AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's men's basketball senior MASON COURTNEY will close his career on the Hilltop with one final moment on the big stage, serving as the undergraduate speaker for St. Edward's University's Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

Courtney was selected through a university-wide process that evaluated not only academic excellence, but also how students exemplify the mission, values, and goals of St. Edward's University.

"When we look at the graduate and undergraduate speakers, we don't just select somebody with a 4.0 because there are lots of students with that distinction," St. Edward's Vice Provost for Academic Policies and Student Success, Dr. Brian Smith, says. "We look at how students exemplify the mission statement of the university, and Mason stood out because of his outstanding academic record, his challenging major, and the way he represented the university as a student-athlete."

Smith added that feedback from university leadership, faculty, and athletics administrators also played a role in the selection process.

"We start looking at those other intangibles," Smith says. "We received tremendous qualitative feedback from the people who know Mason best, and that's why we landed on him."

"This is a tremendous honor for Mason, men's basketball, and the athletics department," St. Edward's Director of Athletics Dr. Jim Sarra says. "His achievement is a testament to his dedication and commitment to his craft on the basketball court and in the classroom. Mason truly sets the standard for excellence."

Courtney will graduate with a degree in biology and a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA, earning St. Edward's Athletics' Emma Lou Linn Award for the senior student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA.

On the court, Courtney helped lead the Hilltoppers to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances while starting all but two games over the last two seasons. He also earned Lone Star Conference All-Academic Team honors, an award voted on by the conference based on a combination of academic and athletic achievement.

For Courtney, the opportunity to represent his graduating class reflects the journey he began when he arrived on the Hilltop.

"It means a lot," Courtney says. "Coach Cook was nice enough to give me a chance to come over here and believe that I could play. I came to St. Edward's and gave it everything I had on the court and in the classroom. To be honored and trusted to give this commencement speech is truly a great honor. I couldn't be more blessed and happy to speak to my fellow graduates."

"MASON COURTNEY grew up 15 minutes from my hometown. I love him. In my 17 years at St. Edward's, he's the only player I've had selected to give a commencement speech," St. Edward's men's basketball head coach Andre Cook says. "He's a 4.0 student who's on his way to becoming an orthopedic surgeon. I'm so proud of his academic achievements."

After graduation, Courtney plans to apply to medical school this summer as he continues pursuing a career in medicine.