Stellar Student-Athletes

Meet two UW athletes who achieved impressive academic success while also excelling in their chosen sports.

By Patrick Wolfinbarger

University of Wyoming student-athletes often choose challenging majors and maintain stellar grade-point averages, making their achievements off the field just as impressive as their wins.

Sprinter Jaymison Cox

Jaymison Cox, a senior from Powell, Wyo., is a member of the UW track and field team. He has achieved a 4.0 cumulative GPA in computer engineering and is the school record-holder in the indoor 400-meter dash. Named to the 2023 spring Academic All-Mountain West Honors team, he also serves as a part-time athletic tutor.

Cox’s family moved to Torrington from Denver when he was a year old then later moved to Powell. It was a move that eventually led him to attending UW.

“Growing up in Wyoming and benefiting from its opportunities combined with academic scholarships that offered a debt-free graduation made UW an ideal choice,” he says. “Plus, being able to pursue track here was a significant factor.”

Breaking the indoor 400-meter school record is a standout moment

for Cox. “Setting foot on the track team’s top 10 plaques was a goal from the start, and now my name appears on six of them, which I’m immensely proud of,” he says.

His academic achievements, including a nomination for engineering student of the year, reflect his commitment to excellence as well. “Being recognized for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout my studies is a source of pride for me,” he says.

Being both a student and an athlete requires careful time management, Cox says. “I carve out dedicated study periods around practices and competitions, even amidst the challenges of spring travel schedules.”

Offering advice to incoming student-athletes, Cox stresses the importance of discipline over motivation. “Understanding that discipline outweighs momentary motivation is crucial,” he says, referring to guidance he received from UW track and field Coach Ben Santos. “It’s about staying committed to doing what needs to be done.”

Cox also reflected on the demanding nature of student-athlete life. “The significant time investment and physical toll involved in pursuing athletics at a high level may not be fully appreciated by non-athletes,” he says.

Looking ahead, Cox is excited about his job as a hardware design engineer in Longmont, Colo., after graduation. “I’m eager to embark on this career path and continue growing professionally,” he says.

Cox appreciates all the opportunities he has had at UW. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to run track, to improve and see what I’m made of,” he says.

“I’m also grateful for the opportunity to study and better myself and prepare for a career that will be very fruitful. So I’m grateful for everything Wyoming has done for me.”

Soccer Player Jamie Tatum

Jamie Tatum, a graduate student and member of the UW women’s soccer team, hails from Highlands Ranch, Colo. In 2023, she became the all-time goal and point scorer in Cowgirls history. Tatum has a stellar 4.0 cumulative GPA in the health services administration master’s program and a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and her academic prowess matches her skills on the field. She was among 95 Wyoming student-athletes to earn 2023 fall Academic All-Mountain West honors.

In looking at colleges, Tatum found UW offered exactly what she was looking for in both academics and athletics. “When I visited, I fell in love with the campus and the program,” she says. “Additionally, the fact that UW could accommodate my nursing studies alongside athletics was a major factor.”

Her contributions to the soccer team include serving as team captain from 2020–23. She highlights winning the regular-season championship last year as a significant achievement.

“It was rewarding to see the culmination of our hard work as a team,” Tatum says.

Academically, Tatum’s journey has been equally impressive. Graduating from nursing school was a monumental accomplishment for her. “Balancing clinical hours, classes and soccer practice was incredibly challenging but ultimately very rewarding,” she says.

Tatum says she didn’t take a passive approach in managing her dual roles as a student and athlete. “I’ve always been proactive and organized, which has helped me stay on top of my responsibilities,” she says. Building relationships with professors and prioritizing academics and soccer are crucial elements of her success.

Offering advice to incoming student-athletes, Tatum says: “Being proactive is key. Take ownership of your responsibilities, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.”

Looking to the future, Tatum aspires to pursue her aspirations of playing professional soccer while working as a nurse. She says, “Balancing both careers is important to me.”

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