Syracuse women's basketball players Sophie Burrows and Laila Phelia have been named to the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District庐 Women's Basketball Team. This recognition highlights their achievements both on the court and in academics, with the announcement made on March 24. The Academic All-District program identifies top student-athletes for their combined performance, paving the way for the Academic All-America庐 honors coming soon. Burrows, a junior with a 3.93 GPA, and Phelia, a senior with a 3.53 GPA, have each played pivotal roles in Syracuse's successful season.

By the Numbers
  • Sophie Burrows: 32 games played, 31 starts, 11.0 points, 5.8 rebounds per game.
  • Laila Phelia: 32 games played, 32 starts, 13.7 points, 2.0 steals per game.
Yes, But

The honors come amidst broader discussions on the balance between academics and athletics, as Student-Athletes are often challenged to excel in both areas, underlining the pressures they face.

State of Play
  • Burrows was recently named the ACC Kay Yow Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
  • Syracuse women's basketball advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
What's Next

The complete list of Academic All-America庐 honorees will be revealed on April 14 for men and April 15 for women, highlighting potential further recognition for Burrows and Phelia.

Bottom Line

Burrows and Phelia's achievements exemplify the successful integration of athletics and academics, setting a benchmark for future student-athletes in collegiate sports.