LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock track and field athlete
Brooklyn Marcee has earned one of the Ohio Valley Conference's most prestigious distinctions, being named an OVC Scholar-Athlete, an award given to only six student-athletes conference-wide who embody the highest standard of academic excellence, athletic achievement and leadership.
Only six student-athletes, three male and three female, are selected each year. Winners are chosen from a pool of nominees submitted by the OVC Faculty Athletics Representatives. Recipients must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and must have conducted themselves in a manner that brings distinction to themselves, their institution and the conference during the academic year. This year's awards recognize achievements during the 2024-25 academic year.
"I feel very grateful to have won this award," Marcee said. "It is a special feeling to be recognized for academics and athletics because it can definitely be a challenge to balance the two. I am thankful for the support from my family, teammates, teachers and coaches."
Marcee is a senior pole vaulter for the Little Rock track and field program. She is majoring in business management with minors in applied communications and sport management. She holds a 3.98 GPA and has earned numerous academic honors, including:
- Business Freshman Scholar of the Year (2023)
- Three-time OVC Academic Medal of Honor recipient
- Chancellor's List (2022-25)
- Chancellor's Leadership Corps Scholar
- Dean's List (2022-25)
- OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll (2023-25)
In addition to her academic accolades, Marcee serves as a Chancellor's Leadership Corps mentor (2022-26) and is a member of the Student Activities Board, where she serves on the leadership team and as volunteer coordinator.
Outside of the classroom and off the track, she is actively involved in campus and community service, including:
- Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Executive Board
- First United Methodist Church mission trips
- Trojan Food Pantry
- Little Rock Cheese Dip Festival
- Little Rock Cornbread Festival
- Taste of Little Rock
- Little Rock Marathon
- Volunteer at Little Rock home soccer and swim meets
"I didn't originally have the intention of being super involved in college," Marcee said. "I was just going to stick to my sport and academics. But over time, I realized how important it is to be involved, make connections and build relationships with people. It has helped me have a great college experience and created connections that will last a lifetime."
Marcee credited two individuals who have significantly influenced her collegiate journey.
"Corrigan Revels is the person who has pushed me to be involved on campus — whether that was CLC mentor, student activities board or running for homecoming royal. He is a great leader and truly wants the best for every student at UA Little Rock," she said. "[Little Rock track and field assistant coach
Will Kendall] has pushed me to be the best I can be not only in my sport, but in life. He has taught me to trust the process and to embrace the highs and lows. I am thankful for the time he invests into his athletes. I have grown on and off the track because of him."
On the athletic side, Marcee has competed in pole vault for all three of her seasons at Little Rock, medaling in every conference championship meet. She has earned five silver medals and one bronze at OVC indoor and outdoor championships.
"This award is a testament to Brooklyn's dedication and pursuit of excellence both on the track and in the classroom," said Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach
J.P. Behnke. "It has been an honor to have her as a leader of our track and field program over the last three and a half years. Brooklyn has earned several accolades on the track, and it's only fitting to see her recognized for her hard work in the classroom as well."
Marcee is the first female student-athlete — and second overall — from Little Rock to receive the award since the Trojans joined the OVC in 2022. Former men's golfer Anton Albers was the program's first recipient in 2022-23.
"Brooklyn exemplifies everything we strive for in a Little Rock student-athlete, and we couldn't be more proud of her for earning one of the OVC's highest individual honors," said Director of Athletics
Frank M. Cuervo. "Being recognized as an OVC Scholar-Athlete is a tremendous accomplishment and a true reflection of Brooklyn's excellence in every facet of her collegiate experience. She has set the standard for what it means to be a Trojan — excelling in competition, in the classroom and as a leader on our campus and in the community."
Marcee said she is honored to represent Little Rock.
"I feel honored and proud to represent Little Rock for this award," she said. "This university has shaped me in so many ways, and it means a lot to be recognized and to represent my school. I am grateful for the support that helped me succeed both in the classroom and on the track."
