For Loyola guard Deniya Thornton, success is not just measured by what happens on the court, but in the classroom as well.
Thornton, a junior criminology major, was named Loyola University’s Scholar Athlete of the Year, recognizing her achievements both academically and athletically.
“Honestly, I was really surprised when I found out,” Thornton said. “I knew I had been putting in the work, but I wasn’t expecting something like this.”
Thornton’s impact goes far beyond the award. This season, she earned National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-America Second Team honors and was named Southern States Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. She also earned first-team All-SSAC honors for the second straight season and was named SSAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
She averaged 15.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while leading Loyola in minutes, steals and blocks. Her 72 steals rank among the top single-season totals in program history, making her the first Loyola women’s player in nearly two decades to reach that mark.
Despite her success on the court, Thornton said academics help her stay grounded.
“Honestly, school is kind of my escape from basketball,” Thornton said. “When things get stressful on the court, I can focus on my work and clear my mind.”
She said her focus on academics is also about preparing for life after basketball.
“I take my academics seriously because I know what I want to do after basketball,” she said. “That keeps me motivated to stay on top of everything, even during the season.”
Thornton said being a scholar-athlete is about more than just performance.
“Being a scholar-athlete means more than just doing well in school and sports,” Thornton said. “It’s about representing yourself the right way and showing that you can succeed in both areas if you stay focused.”
Her performance also helped Loyola finish 25-5, win the SSAC regular-season championship and reach the second round of the NAIA national tournament, while setting a program record with a 17-game winning streak.
Those closest to Thornton said the recognition reflects her dedication and character.
“I am incredibly proud of her for being named Scholar Athlete of the Year,” Chelsie Thornton Deniya Thorton aunt said. “This honor reflects who she is, not just as an athlete, but as a person.”
Chelsie Thornton said her family has always put education at the forefront.
“In our family, we’ve always emphasized education first and athletics second, so to see her excel at such a high level in both areas really speaks to her discipline and work ethic,” she said.
Thornton’s friend Isabella April said the recognition comes as no surprise.
“Seeing Deniya be named Scholar Athlete of the Year didn’t surprise me at all,” April said. “It’s not easy balancing basketball and school, but she makes it look that way.”
April said Thornton’s work ethic stands out.
“I’ve never met anyone who works as hard as she does, both in the classroom and on the court,” she said. “She’s focused and driven in everything she does, and this award really shows all the effort she’s put in.”
Thornton said her support system has played a big role in her success.
“My family and friends really keep me going,” she said. “They remind me why I started and push me to keep doing my best, even when things get stressful.”
Even with the recognition, Thornton said she is not finished yet.
“It’s a great feeling,” she said. “But I know I still have more I want to accomplish.”
As she looks ahead, Thornton said she plans to continue her academic and athletic career at Southern University of A&M College in Baton Rouge, with the long-term goal of playing professionally, possibly overseas.
“I’m just focused on taking the next step and seeing where basketball can take me,” she said. “I’m excited for what’s next.”
