Club Sports Choice Awards 2025
Join us for a memorable evening as we celebrate a year of hard work, teamwork, and athletic excellence at the Club Sports Choice Awards. This special end-of-year ceremony recognizes the outstanding achievements of our club sports teams and student-athletes—honoring exceptional performances, leadership, and dedication on and off the field.
Enjoy a night of celebration and community as we look back on the season’s highlights, present awards across multiple categories, and honor the individuals and teams who made a lasting impact.
Academic Excellence Awards
Given to a graduating senior with a 4.0 who demonstrates the highest of academic excellence in their field of study or who is involved in various extracurricular activities that are of benefit to the University.
Female Academic Athlete:
Katherine Craig – Triathlon – Industrial/Systems Engineering
Katherine Craig is a senior on the Liberty University Women's Triathlon team from Purcellville, Virginia. This Spring Katherine will graduate with a perfect GPA in Industrial/System Engineering and minor in Mathematics.
Male Academic Athlete:
Luke Bessire – Men's D3 Hockey – Digital Media & Journalist – Sports Journalism
Luke Bessire is a senior forward on Liberty University's Men's Division III Hockey team from Glendora, California. Through his 4 years on the Men’s D3 Hockey team he was able to maintain a perfect GPA. This Spring he will be graduating with a degree in Digital Media & Journalism with a minor in Digital Media Video History.
Academic Team of the Year:
Given to the Club Sports team with the highest cumulative team GPA who demonstrates the highest of academic excellence in their fields of study.
Triathlon - 3.63 GPA and a 99% pass rate in the Fall 2024
Academic Integration Awards
Given to the Club Sports athletes who have been successfully embedded into a designated area of study within Club Sports. Going above and beyond the requirements in their field of study to willingly serve the Club Sports department.
Female Academic Integration Award: Anna Wheat
Anna Wheat served as an academic integration intern with the Men’s D2 Hockey Team as their social media coordinator for the 2024-2025 academic year. Throughout the year she completed over 230 hours of service with the Men’s D2 Hockey team as well as supporting photo coverage for the Men’s Lacrosse team. Anna’s work with the Men’s D2 Hockey Instagram account has created growth in their following due to the improved quality of content that has been posting. Anna was selected for this award due to the dedication to her role which can be attributed to her organizational skills and her professionalism in meeting deadlines and following protocols.
Male Academic Integration Award: Riley Clingman
Riley Clingman served as an academic integration intern with the Liberty University Hockey programs in the 2024-2025 academic year. Throughout the year he completed over 400 hours of service between the integration program and the hockey teams. Riley was selected for this award because of his commitment to excellence, professionalism, willingness to learn, and reliability displayed which has made him a great asset to our Club Sports department.
Academic Partnership Award: Dr. Laura Hatfield – Sports Management
Given to the Liberty University dean or professor who has embraced the vision of Club Sports and come alongside of the department to provide hands on experience for their students. They have given freely of their time, resources, and students to assist Club Sports in expanding their University footprint.
Dr. Laura Hatfield serves as an Associate Professor and Chair of Sport Management Studies. Throughout her time at Liberty University, she has been a strong advocate for the Club Sports Department and a key contributor to the growth of our academic integration program. Her commitment to providing students with opportunities for practical application of their sport management education has led to a steady stream of practicum and internship placements within Club Sports each year.
Dr. Hatfield is a valued partner who supports our mission of bridging classroom learning with real-world experience. Her dedication, leadership, and Christ-centered approach are truly appreciated, and we look forward to continued collaboration with her and the Sport Management Department for years to come.
Perseverance of the Year Awards
Given to the male & female student-athletes who have triumphed and overcome obstacles or injuries during their Liberty University athletics career.
Female Perseverance of the Year Nominees:
Kendall Leininger | Triathlon | Award Winner
Kendall Leininger exemplifies resilience and determination, making her a deserving recipient of the Perseverance Award. After an injury forced her to watch from the sidelines, Kendall committed to a disciplined recovery process, including a specialized diet to support her condition.
Her hard work paid off when she returned stronger than ever, delivering a standout performance at regionals in Florida. Kendall's journey is a powerful example of pushing through adversity and continuing to inspire her teammates through her strength and dedication.
Kyleigh Engle | Dance
Kyleigh Engle is a remarkable example of strength and perseverance. Despite experiencing the profound loss of her father last June and the passing of her uncle over spring break, Kyleigh has faced this year’s challenges with unwavering grace and resilience.
