Men's basketball player Brody Boyer focused on conditioning during break

Brody Boyer's parents have been preaching the importance of school work as well as athletics since he was in elementary school.

That work ethic has led to the Eastern Florida State College men's basketball player being named NJCAA first team Academic All-American with a 4.0 GPA.

"It was cool to be able to go home and tell my parents that I am an academic all-American, showing them that I am not just working on the court, but also in the classroom," said Boyer who was one of five Titan student-athletes to have a 4.0 GPA. "My parents have never let me slip up over the years, I have always worked on balancing school work and athletics, you just have to do whatever you have to do to make sure your grades are good and stay on top of it just like you do in basketball."

Boyer, who also had a 4.0 GPA in his senior season at Bayside High School in Palm Bay, not only shined in the classroom, but went from being a red-shirt to starting 13 games and playing in 25 games for the Titans who tied for the Mid-Florida Conference title with a 22-11 record.

"I had some ups and downs last year on the court, but you talk to anybody and they wanted to have a better year than they did last year, but at the end of the day I am happy with what I was able to accomplish last year, and it is a stepping stone to this year," Boyer said. "Last season gave me confidence. Coach (Jeremy Shulman) and I have a good relationship and I am excited to get back and build on that."

While home because of the COVID-19 virus, Boyer has been working on his game, both physically and mentally.

"A whole lot of repetitions, getting stronger and faster. I have been focused on getting my body in better condition, I had some knee issues that irritated me last year and so I have been working hard to get in shape and build strength," Boyer said. I have also been watching a lot of film and just getting my mind right. This game is as much mental as it is physical and so I am making sure I come in with confidence and am ready to help this team win."

The men's basketball team will open fall practice on Sept. 15 and begin games on Jan. 22.