Palomar Baseball's Ian Mowad Named 3C2A 2024-25 Scholar-Athlete Of The Year
Palomar College baseball's Ian Mowad and Clovis Community College women's cross country and track and field, four-time state champion Rhiannon Walker were selected as the 2024-25 3C2A Scholar-Athletes of the Year.
Mowad and Walker represent a group of 22 student-athletes that are being recognized for their excellence in academics, athletics, and citizenship from the 2024-25 academic year during the Scholar-Athlete Luncheon as part of the 3C2A Convention at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank on Wednesday, April 1.
"Ian and Rhiannon exemplify the excellence recognized by the 3C2A Scholar-Athlete Award," 3C2A Executive Director Jennifer Cardone said. "Their commitment to perform at an elite level in the classroom, in competition, and in service to their communities reflects their hard work and dedication, but more importantly, their character. We proudly congratulate them and look forward to recognizing their achievements at the Scholar-Athlete Luncheon."
Mowad was integral to Palomar's back-to-back SoCal Regional Final appearances in 2024 and 2025. Last year, the right-hander started 17 games, earned an 8-3 record and struck out 79 in 82.2 innings pitched.
His work on the hill garnered national attention, capturing a 2025 Preseason All-America nod, while also being named to the 2024 All-PCAC First Team.
But while he excelled on the diamond, his commitment to excellence off the field is even more impressive. During his time at Palomar, Mowad maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, accumulated 80 units, and completed three associates degrees. He graduated in May, 2025 with AA degrees for transfer in law, public policy, and society; university studies with an emphasis in social sciences; and general studies with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences.
"What makes Ian truly deserve this award is not only his remarkable list of accomplishments, but the way he has earned them with integrity, humility, and tireless dedication," Palomar Community College District Superintendent/President Star Rivera-Lacy said. "He represents the very best of the California Community College student-athlete experience, and his achievements are a direct reflection of his character, discipline, and commitment to excellence."
Additionally, Mowad volunteered his time at local youth baseball camps and clinics mentoring the next generation of student-athletes, while also helping raise awareness and support for important causes such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and pediatric brain cancer through Palomar baseball's annual charity games.
"Ian is a competitor who lifts his team through his example, a student whose academic pursuits set a high bar for excellence, and a young man whose character reflects positively on our entire institution," Palomar Director of Athletics Daniel Lynds said. "His efforts reflect his selflessness and his desire to use his platform as a student-athlete to make a meaningful and lasting impact beyond the game."
His work on the field and in the classroom earned him additional accolades such as PCAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and CCCBCA Academic All-State. He was awarded a scholarship to NCAA Division I St. John's University (New York) to continue his athletic and academic journey, majoring in criminal justice. Mowad is part of an impressive 2025 baseball transfer class of more than 650 student-athletes playing at the university level in 2026.
In other 3C2A academic honors, Glendale College received the high GPA for baseball for Spring, 2025 and baseball student-athletes that joined Mowad as part of the elite, 22-person, 3C2A State Honor Roll are Matthew Cuccias (Glendale, 4.0 GPA), Evan Rolbiecki (Cypress, 3.94), and Ben Ullyott (Bakersfield, 3.81).
(selected information for this release taken from the 3C2A official release)