Through it all, she has remained a consistent source of joy and positivity for those around her. Her ability to maintain a hopeful spirit and continue supporting her team and peers during such a difficult season is a testament to her inner strength and character. Kyleigh’s journey reflects the heart of perseverance—enduring hardship while continuing to uplift others.
Shelby Coble | Equestrian
Shelby Coble exemplifies perseverance through her strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Despite undergoing three major surgeries this past year, she has remained a constant source of support and encouragement to her team, friends, and community.
Her commitment to the Liberty Equestrian team, her faith, and those around her never wavered—even during recovery. Shelby continues to lead with humility, compassion, and grace, inspiring others to face their own challenges with courage. Her journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, making her a truly deserving candidate for this award.
Male Perseverance of the Year Nominees:
Brody Ashworth | Lacrosse
Brody Ashworth exemplifies the resilience and determination that define a true Perseverance Award candidate. After suffering a torn ACL, Brody committed himself fully to the long and demanding process of recovery. His dedication, discipline, and grit allowed him not only to return to the field but to reclaim his role as a starting defenseman for the Liberty University Men’s Lacrosse team. His journey back from injury is a testament to his unwavering work ethic and love for the game. Brody’s ability to overcome adversity and contribute at a high level is an inspiration to his teammates and coaches alike, making him highly deserving of this recognition.
Garrett Good | Wrestling
Garrett began his collegiate wrestling career with a standout freshman season, earning All-American honors and over 30 wins. Despite setbacks from COVID and a significant wrist injury that sidelined him during his sophomore and junior seasons, he remained committed to the team.
This year, while managing a rigorous engineering course load and serving as a team captain, Garrett wrestled through ongoing injury and secured his second All-American title by placing 6th nationally in a competitive 52-man bracket. His resilience and leadership have been instrumental to the team’s success.
Kenneth Fogarty | MD3 Hockey | Award Winner
Kenny has shown incredible perseverance this year while facing significant health challenges that have impacted his ability to walk and forced him to step away from playing hockey. Despite this, he has remained a dedicated and inspiring presence on the team—attending practices, events, and traveling to both conference and national tournaments.
In addition to being a full-time graduate student and working full-time in Liberty’s accounting office, Kenny has continued to lead and support his teammates through his unwavering commitment and positive spirit. His resilience and dedication make him a deserving candidate for the Perseverance Award.
Breakthrough Award
Given to the qualifying team or athlete, whose performance exceeded expectations from the previous year.
Team Breakthrough Award Nominees:
Dance Team
After not being able to go and compete in a competition last season. The Dance team were excited to finally showcase what the team has worked on the last two years when they head to compete at the National College Classic Championships. The Lady Flames would be able to have their hard work over the last couple of years pay off as they would place 3rd in the Division 1 Pom Category at a national event.
Figure Skating Team
Liberty would put together one of the team's most dominating performance in program history at the Quaker Classic hosted by the University of Pennsylvania. The Skaters would come away with winning a program record 21 medals out of 30 starts at the competition including 12 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals. The victory would secure LU qualifying to nationals and would only be the second competition the flames have won in the team’s history.
Men’s D3 Team
Liberty would have a strong regular season finishing 16-5, but it was the flames post season that set them apart. LU would make their 4th conference championship appearance in 5 seasons, but this time they would finally come out on top claiming the program's first ever ACCHL Conference Championship. The momentum from conference would carry into AAU nationals as the Flames would win their first ever two games at nationals helping the flames finish 5th in the nation.
Women’s Ultimate | Award Winner
After a disappointing season in the spring of 2024, the women’s ultimate team would come out with renewed focus and drive for this year. The Lady Flames have been a force on the field as they turned their 9-26 record into a 26-9 record this season including winning three tournaments this year. The lady flames finished third at this years Virginia Conference Championships qualifying them for the Atlantic Regional Championships
Assistant Coach of Year Awards
Presented to the assistant coach who helped their teams achieve a high level of success athletically, academically, socially, and spiritually.
Female Team Assistant Coach of the Year Nominees:
AJ Kenniv | Gymnastics
In her second year as an Assistant Coach, AJ Kenniv has become a vital part of Liberty University’s Gymnastics Team. Known for her technical expertise and supportive coaching style, Coach Kenniv helps athletes refine their skills while also fostering their personal and spiritual growth.
