On June 2, the UO athletic department will host the O Show, celebrating the achievements of Oregon student-athletes in both sports and academics. This annual event is a way to recognize the hard work and dedication of these young athletes.
Nominations for various awards come from coaches and academic advisors. The winners are chosen through votes from fellow student-athletes and department staff. There are also awards for coaches and support staff who make a notable impact on the student-athlete experience.
The awards consider accomplishments from May 2025 to April 2026. In the lead-up to the event, let’s take a closer look at one special award: The Doyle Higdon Memorial Trophy. This trophy honors a former student-athlete who tragically passed away after his sophomore year. It is awarded to a sophomore who excels in athletics, academics, and community service.
The Nominees for the Doyle Higdon Memorial Trophy
Tong An, Women’s Golf
Tong maintains a 3.62 GPA while achieving multiple top-20 finishes on the nationally ranked team. She is also active in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and engages in community service.
Cloe Chase, Soccer
With a 3.62 GPA, Cloe competes with the Ducks and has logged six hours of community service this year.
Ehisl Etute, Women’s Basketball
Ehisl boasts a 3.53 GPA and has contributed to the women’s basketball team. She’s involved in international service in Kenya and is also active in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Makena Guidish, Acrobatics & Tumbling
Makena stands out with a 4.15 GPA, the highest among nominees. She contributes to one of the nation’s top programs and has completed 3.5 hours of community service along with nine SAAC engagements.
Katie Shields, Lacrosse
Katie, with a GPA of 3.33 in a STEM track, is active on the lacrosse field. She has dedicated 25 hours to community service through the Ducks Give Program and has participated in STEM outreach activities, contributing to 12 SAAC engagements.
These nominees reflect the high standards and dedication of Oregon student-athletes. Their achievements in sports, academics, and community service show how they inspire others around them.
Additional Insights
A recent study by the NCAA shows that student-athletes maintain higher GPAs compared to their non-athlete peers, highlighting the importance of discipline and time management. Furthermore, community service is linked to better mental health among young athletes, reinforcing the value of giving back.
In today’s world, where young people often face immense pressure, stories like these remind us of the positive impacts athletes can have, not only in sports but in their communities as well.
Celebrations like the O Show amplify these achievements, creating a culture that values excellence in all areas of life.
