FLUSHING, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College men's basketball sophomore Akil Vaughn of the men's basketball program was recognized Friday as the CUNYAC Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month for December 2019.  Vaughn became York's first Scholar-Athlete of the Month selection since 2013, when Sandra Shamburger, a women's swimming CUNYAC Rookie of the Year honoree, was cited in January 2013. 

Vaughn, a native from Georgetown, Guyana, is a forward for the Cardinals basketball team and an outside hitter for the men's volleyball team. Vaughn is majoring in Accounting with a minor in Aviation, he currently holds a 3.719 GPA while making the Dean's List three times in his academic career.

'It's a great honor to be recognized and awarded for work done off the court. It goes to show that you can still be rewarded off the court as an athlete," Vaughn said.

Vaughn is viewed by his coaches and teammates as a dedicated student-athlete who excels within the campus community and in the classroom, while contributing as a consistent teammate on and off the court.

"Akil is a wonderful young man, great student-athlete and a supportive teammate. He not only leads by example on the court, but also in the classroom," Head Basketball Coach Nolan Adams said. 

Vaughn displays the highest level of sportsmanship to his teammates, opponents, and officials. Vaughn leads by example and is ready to take on a role as a team leader.

"During his time with the program, Akil has had the highest grade-point average on the team and further assists his teammates by providing them with tutoring when in need. He is able to handle his workload all while contributing as a starter in all of our games," Adams said.

Vaughn's day starts early. he's up at 5:30 a.m to be with the men's basketball athletic trainer by 8 a.m, he then goes to class in the morning. During his free time, Vaughn is at the library to start on assignments and projects, it's here where he and his teammates study and do homework. Vaughn hits the court to practice in the evening, and finally heads home to catch up on one of his favorite TV shows, "The Walking Dead."

This routine helps Vaughn to be organized and on time.

"It helps me maintain my pattern and regular schedule. It forces me to get assignments and projects done on time because I have practice and games," Vaughn said.

In six games during the month of December, Vaughn averaged a double-double with 10.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocked shots, while shooting 43 percent from the field (22-51), and 75 percent from the charity stripe (18-24). Against Manhattanville College (Dec.17), Vaughn set career highs with 19 points and 17 boards to go with two blocked shots.

The product of St. Roses High School looks to aim to set the records for most rebounds in a single game and most kills (volleyball) in a single game before Vaughn ends his collegiate career at York. Vaughn's inspiration to succeed comes from his father and coaches.

"My pops inspired me to always work hard for the things I want in life. My coaches inspire me everyday to be different because being ordinary isn't gonna cut it," Vaughn said. 

Vaughn's advice for future student-athletes with similar goals is simple.

"Time management is key." Vaughn said.

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