Houston, TX, December 17, 2025
Four student-athletes from Rice University’s volleyball program have been recognized with Academic All-District honors by the College Sports Communicators. Lademi Ogunlana, Darby Harris, Kaia Mateo, and Kellen Dorotik exemplify Rice’s commitment to academic excellence and athletic performance. The selection highlights their impressive GPAs and the rigorous criteria required for this honor. This recognition underscores the university’s mission to develop well-rounded individuals who excel both in sports and academics, enhancing not only their personal growth but also contributing positively to the Houston community.
Houston, TX — Four student-athletes from Rice University’s acclaimed volleyball program have been recognized with College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors, underscoring the institution’s unwavering commitment to cultivating excellence both on the court and in the classroom. This latest achievement, announced recently, highlights the rigorous dedication these young women bring to their athletic endeavors and scholarly pursuits.
Seniors Lademi Ogunlana and Darby Harris, alongside juniors Kaia Mateo and Kellen Dorotik, represent the latest cohort of Owls to earn this prestigious academic distinction. Their success exemplifies Rice’s mission to foster well-rounded individuals who excel at the highest levels of collegiate competition while maintaining exceptional academic records.
Dual Excellence: A Hallmark of Rice Athletics
The CSC Academic All-District selection is a testament to the demanding criteria that blend athletic performance with stringent academic standards. To qualify for this honor, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA, and actively participate in at least 90 percent of their team’s matches or start in at least 66 percent of them. Lademi Ogunlana, a middle blocker majoring in sports medicine and exercise physiology, boasts a 3.92 GPA, while Darby Harris, a defensive specialist, holds a perfect 4.00 GPA, double-majoring in sports medicine and exercise physiology and cognitive sciences. Kaia Mateo, a setter with a 3.88 GPA in visual and dramatic arts, has further distinguished herself by advancing to the Academic All-America ballot, with national teams to be announced in January 2026. Kellen Dorotik, an outside hitter, also excels with a 3.75 GPA, studying sports medicine and exercise physiology.
This recognition extends beyond the volleyball court. In June 2025, Rice women’s track and field athletes Saniya Friendly, Riana Green, Alice Taylor, and Mckyla Van der Westhuizen were similarly named Academic All-District, showcasing a consistent commitment to academic rigor across various sports within Rice University athletics. [cite: Original Snippet]
Houston’s Intellectual and Athletic Capital
The consistent academic success of Rice student-athletes has significant implications for Houston, TX, and the broader state’s athletic and economic landscape. Rice University’s dedication to academic excellence attracts top-tier talent to the city, drawing young leaders who contribute to the community beyond their athletic careers. This fosters a dynamic environment where intellectual and athletic pursuits are mutually reinforcing, setting a benchmark for other college sports programs in the region.
The university’s focus on developing well-rounded individuals also feeds into the local economy, as these graduates, often with a 100% career placement rate, enter the workforce with exceptional skills and a strong work ethic. Such achievements not only enhance the reputation of Rice University but also elevate Houston’s standing as a hub for both higher education and competitive athletics. The broader impact of Rice Athletics on the Houston economy is substantial, having generated over $115 million in game day and event activity in recent years.
Foundations of Success: Programs, Investment, and Initiative
The remarkable achievements of Rice student-athletes are not accidental but are rather the result of a concerted effort involving robust university programs, strategic private investment, and the individual initiative of the student-athletes themselves. Rice Athletics is committed to funding the maximum number of scholarships and the maximum cost of attendance permitted by the NCAA across its 16 sponsored sports, demonstrating a significant investment in its human capital.
Philanthropic endeavors, such as the Owl Club Athletic Fund and the Rice Athletics Scholarship Fund (RASF), play a crucial role in providing the necessary resources for these student-athletes. The Owl Club Athletic Fund serves as the unrestricted annual fund, supporting daily operations and strategic investments that directly impact student-athletes. The RASF, on the other hand, is specifically dedicated to scholarship support, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede access to a world-class education and athletic experience. These funds underscore the power of private initiative and community self-reliance in sustaining high-level collegiate sports.
Furthermore, Rice has proactively embraced new models in college athletics, exemplified by the launch of the South Main Fund in June 2025. This fund directly supports Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and provides direct financial assistance to student-athletes, enabling Rice to remain competitive in an evolving landscape. This strategic move, which includes a minimum investment of $10 million over three years into athletes, positions Rice as a forward-thinking institution outside of the Power 4 conferences, demonstrating how innovation can level the playing field.