Her commitment to the team extends beyond gymnastics, as she consistently invests in her athletes' well-being and their relationships with the Lord. Coach Kenniv’s dedication to the team—both as a coach and a mentor—has earned her respect as a leader, friend, and role model. She creates an environment where athletes feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Amy Breuscher | Rowing
Now in her second year with Liberty Rowing, Coach Amy Breuscher has been instrumental in leading and supporting the novice program. She brings patience, clarity, and encouragement to athletes new to the sport, creating a welcoming and growth-focused environment.
Her Christ-centered leadership, honesty, and genuine care for each rower have made a lasting impact on the team. Coach Amy goes above and beyond to help her athletes succeed—both on and off the water—making her a valued and inspiring part of the program.
Emily Cavender | Equestrian | Award Winner
Now in her fourth year serving as an Assistant Coach for Liberty’s Equestrian Team, Emily Cavender has made a lasting impact through her servant-hearted leadership and commitment to excellence. She is known for encouraging her riders with patience and purpose, helping them grow in both skill and confidence.
Coach Cavender fosters a Christ-centered team culture, emphasizing character, teamwork, and respect for the horses they work with. Her dedication to her athletes’ development—both in competition and in life—has made her an invaluable part of the program and a true Champion for Christ.
Male Team Assistant Coach of the Year Nominees
Andrew Medford | Air Pistol
Coach Andrew Medford has played a vital role in the success of Liberty’s Air Pistol team during its inaugural season. Known for his selfless dedication, Coach Medford consistently shows up with a positive attitude, offering encouragement, humor, and genuine care to every athlete.
Herman Lewis | Racquetball | Award Winner
This is Herman Lewis’ third year serving as an assistant coach for Liberty’s Men’s and Women’s Racquetball teams. His consistently positive attitude has helped create a supportive environment where athletes are encouraged to grow in both skill and character. Known for his kindness and uplifting presence, Coach Lewis inspires players to pursue excellence while keeping Christ at the center—emphasizing the importance of glorifying God through both performance and attitude. His commitment to the team’s athletic and spiritual development makes him an invaluable leader and a deeply respected member of the program.
Josh Mcllhenny | Wrestling
Coach Joshua McIlhenny serves as a dedicated assistant coach for Liberty University’s Men’s Wrestling team, bringing strong leadership and firsthand experience as a former team captain and All-American. He plays a key role in mentoring athletes, emphasizing excellence on the mat and spiritual growth off it. Coach McIlhenny’s passion for the sport and commitment to Liberty’s mission are evident in his coaching style and outreach efforts, including international trips that use wrestling as a platform for ministry. His impact continues to strengthen the team both competitively and culturally.
Student Service Awards
Given to the student volunteer or student worker who goes above and beyond to give freely and unselfishly of their time to the Club Sports Department and its teams.
Student Service Award Nominees:
Carson Gobble | Women's Beach Volleyball
Carson Gobble has been an exceptional student volunteer for the Liberty University Women’s Beach Volleyball Team, significantly elevating the team’s media presence. Beyond managing social media, she has consistently supported the athletes by capturing key moments, sharing score updates, and building strong relationships with the players.
Her dedication was especially evident when she independently traveled to Florida to cover a tournament, continuing her work with professionalism and enthusiasm. Carson’s efforts have not only increased the team’s visibility but have also left a lasting impact on the program.
Micah Witt | Women's D2 Hockey | Award Winner
Micah Witt is nominated for the Student Service Award for his outstanding service to Liberty University’s Club Sports, especially the Women’s D2 Hockey Team. As equipment manager and team motivator, he played a vital role in team preparation and morale throughout the season.
Beyond hockey, Micah also dedicated many hours to announcing at sporting events, enhancing the experience for athletes and fans alike. His commitment and energy have made a lasting impact, making him highly deserving of this recognition.
Josh Thomas | Men's D3 Hockey
Josh Thomas has been an exceptional student volunteer for the Liberty University Men’s D3 Hockey Team, consistently going above and beyond as equipment manager. While balancing a demanding academic schedule, he played a key role in the team’s first conference championship through his dedication to equipment, logistics, and team support.
Josh’s humility, strong work ethic, and willingness to take on any task made him an integral part of the team. His selfless service and lasting impact make him truly deserving of this recognition.
Community Service Award Nominees
Given to the qualifying team, student-athlete, or coach who goes above and beyond to give freely and unselfishly of their time to community activities and charitable organizations.
