FORT MYERS, Fla. – The FGCU Department of Athletics has announced its monthly academic honorees for January. Swimming and Diving's senior Christina Kaas Elmgreen along with men's soccer freshman O'Vonte Mullings were named Scholar-Athletes of the Month.

A female and male Eagle are chosen as the FGCU Athletics Scholar-Athlete of the Month throughout the academic year. Factors in the selection for this honor is based on a combination of significant athletic and overall academic success.

Elmgreen (Charlottenlund, Denmark/Ordrup Gymnasium) is a finance major and currently holds a 3.86 GPA. The Denmark native is a three-time member of the Dean's and President's List while also making the Athletic Director's Honor Roll five times. She's also attended the Academic Honors Luncheon each of the previous three spring semesters.

Most recently, Elmgreen nabbed her fourth career CCSA Swimmer of the Week honor as she collected 16 points in a dual meet versus FIU. Her 100 fly (53.60) and 200 IM (2:02.44) times rank first in the CCSA while her 200 fly time (1:58.01) sits second in the conference.

"To be recognized as the top female student-athlete in our department for the month of January is an incredible honor," said head swimming coach Dave Rollins. "On top of her performances in the pool this season, Tina has continued to excel in the classroom, so it's a well-deserved recognition and congratulations to her!"

Mullings (Toronto, Ontario/ Northview Heights Secondary) boasts a 3.34 GPA and is pursuing a bachelor's in Management. This past fall semester he landed a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll.

The Toronto native had a breakout freshman year scoring seven goals while adding four helpers, leading him to be named the ASUN Freshman of the Year. He appeared in all 16 matches for the Eagles this season – starting 14 of them – as he led the squad in shots (41) and shots on target (26). Mullings also nabbed a spot on the All-Atlantic Region Second Team.

"O'Vonte is a special student-athlete," said head coach Jesse Cormier. "He can make a difference on the field for us with his explosive dynamic nature, along with his technical skill while being composed under pressure. But what's equally as impressive is his commitment to his academics and drive to succeed at it. We're proud of his success and excellence in both realms."

2018-19 Scholar-Athletes of the Month
August – Holly Fritz (Soccer) Kareem Riley (Soccer)
September – Carley Lutzow (Cross Country) Felipe Escobar (Tennis)
October – Maggie Rick (Volleyball) Kohl Gilmore (Baseball)
November – Cortney VanLiew (Volleyball) and Marc Coffers (Baseball)
December – Chandler Ryan (Women's Basketball) and Caleb Catto (Men's Basketball)
January – Christina Kaas Elmgreen (Swimming & Diving) and O'Vonte Mullings (Men's Soccer)

ABOUT FGCU
FGCU teams have combined to win an incredible 73 conference regular season and tournament titles in just 11+ seasons at the Division-I level. Additionally, in just seven+ seasons of D-I postseason eligibility, the Eagles have had a combined 34 teams or individuals compete in NCAA championships. Seven FGCU programs have earned a top-25 national ranking in their respective sport – including both men's and women's soccer again in 2018. In 2016-17, the Green and Blue posted a department-best 6th-place finish in the DI-AAA Learfield Directors' Cup and top-100 showing nationally, ahead of several Power-5 and FBS institutions. FGCU also collectively earned a record 3.35 GPA in the classroom in the Spring of 2018 and had an ASUN Conference and State of Florida best five teams earn the NCAA's Public Recognition Award for their Academic Progress Rate in their sport.  The Eagles also served an all-time high 7,200 volunteer hours – being recognized as one of two runner-ups for the inaugural NACDA Community Service Award presented by the Fiesta Bowl.

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SUPPORT THE CAUSE
FGCU Athletics sponsors events throughout the year to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to contribute, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.