PRESS RELEASE: JULY 7, 2026

Jessica Horn named Florida’s Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year

St. Johns River State College volleyball player Jessica Horn has been named the Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the Florida College System Activities Association. The Award is given annually to the player who exhibits top-tier athletic achievements and maintains stellar grade point averages.

Jessica Horn

Horn graduated from SJR State with a perfect 4.0 GPA, achieving excellence in the classroom while playing for both the indoor and beach volleyball teams for the Vikings.

Head coach Stephanie Champine said Horn embodies everything a college could hope for in a student-athlete. “She has excelled at the highest level in the classroom, on the court, and as a leader within our program. Being named the FCSAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year is an incredible honor and one that is so well deserved,” Champine said.

Horn is the first student-athlete in Viking history to receive this award across all women's sports in the FCSAA. SJR State President Pickens said Horn has raised the standard of excellence at SJR State. “This award reflects the commitment, discipline, and character Jessica has demonstrated throughout her time at SJR State,” Pickens said. It's rewarding to see her recognized for all her hard work and dedication on and off the court.”

The sophomore from Joliet Catholic Academy in Plainfield, IL, was also first team FCSAA, MVP of the region tournament, and setter of the year. She was also selected as NJCAA First Team All American. While playing for SJR State, Horn set the record for the Vikings and the D2 Sun Lakes Conference for assists and aces in a season.

Horn will continue her education and volleyball career this fall with Palm Beach Atlantic University.

The Vikings volleyball team closed their 2025 season with their first-ever state and region 8 title, and a historic first appearance in the national championships, where they returned home tied for 9th in the nation.