Community Service Award Nominees:
Hannah Krissel | Rowing | Award Winner
Hannah Krissel has exemplified exceptional commitment to serving both Liberty University and the Lynchburg community. Through her dedication to volunteerism, she has become a role model for her peers, inspiring others to actively engage in making a positive impact. Hannah has generously contributed countless hours to various community initiatives, including two disaster relief trips with LU Serve Now to Angleton, TX, serving as a Serve Lynchburg Sight Leader with World Help, assisting with the Toys for Tots Christmas program, and leading her team’s participation in the World Help and Meal Packing for Haiti initiative.
Men’s & Women’s Disc Golf Team
The Liberty University Disc Golf Team is being nominated for this year’s Community Service Award for their exceptional volunteer efforts at the Disc Golf Pro World Championships in Lynchburg. The team returned to campus early to assist with the week-long event, taking on key roles such as setting up the course, building baskets, marking property, providing live scoring during competition, and handling full event clean-up. Their commitment, hard work, and service to the sport and local community exemplify the spirit of this award.
Women’s Synchronized & Figure Skating Teams
The Liberty University Synchronized and Figure Skating teams compassionate and proactive response following the tragic Ronald Reagan Airport plane crash, which deeply impacted the figure skating community, make them deserving nominees for the community service award.
In the wake of the tragedy, both teams organized a time of prayer and wrote letters of encouragement to affected skating clubs across the East Coast, offering support to those mourning the loss of teammates and coaches. At one of the Figure Skating Teams competitions, they went further—publicly offering to pray with anyone in need following a moment of silence. This heartfelt gesture, initiated by the teams' spiritual leaders, created a space for healing and connection during a difficult time. Their thoughtfulness, empathy, and willingness to serve others exemplify the spirit of this award and reflect the values of Liberty University.
Rookie of the Year Awards
Given to the qualifying male & female freshmen or first-year student-athletes who are dedicated, positive, hardworking, and made an immediate impact to their programs.
Female Rookie of the Year Nominees:
Ava Balser | Women’s Figure Skating
Basler hard work and dedication to the team is reflected in her achievements during competitions this year. She would land on the podium multiple times at all 3 southeastern Sectional events this year. Helping LU secure a spot to the national championships. At Nationals, she would finish first in the Preliminary Plus category and place in the top 10 in other categories at nationals. Helping the Lady Flames to secure a 7th place national finish.
Faith Kiefer | Women's Wrestling
Keifer would have a stellar first year for the lady flames. She would excel on the mat winning match after match throughout the year. She would be LU’s only champion at the Mid-Atlantic Conference Championships. Leading the team to finish first at the tournament. She would also become the flames lone All-American finish 5th at nationals leading LU to finish 13th in the nation.
Malaika Cambell | Women’s Gymnastics | Award Winner
Campbell would have a all-around break out year for the lady flames. She would excel in numerous events for LU all season long finishing on top of the podium in the All-Around and other events throughout the season. At Nationals, she would qualify for the finals in all 5 events for the flames and place in the top 10 of each category. Helping secure Liberty to finish second in the nation for the 2nd time in 3 years.
Male Rookie of the Year Nominees:
Konrad Kausch | Men's DI Hockey
Kausch would come in and be one of the keys to Liberty’s success this year. He would finish the season with a record of 15-3-2 with a 94% save percentage and a 2.12 Goals against average helping LU to finish 4th in the nation. His play would also lead to him being named to the ACHA All-Rookie Team, Finalist for the League's Rookie of the Year Award, 3rd Team All-ACHA and being named as one of three goaltenders to represent Team USA at the World University Games.
Matox Allen | Men’s Wrestling | Award Winner
Allen would become a stable for the wrestling team at one of its middle weight spots. Allen would win key matches to help LU place in the top 10 of many tournaments this season. His ability on the mat would help him become one of the flames MAC Conference Champions and help him win the NCWA National Championship at the 157lb weight class. Becoming the first true freshman to win a national title for LU in more than a decade.
Xander Williams | Men's Swimming
Williams would come in with a loaded class of swimmers this season. He would help LU win its 5th consecutive eastern regional championship after he won two events and placed in three others. He would continue his strong rookie campaign into the national championships. Where he would help LU finish 2nd as he placed in multiple events and won the 200m Butterfly. Becoming only the programs 3rd ever individual national champion.
Outstanding Performance Awards
Given to the qualifying returning athlete/individual athlete for his/her individual athletic achievements during a single event or tournament.
