Sophomores Bobbie Boeler and Maclane Smoke Earn NATYCCA Scholar-Athlete Of The Year Distinctions

Orlando, FL-Sophomores Bobbie Boehler (softball) and Maclane Smoke (men's tennis) have been named the male and female NATYCAA scholar-athlete of the year.  This marks the first time in the award's 22-year history that one college has swept the male and female award. 

As a freshman, Boehler earned first-team All-American honors at shortstop and, for the past two seasons, earned the distinction of Region XIX's top infielder.  In 2013, she was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament team when the squad was the NJCAA National runner-up.  That team broke the program's all-time record for wins (59) and was a major contributor to the squad's third-place finish at the National tournament this year.  Additionally, Boehler served as co-chair to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and organized community service projects such as the "Walk for the Cure" for breast cancer and a campus clean-up.

Smoke, a 2013 and 2014 first team All-American, is the first back-to-back first singles National champion in program history.  In fact, he didn't just win those National matches – he dominated, defeating the runner-up in three straight sets this Spring. In addition, Smoke has garnered three first-team All-Region accolades and three first-time All-GSAC honors in his two years at Brookdale. Off the court, Smoke raises awareness for Operation Beachhead, a non-profit organization based at the Jersey Shore with a goal to help veterans, troops, and disabled individuals participate in adaptive sport and recreational activities. 

Both are two-time academic All-Region honorees and will be up for NJCAA academic honors of distinction this year, as Boehler graduated with a 3.94 GPA and Smoke completed his two years with a 3.81 GPA.

"Bobbie and Maclane exemplify the true meaning of a scholar-athlete," commented Brookdale director of athletics, Shawn Noël. "Their leadership and unwavering commitment to both their teams and academic endeavors is unprecedented.  This honor couldn't be more deserving we couldn't be prouder to call them Jersey Blues."

Smoke, a criminal justice major, will be attending NJCU in the Fall, while Boehler will pursue a Bachelor's degree in education at Georgian Court while on a softball scholarship.

The National Association of Two Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) scholar-athlete award is presented annually to a male and female student-athlete who earn a GPA of 3.6 or higher, display outstanding qualities of leadership and citizenship and earn at least All-Region athletic designation.