA South Region Championships, covering six kilometers in 26:34.2 out of 168 finishers.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"Beyla is somebody who embodies everything we preach here within our program at Millsaps. She always shows great sportsmanship to opponents and fellow coaches. There is no better representation when it comes to sportsmanship."

– Head women's soccer coach Dakota Rock describing Beyla Bleichner.
 
 
"Jacks leads by example and is a resounding voice of respect, passion and constantly doing the right thing. He's a prime example of what we want a Major to be."

– Head men's soccer coach Gentry Johnson describing Jacks Dowdy.
 
 
"Darren Labit shows exemplary character and sportsmanship in everything he does. He is a great player but more importantly an amazing teammate. He is the Standard of what we want and expect from our players."

– Interim head football coach Cory York describing Darren Labit.
 

"Landry Lemoine is one of the most encouraging athletes on our team. Always smiling no matter his own personal difficulties, and the glue that holds our team optimism together. He sets the tone for our meets which is always uplifting and positive."

– Head cross country coach Natalie Bach-Prather describing Landry Lemoine.


 
"Trista is a player and teammate who always gives her best and approaches every situation with a team-first attitude."

– Head volleyball coach Jaime Fisher describing Trista Naquin.


"Sarah Strickland is always more concerned with her teammates success over her own. Even as a top runner, she consistently checks in with her teammates to see how their races went. She keeps a positive attitude no matter what and encourages the other athletes to do the same."

– Head cross country coach Natalie Bach-Prather describing Sarah Strickland.
 

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