Female Outstanding Performance Nominees:
Giulia D’Addesi | Equestrian
This season D’Addesi would compete in a new division for the equestrian team. And in her first showing at the Intermediate level, she placed first in a class of eleven riders. This class of Intermediate Fences riders was very competitive and one of the largest classes throughout the entire season for the region. D’Addesi's win earned seven points for the team for the day, which helped us finish as Reserve High Point Team. Combined with her third on the flat, D’Addesi finished the day tied for Reserve High Point Rider.
Grace Wilson & Cami Lazo | Disc Golf | Award Winner
Wilson and Lazo would be Lu’s top tandem throughout the season. They would put on a display at the national championships for LU. Battling back into contention after day 1 of the championships. And would storm ahead to win the national championship by 6 strokes and make it back-to-back years LU would win the female tandem national title.
Julia Eesley | Taekwondo
Eesley, already a national champ, would head into the national tournament after having a strong year. She would serve as one of the flames top competitors and would once again have a strong showing at the national championships. Eesley would be able come away winning gold in sparring as a red belt. Joining a small list of LU athletes in the programs history to win two national titles.
Male Outstanding Performance Nominees:
John Hutchinson | Equestrian
Hutchinson would have an outstanding career on the Equestrian Team and have one of his best performances at the Zone 4 Region 4 championships. As LU’s highest scoring open rider throughout the season, Hutchinson would have another stellar ride at the championship. Making the Zone 4 Region 4 High Point Rider. Which would earn him a spot in the Cacchione Cup Class at the Zone 4 Championship Horse Show.
Matthew Davidson | Men's Swmming | Award Winner
After taking last season off, Davidson returned to the pool and didn’t miss a beat. He would maintain his dominate showing in the water at each meet. His best showing came again at nationals this season, as he would be LU’s top finisher. He would capture his 5th individual national title in the 50-back stroke, place top 3 in two other individual events and swim a leg in 4 relay events for the team which all finished in the top 5 of the nation.
Riccardo Huezo | Taekwondo
In his second season, Huezo was looking to have a strong year after a stellar first season with the team. He would have many strong performances this season, but his best came at the national championship. He would take home first place in sparring earning him his first national title.
Champion Awards
Given to the qualifying male & female senior captains who have demonstrated commitment, leadership, and service to their teams through their athletic, academic and leadership performance.
Female Champion Award Nominees:
Emma Richards | Figure Skating | Award Winner
Richards has been one of the team’s spiritual leaders as well as a co-captain for the team the last two seasons. On the ice, she has been a strong competitor for the team, being one of the team's top point earners in competitions. Helping Liberty qualify for nationals all 4 seasons she has been with the team and placing in the top 10 of the nation for 3 of those years. Off the ice, she has helped served, not only as a leader, but mentor and encourager. She would often help skaters with their programs and pray with teammates before or after practice and at competitions. Richards has been a great example of being a selfless leader enriching the team's culture each season.
Kate Walhof | Women's D2 Hockey
As an Assistant Captain, Walhof has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the field. As the defensive leading scorer, she has scored 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 Points. Her contributions to the teams on ice success are undeniable. Off the ice, her value and character have shown helping elevate the team’s culture. She has been a true servant leader, always putting the team’s needs above her own. Her passion for the team and unwavering support for her teammates have made a significant impact while maintaining a perfect GPA during her academic career as well.
Kimberly Loutzenheiser | Rowing
As a 4-year member, Loutzenheiser impact was shown immediately. She has been a part of the team's leadership council since her sophomore season, exemplifying the highest standards of leadership, commitment and service to the team in and out of the water. As she has been one of the team’s strongest rowers each season, playing a key role for the team's success in competitions. She has always been a great communicator as she is a constant motivator for her teammates. Pouring into them emotionally and spiritually. She has helped set the standard of what it means to be a Liberty Rower and has upheld the highest standards of integrity, class, and dedication for the team.
Male Champion Award Nominees:
Conor Guiltinan | Men's Lacrosse
Guiltinan would be an anchor for the flames defensive core throughout his time at LU. The team captain would be one of the nation's best defenders. He was named ALC Defensive Player of the year and first team All-American last season. This year, as still a top defender, he has used his experience to help develop young players on an individual basis, contributed to enhancing the team’s culture, has been a reliable consultant for coaches and poured into players helping his own growth and development on the field and in the locker room.
