(Editor's Note: This is part of a series of stories of the RUDY Award finalists. Two winners – one male and one female – will be announced at the conclusion of the end of the R.UD.Y.S. Awards Banquet on Monday.
R.U.D.Y.S. stands for Recognition and celebration of University of Dayton student-athletes Year-end Showcase. It is hosted by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Dayton Athletics administration for the student-athletes to recognize individuals and teams for their accomplishments this past year.
These stories were written by students in Dr. Haozho Pu's HS 353 Sports Media class.)
Written by James Tong, Lauren Williamson
DaRon Holmes II, the Dayton basketball junior center from Goodyear, AZ, is being nominated for the RUDY Award for a second consecutive year. Holmes is a communication major and has thought that in the future he might have a podcast.
The winner of last year's RUDY Award, Holmes went to Millennium High School and AZ Compass Prep. He was recently named a Second Team AP All-American this year while also winning the A-10 Co-Player of the Year award as well at the conference Defensive Player of the Year Award among other A10 accolades. Holmes also holds the title for the most blocks in school history and had averages of 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game this year.
Outside of basketball, Holmes enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially hanging out with his younger brothers, Quintyn and Cameron. When he's not at home in Arizona, he plays video games like NBA 2K in his free time or likes to be active.
Q: What does being a Flyer mean to you?
A: "It means everything. To be able to experience the culture and the people and the campus is all amazing. It's like home away from home."
Q: What is one of the most influential moments in your athletic career?
A: "My high school team lost our state championship in back-to-back years and that influenced me to work a lot harder. That along with having a great high school coach encouraged and influenced me to work hard and was a pivotal point in my athletic career."
Q: Balancing sports and academics can be challenging. How do you organize your time effectively to ensure success in both areas?
A: "It's definitely difficult to balance my academic and athletic life. I'm really grateful to Ms. Beth (Flach), my academic coordinator, for helping me too. Without her, it would be difficult for sure, but I need to make sure I give myself an organized schedule that revolves around the success of both my academic career as well as my athletic career."
Q: How has being a student-athlete contributed to your personal growth and development?
A: "It helps with structure and with learning how to work hard as well as time management."
Q: What are your future goals and aspirations after graduating from UD?
A: "I want to be able to play at the highest level, the NBA, but also support my family."
PREVIOUS STORIES
Casey Bogues -- Track & Field
Destiny Bohanon -- Basketball
Connor Bruce -- Tennis
Abby Carter -- Cross Country/Track & Field
Alicia Donley -- Soccer
Calan Gizelbach -- Cross Country
Elizabeth Hamilton -- Tennis
