Park Named 2023-24 3C2A Scholar Athlete of the Year; Men's Team Earns Scholar Team of the Year

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SACRAMENTO – Standout West Valley College baseball shortstop James Bose and six-time state champion swimmer Mia Park from El Camino College, who both earned perfect 4.0 GPA's during their community college careers, have been named the 2023-24 3C2A Scholar-Athletes, it was announced on Monday.

They were selected from 18 distinguished nominees representing the ten 3C2A conferences from throughout the state. The runners-up for the Scholar-Athlete Award will comprise the Honor Roll and will join Bose and Park, as well as 23 programs selected for Scholar Team Awards, that will be celebrated during the Scholar-Athlete Luncheon on March 26.

The luncheon will be a highlight at the annual 3C2A Convention scheduled for March 25-28 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. Tickets for the event are available through the 3C2A Convention here.

The 3C2A Scholar-Athlete Awards combine excellence in academics, athletics and citizenship.

"James and Mia are the epitome of what the 3C2A Scholar-Athlete Awards celebrate," said Executive Director Jennifer Cardone. "To achieve at the highest levels in all areas of being a student-athlete is a testament to their dedication and determination. We congratulate them and look forward to honoring them at the Scholar-Athlete Luncheon.

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Dominant might be the best word to describe Mia Park's career at El Camino College. As much of a champion as she was in the pool for the Warriors, she championed her academic pursuits into a spotless 4.0 GPA. That winning combination was achieved with humility and quiet dedication to everything she pursued, providing an excellent example for her classmates and teammates.

In the pool, Park will be remembered in the 3C2A as one of its most highly decorated swimmers. She captured six state championships in her career, including three each season. Park was a two-time titlist in both the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle events as well as winning the 100 free and 1,650 free events.

Her achievement in the 1,650 free at last year's state championship at Orange Coast College set a state record with a time of 17 minutes, 4.63 seconds and was named the Performance of the Meet. Park's championship performances at both the 2023 and 2024 state meets helped her earn Women's Co-Swimmer of the Meet honors.

She was equally dominant in the South Coast Conference and owns multiple school records, both as an individual and part of a relay.

But her dominance extends to her academic pursuits as well. Her perfect GPA helped her earn three AA degrees in biology, physical science and kinesiology, and an AS degree in pre-nursing.

The same determination she used to become a champion swimmer was also evident in the classroom with a 5-unit microbiology course last spring at El Camino.

"She consistently attended office hours, knowing the extra time would benefit her learning. Mia demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness, communication abilities, as well as adaptability and time management skills," said her instructor Polly Parks, Assistant Professor of Biology in Park's nomination.

Shelby Haroldson, head swimming and diving coach, also lauded Park's achievements.

"She has taken immense pride in being a student- athlete for El Camino and the 3C2A and I have no doubt that her drive, passion, and dedication will allow her to be successful in her future career."

Park currently attends UC San Diego where she is majoring in global health while competing for the swim team.