McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week: Brandon Kirksey

Each week, the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC) will recognize one University of Minnesota student-athlete for his or her academic achievements. The winner of the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending March 6th is Brandon Kirksey from the football team.

Associate Head Coach Tim Cross is thrilled to see Brandon earn this honor.

“Brandon has approached his school work the same way he plays football-- with toughness, effort and perseverance! He is an outstanding young man who displays the compassion and caring heart that we all need and combines that with a fierce sense of pride and loyalty that will serve him well on and off the field,” Cross said. “Brandon has faced adversity many times and never blinked or backed down. He is the type of young man who represents his team, his family and his university in a way that should be commended. I could not be more proud of what he's done so far and I'm very excited knowing this is only the beginning of what he's capable of accomplishing.”

Academic Counselor Chris Elrod believes that Kirksey possesses the characteristics that student-athletes need to be academically successful.

“Brandon exemplifies all of the positive behaviors we ask our freshmen student-athletes to use,” Elrod said. “He has done a great job of balancing the demands of athletics and academics. He strives to reach his highest potential every day.”

Rachel McKessock, Coordinator of Student-Athlete Welfare, has also been impressed with Kirksey during his time at the U.

“Brandon has done a wonderful job volunteering with our CHAMPS/Life Skills Program.  He also encourages his teammates to get involved and has become a wonderful asset to our program as only a freshman.  He has shown outstanding leadership qualities in his short time here,” McKessock stated.

Kirksey is a freshman from St. Louis. He is a student in the College of Liberal Arts.