Holistic Development and Community Engagement
Rice University’s athletic department actively promotes a holistic development model, emphasizing academic, professional, and personal growth for its student-athletes. This approach is reflected in programs designed to instill leadership, teamwork, and grit, preparing students for success well beyond their collegiate careers. Rice student-athletes consistently demonstrate their commitment to the greater Houston community through extensive volunteer work and community service initiatives, exemplifying the values of responsibility and community. For example, student-athletes and staff recently rallied to collect donations for Central Texas flood victims, demonstrating a powerful “spirit of service” that goes beyond athletic competition.
The university’s commitment to innovation extends to athletic performance itself. A partnership with BeOne Sports, a Houston-based sports tech startup founded by Rice alumni, integrates mobile motion-capture AI and advanced data analytics into sports medicine and rehabilitation programs. This cutting-edge technology provides student-athletes with tools for enhanced monitoring, injury prevention, and performance optimization, showcasing Rice’s dedication to leveraging private sector innovation for the benefit of its students.
Conclusion
The recent Academic All-District honors for Rice University volleyball student-athletes, alongside similar accolades in track and field, serve as a clear affirmation of the institution’s success in fostering a culture of dual excellence. These achievements reflect not only the individual dedication of the student-athletes but also the robust support systems, strategic investments, and forward-thinking initiatives spearheaded by Rice Athletics and its network of donors and alumni. By prioritizing both scholarly achievement and competitive prowess, Rice University continues to develop well-rounded leaders who contribute significantly to both the Houston community and the broader landscape of collegiate sports. We encourage all Houston residents and sports enthusiasts to engage with and support Rice University athletics, helping to sustain this legacy of excellence and community contribution. Your involvement helps ensure that these remarkable student-athletes have the resources to continue their inspiring journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest achievement for Rice University Athletics?
Four Rice volleyball student-athletes were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team recently.
Which Rice volleyball student-athletes received Academic All-District honors?
Seniors Lademi Ogunlana and Darby Harris, along with juniors Kaia Mateo and Kellen Dorotik, earned the honor.
What are the academic qualifications for the CSC Academic All-District Team?
Student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, have a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA, and compete in 90 percent of the institution’s matches played or start in at least 66 percent of the institution’s matches.
Which Rice volleyball player advanced to the Academic All-America ballot?
Kaia Mateo has advanced to the Academic All-America ballot.
When will the Academic All-America teams be announced?
The Academic All-America teams will be announced on January 13, 2026.
Do other Rice sports teams also achieve academic honors?
Yes, Rice women’s track and field athletes Saniya Friendly, Riana Green, Alice Taylor, and Mckyla Van der Westhuizen were named Academic All-District in June 2025. [cite: Original Snippet]
What is the economic impact of Rice Athletics on Houston?
Rice Athletics generated a total impact of over $115 million in game day and event activity over the past three years.
How does Rice Athletics support its student-athletes financially?
Rice Athletics supports student-athletes through the Owl Club Athletic Fund, the Rice Athletics Scholarship Fund (RASF), and the new South Main Fund, which supports Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and direct financial assistance.
Rice University Academic All-District Highlights
| Achievement | Athletes / Teams | GPA (Volleyball) | Notes | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSC Academic All-District (Volleyball) | Lademi Ogunlana, Darby Harris, Kaia Mateo, Kellen Dorotik | Ogunlana: 3.92, Harris: 4.00, Mateo: 3.88, Dorotik: 3.75 | Mateo advanced to Academic All-America ballot. | Dec 16, 2025 |
| CSC Academic All-District (Women’s Track & Field) | Saniya Friendly, Riana Green, Alice Taylor, Mckyla Van der Westhuizen | N/A | Demonstrates consistent academic success across sports. [cite: Original Snippet] | Jun 24, 2025 [cite: Original Snippet] |
| Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) Ranking | Rice Owls (FBS Institutions) | N/A | Ranked fifth overall in FGR among FBS institutions. | Jun 23, 2023 |
| Career Placement Rate | Rice Student-Athletes | N/A | 100% career placement rate. | Jun 23, 2023 |
| NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) | 8 of 14 Rice sports (4-year perfect score of 1000) | N/A | Volleyball program has 13-year streak of perfect APR scores. | Jun 4, 2024 |
| Economic Impact on Houston (past 3 years) | Rice Athletics | N/A | Over $115 million in game day and event activity. | Jun 19, 2025 |
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