For the second time in school history, the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) has awarded the Scholar Athlete of the Year Award to a Guilford student. Anna Giannopoulou plays as a forward on the Guilford Women’s Basketball team while excelling in academics as a Biology and Health Science major.
Originally from Greece, Giannopoulou moved to North Carolina seven years ago before she was recruited to play at Guilford. She has played the sport for 11 years and, evidently, is not just an asset to her team but a valued member of the Guilford community.
. The Scholar Athlete of the Year Award recognizes individuals who hold a GPA of 3.5 or higher while spending significant time and energy in their competitive sports. These students embody what it means to have impeccable time management, discipline, and intense dedication to both their academics and athletics. Giannopoulou is an exemplary model of all of the above.
“I think she’s one of the best players to play at Guilford,” said Head Women’s Basketball coach, Sarah Mathews.
Mathews has worked at Guilford for four years, not only holding the title of coach but also Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. Mathews highlighted Giannopoulou’s many accomplishments as a student athlete, mentioning how highly decorated she is.
Giannopoulou has been a 1000-point scorer and the National Player of the Week since her start at Guilford. She has also been the Defensive Player of the Week several times.
“She’s very diligent, and that’s the second part of the award,” said Mathews. “She’s had nearly a 4.0 every semester in a tough major.”
Mathews expressed the pride she felt as a coach when she found out Giannopoulou had won this award.
“It’s not just being a good basketball player, but being a really good person, and being a really good student athlete,” said Mathews. “She’s kind of the epitome of those three things.”
Mathews also emphasized that it’s not just one stat; Giannopoulou covers multiple stats, her name littered the record books, and she’s a good leader.
“I wasn’t expecting it, honestly. I knew I had a nomination, but I was really pumped to get it,” said Giannopoulou.
When asked what advice she would give to other student athletes hoping to receive this award in the future, Giannopoulou said, “It’s definitely possible. You just have to do every single assignment and probably have to sacrifice some sleep.”
She had known she had nominations for the award, but was still pleasantly surprised when she received it. She expressed the ways in which her coaches, teammates, and roommates all added to her success with support and understanding. When her academic and athletic schedules collide, she is given grace to prioritize her education.
Giannopoulou is set to finish her undergraduate degree in the spring. Her next endeavor is Vet school at the University of Illinois.
“It’s a little far, but I’m really excited,” said Giannopoulou.
Considering this incredible achievement, it’s a safe bet that Giannopoulou will excel in anything she sets her mind to.
