Colorado Springs, Colo. — Six San Francisco State student-athletes have been named a 2020 All-American Athlete Award recipient by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
This award recognizes student-athletes' athletic accomplishments and their dedication to strength and conditioning. Nominated by SF State Strength and Conditioning Coach
Ryan Durk, these six student-athletes' determination to improve in athletics while maintaining academic prominence is a great model for all student-athletes.
"We are proud to have Coach Durk join the NSCA in its mission to safely improve athletic performance," said Eric McMahon, NSCA's coaching program manager, "Supporting our student-athletes guarantees a stronger future for the NSCA."
For an updated list of the All-American Athletes of the Year award, visit
www.nsca.com.
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Katya Candray | Track & Field |
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Katya Candray had an amazing start to her career at San Francisco State. Candray had a strong indoor track season for the nationally-ranked Gators and was poised for a strong outdoor season. Candray has emerged as one of the program's top runners and leaders. In the weight room, she has set the standard coming into each practice with a positive attitude. She has strived to improve her technique and continues to set new personal bests. Candray is a Biology major and aspires to be an orthopedic doctor.
Jason Hare is a great example of how hard work, perseverance, and confidence in one's self can lead to great accomplishments. Hare was an undersized high school catcher and was passed over by four-year schools. Since transferring from junior college to SF State, Hare has became a team leader, where he has led the Gators to back-to-back postseason appearances. As a junior, he hit .300 with 10 doubles; 20 RBI; and just one error, the lowest of any catcher in the conference.
Hare is studying Business with an emphasis on Economics and currently holds a 3.1 cumulative GPA. Additionally, Hare is a leader off the field. He volunteers for numerous community service events, including the team's work with the vs. Cancer Foundation and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. His drive in all aspects of being a student-athlete is echoed by his pursuits in the weight room. He began the offseason with a musculoskeletal injury and, through his hard work, consistency, and drive he is fully recovered and once again a top performer in the weight room and on the field. During the abbreviated 2020 season, he appeared in 21 of the team's 22 games with 18 starts and posted a .982 fielding percentage.
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Jessica Haynie | Volleyball |
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Jessica Haynie has made a lasting impact on the San Francisco State Volleyball program. Haynie earned back-to-back All-CCAA nods after taking home Second Team honors a season ago. The junior was fourth in the CCAA with 0.43 aces per set, and her 41 total aces were third most in the conference. She is the first SF State student-athlete to receive All-CCAA awards in back to back seasons since 2015. In the weight room, she attends every practice with a positive attitude and determined work ethic. With these crucial attributes she has set multiple personal records in the weight room and performs as a top lifter on her team. Haynie is a Fall 2019 CCAA All-Academic Honoree and has maintained a place on the Dean's list at SF State, holding a cumulative GPA of 3.54. She in working towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
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Sydney Jenkins | Softball |
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As a freshman last season,
Sydney Jenkins started in 58 of the team's 59 games behind the plate and threw out a conference-leading 24 runners. She was an instrumental part of the team's run into the NCAA Championships. A high school valedictorian, Jenkins has continued her stellar track record in the classroom with a 3.93 cumulative GPA and Dean's List appearances for all three semesters.
During the summer months she participates in the Ventura County fire explorer program, where she plans to become an EMT or firefighter. In addition to her continued growth in the SF State weight room, she has participated in CrossFit for the last five years, where she has also competed competitively.
During the truncated 2020 season, Jenkins appeared in 24 of the team's 27 games with 21 starts.
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Joey Manahan | Cross Country |
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Joey Manahan had a terrific cross country season as the team's fifth and final scoring harrier, a position which is crucial cross country team scoring. Coming off a redshirt season, Manahan's hard work has paid dividends during the cross country seasons and will continue to do into the future. A quiet leader, Manahan has grown fast in his strength and conditioning journey. He consistently supports his teammates while ensuring that he pushes himself further. The San Bruno, California native has done all of this while working towards an undergraduate degree in Business and working at a local running specialty store, where he shares his passion for running with the local community.
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Maxamillian Schneider | Wrestling |
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Maxamillian Schneider was ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation at 157 pounds for the San Francisco State wrestling team before his season came to an end due to an injury during regional competition. The Chicago native was named RMAC Wrestler of the Year and to the All-RMAC First Team. He posted an incredible perfect 18-0 regular season record including 14-0 in duals. Schneider notched a total of 13 pins this year, including 11 in the first period and six in the first minute of action.
About the National Strength & Conditioning Association
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit professional association founded in 1978 and is dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession around the world. The NSCA advances the profession by supporting strength and conditioning professionals devoted to helping others discover and maximize their strengths. The organization disseminates research-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, and continuing education opportunities. The NSCA community is composed of more than 45,000 members and certified professionals who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength coaches, personal trainers, and other roles in related fields.
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the NSCA serves as a valuable resource for its members, the fitness industry, general public, and the media. The association provides a wide variety of resources and opportunities designed to strengthen, build, advance, and unify.