Jackson Vercellono | Men's D1 Hockey
As one of the flames leaders this season. As his teammates would say, Vercellono would showcase what it meant to be a Liberty Hockey player. As one of the team's spiritual leaders, his joyous energy would be infectious, and he would take pride in being a constant encourager for the team. His hard work mentality would be shown as he would lead the flames in points this season, helping them finish #4 in the nation.
James Povolny | Cycling | Award Winner
As a team captain, Povolny would be considered and excellent leader, teammate and disciple maker for the past two years. He would lead the team by example as he would continually be one of the programs hardest workers leading to him being one of the team's top competitors in races. He would also take on other tasks for the team as he would help the coaching staff with planning team workouts, assists in recruiting, and help with the team’s social media pages. He consistently worked to help make sure the team had a presence and has left the program in a strong place.
Coach of the Year Awards
Presented to the male and female team head coach who helped their teams achieve a high level of success athletically, academically, socially, and spiritually.
Female Team Coach of the Year Nominees:
Chris Lowes | Women's D1 Hockey | Award Winner
Lowes would lead the lady flames to have another strong season. He would help guide the team to being ranked #1 in the nation and would hole that ranking all season. He would guide the lady flames to claim their 5th conference championship and 7th national title. For his efforts, he was named WMCH Conference coach of the the year and the ACHA WD1 Coach of the year. He also helped the team grow spiritually off the ice as the lady flames grew in their faith and got baptized this season.
Debbie Prowse | Rowing
In her 10th season, Prowse continues to find ways to hit new benchmarks for the rowing program. Growing to having one of her largest rosters this year, Prowse continues to teach new rowers the sport. Her passion to help the rowers excel in and out of the water is evident in her dedication and selfless leadership to the team. She helped guide the team to a record at boats to regionals where 3 have qualified for this year's national championships in May.
Heather Gollnick | Triathlon
Gollnick has once again put together a strong roster of triathletes. Her “forever athlete” mindset is trumped by her selfless leadership which has helped inspire the team in competitions and in the classroom. The Triathlon team holds the departments highest cumulative GPA amongst sport teams. While they excelled in the classroom, she has helped them bring that same dedication to competitions as they have placed in the top 10 as a team at most races including finishing 6th at nationals.
Male Team Coach of the Year Nominees:
Heath Grishaw | Men's Swimming
Grishaw has once again help the Men’s Swimming team achieve new heights. In his 6th season at the helm, he has helped the flames dominate in the water. The flames were able to win their 5th consecutive east regional championship and finish 2nd in the nation for the 3rd year in a row. Out if the water, Grishaw continues to elevate the culture of the program by having the team showcase what it means to be not Christian swimmers, but Christian who happen to swim.
Jacob Davis | Shotgun | Award Winner
Davis would help the shotgun team finish in the top 3 of the nation for a 4th year in a row. In his second season as the team's head coach, Davis’s caring nature would be evident throughout when he helps instruct the team in the safety and discipline of the sport. He would help lead the team to have strong finishes throughout the year. As the team would finish in the top 3 at each competition this season including placing 3rd at nationals. All while having the team showcase their faith in the competition realm. Knowing that they could help plant a seed from the kindness the team showed to its fellow competitors.
Kirk Handy | Men's D1 Hockey
Handy continues to lead one of the top programs in the ACHA. In his 25th season, Handy took a team that added 10+ new skates to stay as one of the top programs in the country. He would help guide the flames to reaching the final 4 of the ACHA National tournament for the 3rd time in 5 seasons. Finishing 4th in the nation. While also helping the flames continue to grow in their walk with Christ while constantly reminding the flames to use their sport as a platform for Christ.
Alumni Legacy Award
The Legacy Award is presented to the coach or team who demonstrates a commitment to meaningful engagement with their respective alumni.
Legacy Award Winner: Men’s Lacrosse
The Men’s Lacrosse team is being honored with the Legacy Award for their outstanding commitment to building a strong alumni network and advancing the future of the program. They led the department by raising the most alumni contributions, hosted an impressive event reconnecting 25+ former student-athletes, and secured a multi-year major gift commitment from an engaged alum. Their efforts exemplify what it means to honor the past while investing in the future.
Athletic Recognition Awards
Presented to the qualifying individual male & female athletes based on their yearly stats and athletic accolades.
