Completed Event: Softball versus Rockhurst University on October 1, 2025 , Win , 5, to, 0
Final
Softball
5
vs Rockhurst University
0
Laura Teska Awarded Second Straight Co-Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year
5/22/2025 1:00:00 PM | Women's Rowing
IRVING, Texas – For the second-consecutive year, Kansas senior Laura Teska has been named the Big 12 Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, announced by the conference on Thursday. Throughout her college career, Teska has maintained an impressive 3.99 GPA and recently graduated with a degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.
"We are so proud of Laura," said Kansas Rowing assistant coach Madison Hovis. "She continues to make history with every step she takes and today we celebrate not only her achievements but the legacy she's building. As a Jayhawk, she has represented this place with heart, with pride and with purpose. Laura has embodied excellence in all that she's done and leaves a mark that will be felt for years to come. Congratulations, Laura!"
Teska becomes the first Jayhawk to win the award twice, and in back-to-back seasons, after being decorated as the 2024 Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year. The last Jayhawk rower besides Teska to earn the honor was Liz Scherer in 2013. Recipients of all four postseason rowing awards are selected based on the votes of each head coach in the conference.
For the last two seasons, Teska has been a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) National-Scholar and Academic All-Big 12 first team selection and made the Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team her freshman year. In 2024, she was a Gerald Lage Award Recipient, which is the highest academic achievement in the Big 12 Conference.
Teska has also been listed on the Athletic Director's and College of Liberal Arts and Science Honor Roll for seven-straight semesters.
A four-year member of the Kansas Rowing program, Teska has primarily raced in the top-two boats throughout her career, including the six seat of the 1 Varsity 8+ boat this season. Producing success on the water, Teska was a member of the 1 Varsity 8+ crew that placed third at the Big 12 Championship on May 18, 2025, and won Big 12 Boat of the Week on May 7, 2025.
A hometown Lawrence, Kansas, native, Teska is a University of Kansas legacy as both her parents attend KU while her grandfather was a professor at the institution.
Teska's post-KU plans include moving to Boston this fall with teammates Karly Larson and Ava Black to attend the New England College of Optometry. Before she makes her way to the east coast, she intends to commission as an officer in the US Navy this summer to serve as a naval optometrist after receiving her doctorate.
Big 12 Postseason Rowing Awards
Rower of the Year: Hannah Lovejoy, UCF
Newcomer of the Year: Lucy Buckingham, UCF
CO-SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: LAURA TESKA, KANSAS
Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Sydnee Blackburn, Old Dominion
Coach of the Year: Mara Allen, UCF
"We are so proud of Laura," said Kansas Rowing assistant coach Madison Hovis. "She continues to make history with every step she takes and today we celebrate not only her achievements but the legacy she's building. As a Jayhawk, she has represented this place with heart, with pride and with purpose. Laura has embodied excellence in all that she's done and leaves a mark that will be felt for years to come. Congratulations, Laura!"
Teska becomes the first Jayhawk to win the award twice, and in back-to-back seasons, after being decorated as the 2024 Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year. The last Jayhawk rower besides Teska to earn the honor was Liz Scherer in 2013. Recipients of all four postseason rowing awards are selected based on the votes of each head coach in the conference.
For the last two seasons, Teska has been a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) National-Scholar and Academic All-Big 12 first team selection and made the Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team her freshman year. In 2024, she was a Gerald Lage Award Recipient, which is the highest academic achievement in the Big 12 Conference.
Teska has also been listed on the Athletic Director's and College of Liberal Arts and Science Honor Roll for seven-straight semesters.
A four-year member of the Kansas Rowing program, Teska has primarily raced in the top-two boats throughout her career, including the six seat of the 1 Varsity 8+ boat this season. Producing success on the water, Teska was a member of the 1 Varsity 8+ crew that placed third at the Big 12 Championship on May 18, 2025, and won Big 12 Boat of the Week on May 7, 2025.
A hometown Lawrence, Kansas, native, Teska is a University of Kansas legacy as both her parents attend KU while her grandfather was a professor at the institution.
Teska's post-KU plans include moving to Boston this fall with teammates Karly Larson and Ava Black to attend the New England College of Optometry. Before she makes her way to the east coast, she intends to commission as an officer in the US Navy this summer to serve as a naval optometrist after receiving her doctorate.
Big 12 Postseason Rowing Awards
Rower of the Year: Hannah Lovejoy, UCF
Newcomer of the Year: Lucy Buckingham, UCF
CO-SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: LAURA TESKA, KANSAS
Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Sydnee Blackburn, Old Dominion
Coach of the Year: Mara Allen, UCF
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