John Coleman, right, with Clarkson Athletic Director Steve Yianoukos at the NCAA awards this past weekend in San Antonio. (NCAA photo)

John Coleman, a Potsdam native and a 2015 graduate of Clarkson University, was presented with an NCAA award as one of 10 exemplary college athletes -- the 2016 Today's Top 10 Award winners -- at the NCAA Convention in San Antonio Friday, Jan. 15.

The award recognizes former athletes for their successes on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Recipients completed their athletics eligibility during the 2014-15 academic year and will be recognized at the Honors Celebration during the Convention in San Antonio.

Coleman, a standout athletically and academically when he attended Potsdam Central High School, said he felt honored by the award, “and I can only imagine how much more honored I will feel after it has had some time to sink in.”

A mathematics major with a 3.97 G.P.A., Coleman was selected as the winner for both men’s basketball and baseball for 2014-15. He was also the 2014-15 Liberty League Male Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Coleman is just the third student to be named Academic All-America of the Year in two different sports in the same academic year.

“John Coleman truly embodies what it means to be a Division III student-athlete and a member of a team. He is a humble person who never wants to be in the spotlight, but today, I want to thank him for his leadership by example for all student-athletes,” said Steve Yianoukos, Clarkson’s director of athletics.

On the basketball court, Coleman became the Golden Knights' all-time leader in points (1,649), steals (219) and field goals made (752). A starter in 103 games, Coleman's career 16.4 points per game average was the highest in program history in nearly four decades. He led Clarkson and the league this season in scoring (17.1 per game), field goals made (198), field goal percentage (.540) and steals (2.0 per game).

“John’s success in the classroom, on the basketball court, and on the baseball field is a testament to his character. He always works hard and strives to be the best. He is the definition of a true student-athlete,” said Jeff Gorski, Clarkson’s head men’s basketball coach.

On the baseball diamond, Coleman was named the 2015 Liberty League Player of the Year in baseball, earning first team all-league honors. He is a four-time all-league selection by the Liberty League.

Coleman led the Golden Knights with a .437 batting average (52-for-119) this season as Clarkson posted a 24-9 record. He scored 35 runs in 2015 with 16 RBI. The leadoff hitter for Clarkson, Coleman collected eight doubles and six triples as he compiled a .605 slugging percentage. He drew 15 walks this season and posted a .525 on-base percentage.

Coleman leaves the Clarkson baseball program ranked second all-time in hits with 179 and is tied for seventh in program history in runs scored (108) and his career .352 batting average ranks sixth all-time.

"John Coleman is the perfect example of a dedicated student-athlete,” said Jim Kane, Clarkson head baseball coach. “His work ethic and accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom are the benchmarks for all student-athletes to strive for.”

Coleman is now working on a Ph.D. in philosophy at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York.