ST. JOSEPH, Minn. -- If Sophia Jonas has any advice to those just beginning their time at the College of Saint Benedict, it's this:
 
"Say yes to everything," she said. "You never know where it will lead. College is about having all these different experiences, building relationships and making memories that will last a lifetime," said Jonas. "There are so many resources and opportunities offered here. Take advantage of as many of them as you can because you never know which ones will end up changing your life for the better."
 
Jonas – a senior who will graduate this Saturday (May 17) with a degree in accounting – has embodied those words from the moment she first set foot on campus in the fall of 2021.
 
The Hudson (Wisconsin) High School alum has been a two-sport standout for the Bennies.
 
On the basketball court, she was a four-year starter and three-time All-MIAC pick who broke the CSB and MIAC career record for three-pointers with 264. She scored a total of 1,154 points, ranking her 12th all-time in program history. She's also been an All-MIAC performer in tennis who this past season held down spots at both No. 1 singles and doubles.
 
Jonas has been equally successful in the classroom, where she maintains a 3.904 GPA. She is a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma national college athlete honor society and has earned Academic All-MIAC honors on multiple occasions. She was also named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District basketball team the past three seasons, making her the first CSB player to accomplish that feat.
 
In addition, she played a key role on the school's student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC), serving as co-president and helping spearhead efforts to prioritize mental health initiatives on campus, stock local food shelves and more.
 
That resume of achievement was recognized Sunday night (May 11), when she was announced as the winner of this year's Presidential Award, handed out annually to a CSB senior student-athlete who has excelled athletically and academically and has been an inspirational leader in the wider community.
 
CSB and SJU President Brian Bruess presented her with the honor at the athletic department's year-end Bennies Awards ceremony held on campus in the Gorecki Center.
 
"Sophia Jonas was a first-year student when I arrived at CSB and it has truly been a pleasure to watch her grow and develop these past four years," CSB athletic director Kelly Anderson Diercks said. "I absolutely love dual-sport student-athletes. I love watching them interact and blend into two different team cultures. I love watching their skill sets adapt between their sports seasons."
 
"For every young girl out there who feels like they need to specialize and do one sport year-round, please look at Sophia as a great example of someone who is thriving as a multi-sport student-athlete, in addition to being a great student in the classroom and leader in our student-athlete advisory committee," Anderson Diercks said.
 
The award came as a surprise to Jonas, who was humbled to receive it.
 
"I was shocked when they said my name," said Jonas, who has already accepted a full-time job offer with PricewaterhouseCoopers starting in September in the Twin Cities. "I certainly wasn't expecting it. It's definitely a real honor. I'm just so grateful I was able to do the things this award stands for and have the experiences I've had at CSB."
 
To those who've coached and worked with her on campus the past four years, the honor did not come as a surprise at all.
 
"Through her determination and dedication in the classroom, on the court and in leadership, Sophia has exemplified the true spirit of a collegiate student-athlete," said CSB assistant athletic director Jon Roesch, who serves as SAAC's advisor. "As a dual-sport athlete and SAAC president, she not only excelled in basketball and tennis, but also embodied the values of teamwork, perseverance and service. Receiving the President's Award is a testament to her outstanding character and commitment to our community. Sophia's legacy will inspire future Bennies to lead with integrity and passion."
 
"I heard Soph share many times what she was seeking in a college following her senior year in high school, and when I see now what she has achieved, it's remarkable," added CSB basketball coach Mike Durbin. "Her legacy is incredible!"
 
"Sophia is an all-star," Bennies tennis coach Jack Bowe exclaimed. "She is truly well-deserving of the President's Award. She excelled both in the classroom and on the tennis court. She served as an outstanding senior leader for our young team. The team voted her MVP for the season. Sophia was a dedicated captain and our number one singles and doubles player."