Chico State Bud Hannah Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Kevin Warren says his mother, Kenya Williams, is his hero for steadfastly supporting his dreams—both in the classroom and on the court. He's ensured that her sacrifices have paid off by excelling academically, athletically, and socially at Chico State.
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In 2020, Warren completed his bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in broadcasting, and in 2022, he earned his master's degree in communication studies. In between, he spent the pandemic-induced break from basketball as a counselor for third and fourth graders at the Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley before returning to the court this season and helping lead the men's basketball team to the NCAA Championship Tournament Elite Eight. A First Team All-Conference selection, Warren was the Wildcats' second-leading scorer and rebounder.
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In terms of academic honors, he's the most decorated student-athlete in Chico State's men's basketball history. Warren won the prestigious CoSIDA Academic All-District honor in 2022—presented to just five men's basketball players from the West Region. The guard from Oakland is also a two-time Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award winner, a 2019–20 National Basketball Coaches Association Honors Court recipient, and the 2019–20 CCAA Men's Basketball Championship Scholar Award winner for having the highest GPA at the finals site.
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The Bud Hanna Male Scholar-Athlete Award (sponsored by InterWest Insurance Services, LLC) is a post-graduate scholarship awarded annually to a Chico State male student-athlete who has demonstrated excellence in his academic and athletic pursuits.
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"It is rare to have someone with the ability and drive to accomplish so much athletically and academically," Chico State Head Coach Greg Clink said. "Kevin is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete."