Auburn University’s women’s basketball program has long been synonymous with grit, determination, and competitive excellence. Now, the program adds another layer to its already impressive résumé: academic distinction. This year, three standout student-athletes—Nelia Peralta, Abbey Smith, and Lilli Backes—have been named to the prestigious College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team. This honor, reserved for those who excel both on the court and in the classroom, affirms Auburn’s commitment not only to athletic achievement but also to fostering academic excellence among its student-athletes.
The recognition of Peralta, Smith, and Backes places them in an elite group of collegiate athletes across the country who have managed to balance the rigorous demands of NCAA Division I basketball with high academic standards. In today’s collegiate athletic environment, the life of a student-athlete is anything but simple. Days are filled with early-morning workouts, grueling practices, team meetings, film sessions, travel for games, and the constant pressure of competition. Amid these challenges, maintaining a strong academic performance requires a unique blend of discipline, time management, and unwavering focus. For Peralta, Smith, and Backes, that dedication has not gone unnoticed.
The College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-District award is part of a program that recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in athletic competition and in the classroom. To be eligible, student-athletes must be a significant contributor to their team and maintain at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA. Earning a spot on this team is a testament not only to an individual’s work ethic but also to the support system provided by their university, including academic advisors, tutors, coaches, and fellow teammates.
Nelia Peralta, a dynamic player known for her leadership and versatility on the court, has consistently demonstrated her prowess both in games and in her academic pursuits. A mainstay in Auburn’s starting lineup, Peralta’s impact extends beyond statistics. Her court vision, defensive intensity, and ability to create scoring opportunities have made her an invaluable asset to the Tigers. Off the court, she has pursued a demanding academic program with diligence and integrity. Her inclusion on the CSC Academic All-District team underscores a holistic commitment to excellence. Whether diving for a loose ball or preparing for a rigorous exam, Peralta embodies the essence of a student-athlete who thrives in both arenas.
Abbey Smith’s journey is another shining example of Auburn’s tradition of cultivating well-rounded student-athletes. Known for her resilience and tenacity, Smith’s role within the team has evolved significantly over her collegiate career. She has provided depth, stability, and a tireless work ethic that has become a hallmark of her game. Smith’s academic accomplishments reflect that same steadfast approach. Juggling athletics with a challenging academic course load, she has emerged as a role model for younger teammates and future Auburn athletes alike. Her ability to maintain composure and deliver results in high-pressure situations—whether during a game or during finals week—exemplifies the qualities that make her recognition as a CSC Academic All-District honoree so richly deserved.
Lilli Backes rounds out this trio of exceptional student-athletes, bringing both a competitive edge and academic dedication to the Auburn women’s basketball program. A powerful presence in the paint, Backes has made her mark with strong rebounding, shot-blocking, and inside scoring. Her physicality and commitment to team play are evident each time she steps onto the court. Off the court, Backes has distinguished herself as a focused and highly motivated student, tackling academic challenges with the same intensity she brings to the hardwood. Her selection to the Academic All-District team highlights the multifaceted talents she brings to Auburn University, and she stands as a symbol of how determination and balance can lead to success across multiple domains.
While the individual achievements of Peralta, Smith, and Backes are remarkable, their collective recognition also reflects positively on Auburn University as an institution. It signals a culture where academic success is not just encouraged but expected. Auburn’s athletic department, in conjunction with the university’s academic support services, has created an environment in which student-athletes are provided with the tools and resources they need to succeed beyond the basketball court. Whether through structured study halls, access to academic advisors who understand the unique challenges of being a student-athlete, or faculty who show flexibility and support, Auburn fosters an academic environment that allows its athletes to thrive.
Moreover, the recognition of these three women points to the broader evolution of collegiate athletics, where excellence is increasingly being measured not solely by wins and losses, but also by academic integrity, graduation rates, and the holistic development of student-athletes. Auburn is at the forefront of this movement, and the achievements of Peralta, Smith, and Backes serve as both a reflection of and a catalyst for continued progress.
In today’s sports landscape, where much of the attention is often focused on athletic performance, it is refreshing—and important—to highlight stories like these. They serve as a reminder that student-athletes are, first and foremost, students. Their success in the classroom is not ancillary; it is integral to the mission of collegiate athletics. The ability to navigate a dual identity—student and athlete—requires more than just talent. It demands character, perseverance, and a support system that nurtures both aspects of their development.
For the Auburn women’s basketball program, these honors come at a time of growing national prominence. Under the guidance of a dedicated coaching staff, the team has made significant strides, building a competitive squad while emphasizing values that extend beyond the court. The accomplishments of Peralta, Smith, and Backes send a clear message to recruits, fans, and the Auburn community: this is a program committed to excellence in every facet.
It’s also worth noting the inspirational ripple effect such honors can create. Young athletes watching Auburn play may see Peralta hit a clutch shot or Smith make a crucial defensive stop, but with greater visibility of these academic accolades, they also see that excelling in the classroom is just as celebrated. The role modeling that occurs when top-tier athletes demonstrate scholarly dedication helps shift perceptions and inspires future generations to pursue well-rounded success.
As these three student-athletes move forward, whether returning for another season with the Tigers or preparing for life beyond college athletics, they do so with the recognition that they have already accomplished something profound. The skills they have developed—time management, critical thinking, teamwork, resilience—will serve them well regardless of where their paths lead. Being named to the CSC Academic All-District team is not just a line on a résumé; it’s a marker of the type of person each has become.
In celebrating Nelia Peralta, Abbey Smith, and Lilli Backes, Auburn University not only honors individual excellence but also reaffirms its commitment to the broader values of education, leadership, and integrity. These honors reflect a tradition of nurturing not just athletes, but scholars and citizens prepared to make an impact in the world.
In the years to come, the legacies of Peralta, Smith, and Backes will likely be measured in more than points scored or games won. Their true legacy will lie in the example they set for what it means to be a student-athlete in the fullest sense of the term—dedicated, disciplined, and determined to excel wherever their efforts take them. Auburn, and indeed all of college athletics, is better for it.
