University of North Carolina Athletics
Five Student-Athletes Inducted Into Phi Beta Kappa
November 17, 2016 | Field Hockey, Women's Tennis, Fencing, Swimming & Diving, Academics
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Five UNC student-athletes were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa honorary society on Monday, recognizing the academic excellence they've achieved while competing at the highest levels in athletics. Less than one percent of college students nationally qualify for induction.
Those inducted were:
• Ezra Baeli-Wang (Hillsborough, N.J.), a senior on the men's fencing team who is working toward a double major in Asian studies and peace, war and defense and a minor in creative writing. He is a team captain and also serves as co-president of UNC's Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
• Hayley Carter (Hilton Head, S.C.), a senior on the women's tennis team who is majoring in economics. She is the No. 1-ranked singles player in the nation and has won more singles matches than any player in UNC women's tennis history.
• Katie McKay (Holmdel, N.J.), a senior on the women's swimming and diving team who is working toward a double major in biology and psychology and a minor in neuroscience. A sprinter for the Tar Heels, she is co-founder of the Carolina Athletics Relay for Life team.
• Sam Night (Houston, Texas), a senior on the field hockey team who is majoring in public policy. She is a forward for the Tar Heels and has played in the final four in each year of her career.
• Lucas Popp (Wichita, Kan.), a senior on the men's swimming and diving team who is majoring in exercise and sport science and minoring in music and chemistry. He is a freestyle sprinter for the Tar Heels and ranks among the program's top 10 in the 50 free and 100 free.
The five were among 137 UNC students honored Monday afternoon in a ceremony at the Friday Center. Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, Dean of the College of Arts And Sciences and Kenan Distinguished Professor of Exercise and Sport Science, was the keynote speaker.
Phi Beta Kappa membership is open to undergraduates in the college and professional degree programs who meet stringent eligibility requirements.
A student who has completed 75 hours of course work in the liberal arts and sciences with a GPA of 3.85 or better (on a 4-point scale) is eligible for membership. Also eligible is any student who has completed 105 hours of course work in the liberal arts and sciences with a 3.75 GPA. Grades earned at other universities are not considered. Less than 1 percent of all college students qualify.
Past and present Phi Beta Kappa members from across the country have included 17 American presidents and numerous artistic, intellectual and political leaders. Seven of the current U.S. Supreme Court Justices are members.
For a complete list of inductees, click here.
Players Mentioned
