49 Student-Athletes Earn Degrees from Miami

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Forty-nine student-athletes earned degrees from the University of Miami Friday.

Official commencement exercises, originally scheduled to take place today at Watsco Center, were postponed following guidance from state and federal agencies to suspend large events and promote social distancing due to COVID-19. Spring 2020 graduates have been invited to participate in fall undergraduate ceremonies on December 18.

“Today is a memorable moment for 49 members of our U Family as they officially earn a degree from the University of Miami,” Director of Athletics Blake James said. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication displayed by these outstanding student-athletes.

“While they may not have the opportunity to walk across the stage today at Watsco Center, that doesn’t take away from their tremendous accomplishments. I can’t wait to see where their life’s journey takes them from here.”

Thirteen of UM’s athletic programs were represented in Spring 2020 graduation, led by the football team with 12 graduates. The list also includes 2019 NCAA singles champion and four-time ITA All-American Estela Perez-Somarriba from women’s tennis; second-team All-American Renate Grimstad from golf; second-team All-ACC selection Elizaveta Lukianova from volleyball; and ACC champion and NCAA All-American diver Alicia Blagg.

In addition, four Hurricanes returned to school to complete their degrees – Jhavonte Dean (football), Andrew Williams (football), Jesse Lepore (baseball) and Carolyn Brown (track and field), who earned her master’s degree.