Gainesville, FL

The FCSAA announced the top scholar-athletes for each of their recognized sports, with a Santa Fe student-athlete bringing home the award for Women's Basketball. 13 total student-athletes received scholar-athlete of the year for their respective sports, and each winner is now under consideration for the Male or Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Finalists will be announced Tuesday, June 30^th with the winner announced Thursday, July 2^nd.

Malanie Francis was named the recipient of the Sandy Miller Award, given to the top women's basketball scholar-athlete in the FCSAA. Francis spent the past two years at Santa Fe and intends to major in nursing. She has signed to and will be continuing her career at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff next season.

"Malanie's impact on our program goes far beyond basketball. She is one of the most dedicated, disciplined, and driven student-athletes I have had the privilege to coach" added head coach David Lowery. "Being awarded as the top women's basketball scholar-athlete with the Sandy Miller Academic Award is a testament to her commitment to excellence in every aspect of her time here at Santa Fe College."

Francis played 35 games for Santa Fe across two seasons. She shot 59.6% from the field and grabbed over 100 rebounds. Francis was one of the most effective players on the defensive side of the ball, collecting 9 steals and 7 blocks in the 2025-26 season.

This year particularly carries special significance because Sandy Miller was the first women's basketball coach at Santa Fe College and was pioneering figure in women's sports throughout Florida. "Her legacy continues to inspire generations of student-athletes, and it is a tremendous honor for Malanie to be recognized with an award that bears her name" adds Lowery. "Malanie has represented our college, our program, and herself with tremendous character and integrity, and we could not be proud of her for earning this prestigious distinction as the FCSAA's top women's basketball scholar-athlete."

"Malanie, like Sandy Miller, made a huge difference in her time at Santa Fe; not only was she taking courses towards a health-related degree track, but persevered through challenges along the way while giving back to her community" noted Athletic Director Chanda Stebbins. "Mal made a difference in each community service event she attended, and we are so thankful that she brought her basketball talents to Santa Fe."