Valadian Pallett and Lizzie Johnston Named PNC Achievers Student-Athletes of the Month

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State Athletics and PNC Bank are partnering to recognize the PNC Achievers Student-Athletes of the Month. Throughout the 2023-24 season, deserving Spartan student-athletes will be recognized for displaying well-rounded achievement through leadership in the classroom, in the community, and in competition.
 
The honorees for February are senior Lizzie Johnston (rowing) and junior Valadian Pallett (women’s track and field).

Johnston, who owns a 3.70 grade-point average in animal science, is the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Vice President and was also a SACC member in 2022-23. In addition, she is an ASMSU (Associated Students of Michigan State University) Representative. Her numerous community outreach activities include the MSU Student-Athlete Food Drive, Accessible Trick or Treat, Teams for Toys, Operation Christmas Child, Red Cross Blood Drive, Eli’s Project Kickoff Fundraiser, MSU Madness Trick-or-Treat Event and Be The Match.

She was also named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and a CRCA (Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association) Scholar-Athlete in 2023.

Johnston’s service and leadership in the community applies within the MSU Rowing team as well. This is especially true as a coxswain that has motivated, encouraged and steered her boat full of teammates to solid finishes over her three seasons with the program. The Cleveland, Ohio, native earned First Team All-Big Ten honors in 2023 and in the summer was selected to the Team USA Development team.

“Lizzie’s leadership shines in every facet,” said Brianne Wojciakowski, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development. “Her active involvement in various community outreach initiatives and dedication to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) truly sets her apart. She’s making a meaningful difference and sets an incredible example for all.”  

 

A Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Pallett owns a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in genomics and molecular biology. She has also volunteered her time in the community, including working at the MSU Madness Trick-or-Treat event.

 

Outside of the classroom Pallett is a two-year letterwinner, specializing in throws. In 2023 the Farmington, Michigan, native captured weight throw wins at the Simons-Harvey Invitational, Silverston Invitational and…