Female Athlete of the Year Nominees:
Grace Wilson | Disc Golf & Women’s Ultimate
As a two-sport athlete, Wilson would excel for both of her teams throughout the season. For the Disc Golf team, she would finish 2nd in the singles competition and would help the lady's top tandem win the team title. For the women’s Ultimate team, she would spark the lady flames offense and accumulate over 130 assist during the season showcasing her skills as a playmaker on offense and defense, helping the ladies place 3rd at conference make it back to the regional tournament.
Josie Rich | Ski & Snowboard
Rich would come away with win after win on the slopes this season. As one of the flames top skiers, she would land on top of the podium throughout the regular season and claim the Mid-Atlantic regional title. She would be the lady flames top finisher at nationals placing 2nd in rail jam and 4th in slopestyle to help secure LU’s first place team finish in both categories.
Zosia Adamek | Women's D1 Hockey | Award Winner
As the Lady Flames Assistant Captain, Adamek would have her best season in an LU sweater. She would lead the team in goals this season, scoring 17 with 8 assists for 25 points on the year. Her play would lead to her being named 1st team all-conference, and 2nd team All-ACHA. She would later be named 1st team All-Tournament and tournament MVP at Nationals when she would help LU regain its national title as she led the tournament in goals and scored the game winning goal in double overtime in the championship game.
Male Athlete of the Year Nominees:
Coby Liebelt | Ski & Snowboard
As the team’s top skier, he would lead the way for the team finishing 1st in many of the teams competitions this year. Including taking 1st place for the team in the mid-Atlantic Region. He would be one of the team's top male place winner on the ski side, finish 6th in rail jam and 10th in slopestyle helping the flames finish 2nd and 4th as a team in those events respectively
Josh Harrell | Men's D2 Hockey
The Flames 3-year captain would once again lead the flames to finish in the top 2 of the southeast region, securing the flames another birth to the national tournament and finishing in the top 10 of the nation. A feat he helped the flames do all 4 years he was with the team. Harrell has been one of the flames top two-way players the last 3 seasons. He would finish as one of the team's top scorers each year.
Keaton Mohs | Men's Lacrosse | Award Winner
The team’s captain and 3-time All-American would save his best season for his final year, Mohs would be the team's top playmaker scoring 38 Goals and distribute 49 assists for a total of 87 Points. His 87 points would make him the top scorer in the nation, helping him become the 6th player in MCLA history to eclipse 300 career points and make him a frontrunner for ALC Offensive player of the year and the MCLA National Player of the Year.
Team of the Year Awards
Presented to the qualifying teams based on their athletic achievements during events, tournaments, and post-season championships.
Women’s Team of the Year Nominees:
Disc Golf
The Lady Flames would have a strong season. As the team would place first in numerous competitions throughout the year. They would carry that momentum into the national championship and would win the Women’s Team Tandem event. Making it back-to-back years they would come away winning the national title, and make it the women’s third national title overall
Gymnastics
With returning a strong group and bringing in a solid recruiting class, the gymnastics team was looking to build off of last year's top 3 finish. The lady flames would be able to place in the top 3 at each competition. The gymnast would use the strong regular season to have a strong national championship. As they would finish second in that nation. Making three seasons in a row the team would finish in the top 3 of the nation
WDI Hockey | Award Winner
The lady flames came into the year looking to regain the team's national title. The ladies driven purpose would have them atop of the competition as they would hold the #1 national ranking for most of the year. The lady flames would head into the post season and put on a solid showing claim the team's 5th WMCH Conference championship and regain the team's national championship, making it their 7th in 10 years.
Men’s Team of the Year Nominees:
Men’s Lacrosse | Award Winner
The Flames came into the season with high expectations. Returning a seasoned group, the flames would have a strong year, going 13-1 in the regular season. The flames would carry their dominate regular season into the post season and would win their 3rd ALC Conference Championship in 5 years and now head to nationals as the #1 team in the nation.
Men’s Swimming
With returning an experienced team, the Flames would dominate in meet after meet this year. As they would take home numerous first place team finishes, at numerous events. The flames impressive performance would be showcased in the post season as they would win their 5th consecutive east regional championship and finish second in the nation for the third season in a row.
Shotgun
The shotgun team would have another strong season. The team would return a talented group of shooters that would help make the team competitive all season long. The Flames would come away winning the Mid-Atlantic Cup, Finishing 2nd in the Lower East region Conference Championship and finish 3rd in Division 3 at the ACUI Collegiate Clay Target National Championships.