Rhiannon Walker named NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Image courtesy NATYCAA
Image courtesy NATYCAA
May 8, 2026

Cleveland, Ohio - Former Clovis Community College women's cross country and track and field standout Rhiannon Walker has been tabbed 2026 NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year, announced Thursday, sponsored by Risk Strategies. She is joined by Elijah Palmer from Surry Community College.

"This award represents the very best of two-year college athletics, and Elijah Palmer and Rhiannon Walker exemplify what it means to succeed both in competition and beyond," stated NATYCAA 3rd Vice President Dominic DiMaggio, Director of Athletics & Head Men's Soccer Coach at Mohawk Valley Community College. "Both student-athletes distinguished themselves through exceptional athletic achievement, academic excellence, leadership, and service within their communities. Their dedication, character, and impact on those around them make them truly deserving of this recognition and outstanding representatives of two-year college athletics."

Born and raised in the heart of California's Central Valley, Walker was a standout at Fresno High School prior to enrolling at Clovis Community College in the fall of 2023. During her time as a member of the Crush cross country and track & field program, Walker rewrote the record book during her historic career. She captured four total 3C2A State Championships, highlighted by the women's individual cross country crown in 2024, a season in which she was undefeated on the course. Rhiannon earned a total of seven All-America honors, and led her teams to three conference titles, two regional championships, and a pair of 3C2A State podium finishes.

Academically, Walker completed her time at Clovis with a 3.94 GPA as a kinesiology major. She finished her career at Clovis by being named the 2024-25 DLC ISE Female Student-Athlete of the Year and was also recognized as the 2025 3C2A Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Walker transferred to Division 1 Fresno State University, where her assault on the record book continues. In her first season with the Bulldogs, she established a new school mark in indoor 5k and recently moved to 4th all-time in the 3000m steeplechase.

Academic Accomplishments

  • 2025 32CA Scholar-Athlete of the Year
  • 2025 Magna Cum Laude Graduate
  • Four-time Clovis Community College Dean's List
  • 2024 Kiwanis 'Torch of Excellence' Chancellor's Award of Distinction
  • 2024 Torch of Excellence President's Scholar

Athletic Accomplishments

  • Seven All-America honors
  • NorCal Regionals Track MVP
  • All-CVC (Cross Country and Track & Field)
  • Four-time 3C2A State Champion
  • 3C2A Cross Country Title
  • 3C2A State Title – 3,000 meter steeplechase
  • 3C2A State Title – 10,000 meters
  • Most Decorated Athlete in Clovis Community College History

Both individuals will be recognized at the upcoming NATYCAA Convention, June 7-10 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV.

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About NATYCAA: Now in its 38th year, NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year college athletics administrators and membership open to all two-year institutions from throughout the country. NATYCAA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61st year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.