Senior Profile: Cody Szelc
Florida native, Evans Scholarship recipient excels academically, and here’s the kicker: he also set the Scots’ PAT record.
MONMOUTH, Ill. – Monmouth College senior Cody Szelc has built an extraordinary legacy, balancing academic excellence and athletic success with a determination that has inspired many. A recipient of the prestigious Mike Evans Family Foundation Scholarship, Szelc’s journey at Monmouth is a testament to perseverance, discipline and gratitude.
“Honestly, receiving the Mike Evans Family Foundation Scholarship meant everything to me,” said Szelc, who came to Monmouth from Riverview, Florida. “Without this generous gift, I would not be where I am today, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am.”
The scholarship not only provided financial assistance but also fueled his motivation to excel both in the classroom and on the football field.
“I felt a sense of responsibility to work hard because I wanted to make the foundation proud,” he said of the organization, which was started in 2017 by Evans, an All-Pro wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Honestly, receiving the Mike Evans Family Foundation Scholarship meant everything to me. Without this generous gift, I would not be where I am today, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am.” – Cody Szelc
Szelc not only received the scholarship – which is presented to graduating high school seniors who are hardworking and well-rounded but who may not have the opportunity to attend college because of financial reasons – but was chosen to speak at the foundation’s annual gala.
“After submitting my speech to a competition, I was selected to be a guest speaker,” said Szelc, who attended the event with his mother, Franchi. “I essentially told my life story and how the scholarship had such a huge impact on my life, which I hope encouraged the attendees to donate to this amazing cause.”
Szelc was thrilled by the opportunity given to him by his favorite team.
SZELC AND EVANS: The Monmouth kicker/punter is pictured with the standout Tampa Bay wide receiver.“Growing up in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers have had such a huge impact on my life, and they were one of the main reasons I gained the love of football,” said Szelc, who has spent time with Evans at the foundation’s annual gala, as well as during a Buccaneers training camp. “I’ve seen firsthand how much impact and influence they have on the community, spreading the joy of football and feeling of camaraderie in the streets through various annual events and festivities.”
Finding success at Monmouth
Szelc has consistently made the Dean’s List and was named a D3 Academic All-District athlete for three consecutive seasons – a rare achievement for a Fighting Scot athlete. He was also inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma honor society, which recognizes excellence in academics, athletics and character.
That athletic success includes the school record for most career PATs. During his senior season, which saw him go 57-of-59 on extra points, he booted his way past the old mark of 167 successful kicks, finishing with 181.
One of his most unforgettable kicks came during the Lakefront Bowl in his sophomore year.
“I went for a PAT during a snowstorm, and I literally couldn’t see the field posts I was kicking into,” said Szelc, who has also handled punting duties for the Scots the past two seasons. “It was truly something spectacular that I will remember forever.”
NO. 7: Throughout his career, Szelc specialized in turning six-point Monmouth TDs into seven, making a total of 181 PATs in his Fighting Scots' career.In all, he was a perfect 6-for-6 on PATs that day and added a field goal as the Scots won the inaugural Lakefront Bowl 45-20.
Szelc credits discipline and time management for his ability to juggle football and coursework.
“When I’m not playing football, I study. When I’m not studying, I play football,” he said. “It all depends on discipline, and I have built a foundation of it.”
“First and foremost, Cody is an outstanding young man of high character,” said Fighting Scots head coach Chad Braun. “We knew coming out of high school that he was a super-high academic guy.”
That part was predictable, but Szelc also had a surprise in store for the coaches.
“He doesn’t look like a kicker,” said Braun of the 6-foot-4 senior. “He’s yoked. Most kickers are allergic to the weight room, but Cody is a big weight room guy.”
‘Live in the present’
Beyond personal achievements, Szelc values the camaraderie and life lessons football has given him.
“Being a teammate is a responsibility that teaches patience, compassion, respect, courage and selflessness,” he said. “The camaraderie that comes with being on the football team gave me a sense of belonging and immense confidence on and off the field.”
“He’s a hard worker and a great teammate,” said Braun. “He comes from a great family. They’ve done a great job of traveling and supporting him at our games. Cody’s going to be sorely missed, and so will his family.”
“You owe it to yourself to put in the work necessary to excel in both academics and athletics. Live in the present, not the past or future – RIGHT NOW. Don’t waste any of your time.” – Cody Szelc
As he prepares for life after graduation, Szelc is eager to explore opportunities in business and marketing while holding onto his dream of continuing to play football.
“Going to Monmouth College gave me the opportunity to continue the sport I love and has opened so many doors outside of that as well, which I am so grateful for,” said the business administration major.
Szelc’s advice for future Monmouth students is simple but profound: “You owe it to yourself to put in the work necessary to excel in both academics and athletics. Live in the present, not the past or future – RIGHT NOW. Don’t waste any of your time.”
