Nelson Named SAC Scholar Athlete of the Year

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman beach volleyball standout Kat Nelson has been named the South Atlantic Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, the league announced Monday.

“Kat has one of the best work ethics I have seen as a coach,” said head beach volleyball coach Cat Collins. “She has been a pivotal player and person for our culture for the last four years, and we are so proud of her and all her accomplishments.”

A Biochemistry major, Nelson was also named a co-recipient of the SACC Academic Excellence Award alongside Katie Willingham of Catawba. Nelson maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while playing a crucial role in Carson-Newman’s historic 2025 beach volleyball season.

 


 


One of Nelson’s most memorable moments came alongside partner Addie Smith, when the duo clinched a dramatic victory over Tusculum, securing the Eagles’ first-ever SACC Tournament Championship. Under Nelson’s leadership, Carson-Newman compiled a 25-7 overall record, went undefeated in conference play, and captured the program’s inaugural conference title.

Beyond her excellence on the court and in the classroom, Nelson has made a lasting impact through her commitment to community service. She volunteered at the C.A.R.E. Animal Shelter during CN Serve Day, walking dogs and cleaning kennels. Following a devastating hurricane, she assisted with relief efforts in Newport, Tennessee, where she helped sort and distribute essential supplies to affected families and cleaned out a damaged home. She also dedicated time as a volunteer at Mossy Creek Fellowship Church, and read to local elementary school students during spring break.

Nelson also served as a volunteer at Eagles Night, and worked as an academic tutor, often offering her support beyond the hours required by her work-study role. Additionally, she was a four-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she helped lead fundraisers for charitable organizations such as Play-for-Kay and Make-A-Wish, using her platform to uplift both the Carson-Newman campus and surrounding community.

“Kat has been a leader on the court, in the classroom, and in her faith over the last four years,” added Collins. “She will be greatly missed.”

Stay connected with Carson-Newman Beach Volleyball by following @CN_Eagles on X (Twitter) and Instagram, or Carson-Newman Athletics on Facebook. For more information and updates, visit cneagles.com.

 

 

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