HILLSBORO, Ore.— Lewis and Clark College basketball seniors Gabby Beltran and Brenden Patrick were named Northwest Conference First Team Scholar Athletes, the league office announced Wednesday afternoon. 

Gabby Beltran – Women's Basketball – Sr. – Corte Madera, Calif.

A psychology major, Beltran worked to create the Mental-Health Validation Program (MVP) for student-athletes to receive mental health support at Lewis & Clark and to be seen as humans first and athletes second. Through this program, she was able to coordinate having an in-house counselor at Pamplin Sports Complex and bring in guest speakers to give presentations on sports mental health. MVP created a safe environment for student-athletes to find support and resources.

A four-year member of the women's basketball team, Beltran was selected as a two-time team captain. She played in 61 career games, recording 144 points, 232 rebounds, 72 assists, and 96 steals.  

"Off the court, Gabby went above and beyond to welcome our first years and integrate them into our Lewis & Clark family," head coach Ann Dorris shared. "From the first day they moved in, she was there greeting them and their families and continued to support them throughout their first year."

Beltran completed work-study with the women's program as a recruiting coordinator and assisted the coaching staff with meal planning, receipts, and the team's social media.

Beltran was involved in Flying Samaritans, Specialty Athletics Training, Voice in Sport, Harper's Playground, the Oregon Humane Society, and the Portland Marathon. A fierce competitor, she was always respectful- helping opponents off the floor, speaking kindly to officials, and providing energy to her teammates.

Brenden Patrick – Men's Basketball – Sr. – Oakland, Calif.  

Patrick led the NWC this year in points per game (21.5), made field goals (201), made free throws (118), total points (537), and finished second in minutes per game (33.4). Patrick also ranked first in the conference this year for points in a single game (43), made field goals (14), and free throw attempts (14). He ranked 20th in NCAA Division III in points per game, 25th in made field goals, 36th in made free throws, and 38th in total points.

Patrick ended his Pioneer career ranked 25th in program history in career points, scoring 1,176 points in three seasons of play. In addition to his athletic excellence, he served as a team captain for 3 years and set a high standard for his team by maintaining a 3.45 GPA.
 
In addition to his athletic excellence, Patrick served as a team captain for three years and set a high standard for his team by maintaining a 3.45 GPA. He was a member of the Black Student Union, served as a campus residential advisor, and assisted with gameday management and campus operations.

"Brenden means everything to us because of his great leadership, his great work ethic, and his greatness as a person," remarked head coach Tim McCrory.

Patrick was heavily involved with his community, working with the Children's Book Bank, No Hate Zone, Portland School District, Know Your Rights Camp, Social Justice Panel Lead, and the Oakland Community Center.