Hafey Named SAC Scholar Athlete of the Year
For the second straight season, Carson-Newman beach volleyball has produced the South Atlantic Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, as junior Trinity Hafey earned the honor Monday.
VIDEO: Trinity Hafey Interview
ROCK HILL, S.C. — Junior beach volleyball player Trinity Hafey (Grand Junction, Colo.) was named the South Atlantic Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, the league announced Monday afternoon.
The South Atlantic Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to one student-athlete in each of the conference's championship sports and is voted on by the SAC Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee. Winners are selected based on their achievements in academics, athletics, service, and leadership.
"It is great to receive this award because it has always been instilled in me by my parents that what you do in the classroom is just as important as what you do on the court," said Hafey. "Being able to represent my team in this way is a great accomplishment for me, so all the long hours in the classroom, long bus rides, study hall, and time on the court make me proud to represent myself and the team this way."
Hafey has been a staple in the Eagles' lineup throughout her career in Mossy Creek. Alongside partner Paige Halcrow, Hafey secured her spot in Carson-Newman's top pair during the 2026 season, where the duo finished with a 24-6 overall record.
As a junior, Hafey has already helped lead her squad to two SACC regular-season titles, two SACC tournament championships, and a seventh-place finish at the AVCA Small College Beach Volleyball Championship.
Hafey is also a two-time AVCA Top Flight Award recipient, a 2026 First Team All-Conference selection, a 2025 Second Team All-Conference honoree, a two-time SACC Pair of the Week selection, and a member of the CSC All-District Team.
"Trinity is an exceptional student-athlete," said head coach Cat Collins. "Her presence in our program makes it better. She always strives to do her best on the court and in the classroom."
Apart from her success on the beach courts, Hafey is a business major currently holding a 3.9681 GPA.
This marks the second consecutive season that an Eagles beach volleyball player has been named SAC Scholar Athlete of the Year, as Kat Nelson earned the honor last season.
