The annual Student-Athlete Recognition Banquet is to recognize the achievements of all student-athletes on the court, field, and the classroom. Awards are given each year not only to student-athletes nominated by their coaches, but also individuals that have made a difference to our athletic department throughout the year. Award winners are displayed on the Onondaga Athletics Wall of Inspiration in the first floor of Allyn Hall.
Â
Awards
Highest Team GPA
This award is presented to the men's and women's team in recognition of the highest average GPA for the Fall semester.
Recipients
2016: Men's Tennis and Women's Cross Country
2017: Men's Tennis and Women's Basketball
2018: Baseball and Women's Lacrosse
2019: Men's Tennis and Women's Tennis
2020: Men's Golf and Women's Track & Field
2022: Men's Basketball and Volleyball
2023: Baseball and Softball
2024: Men's Golf and Softball
2025: Men's Cross Country and Women's Soccer
Scholar-Athletes of the Year
This award is presented to the male and female student-athletes with the highest GPA for the Fall semester.
Recipients
2016: Nick Claver (Baseball) and Jade Lewis (Women's Soccer)
2017: Austin Robinson (Men's Lacrosse) and Kristen Bella (Women's Soccer)
2018: Alec Peterson (Baseball) and Brittany Leclair (Women's Track & Field)
2019: Liam Stewart (Men's Basketball and Holly Sleeth (Women's Basketball)
2020: Brandon Reid (Baseball) and Hope Spencer (Women's Track & Field)
2022: Diogo Jorge (Men's Soccer) and Hannah Durand (Women's Basketball)
2023: Ryan Hollenbeck (Men's Lacrosse) and Kendall Cuyler (Softball)
2024: Ryan Hollenbeck (Men's Lacrosse) and Olivia Pontello (Competitive Cheer)
2025: Ryan Campbell (Baseball) and Olivia Pontello (Competitive Cheer)
Rookie of the Year
Presented to the top-performing male and female student-athlete in his or her first season.
Recipients
2016: Zachary Sawyer (Men's Basketball) and Madison Pritchard (Women's Lacrosse)
2017: Jeff Menyah (Men's Track & Field) and Nicole Sheffer (Softball)
2018: Jerry Staats (Men's Lacrosse) and Karly Kearns (Volleyball)
2019: Hunter Rutty (Men's Soccer) and Lauren Burbridge (Volleyball)
2020: Conor Pugh (Men's Soccer) and Rachael Whiting (Women's Cross Country)
2022: Adam Webster (Men's Soccer) and Claire McNitt (Women's Soccer)
2023: Thunder Hill (Men's Lacrosse) and Karizma Brathwaite (Women's Track & Field)
2024: Colin White (Baseball) and Harmony Russell (Women's Soccer)
2025: Enver Bulatov (Men's Wrestling) and Brooke Widrick (Women's Soccer)
Â
OCC Salute
Academic counselors, tutors, administrative staff and friends of the Athletic Department are eligible to receive this award. The goal is to recognize individuals who enable student-athletes to reach full potential (Not an employee of athletics).
Recipients
2016: Steve White - Educational Advisor
2017: Jack Korzyp - Southwest YMCA Director of Health, Wellness, and Performance
2018: Lisa Smolen - Technical Specialist
2019: SRC Arena Operations Crew
2020: Devon Knapp - Coordinator of Student Success and Support
2022: Allen Smithler - Custodial Worker
2023: Ryan Nellenback - Director of Student Onboarding
2024: Abdul Muqeet - Membership Director of YMCA
2025: Jenna Alexander - Assistant Dean of Student Support
Â
Volunteer of the Year
Presented to a student, faculty, staff member or volunteer for their commitment and dedication to the Lazers athletic program (Not an employee of athletics).
Recipients
2016: Jade Lewis
2017: Sara Russin - Softball Team Manager
2018: Dr. Mark Pisik - Team Primary Care Physician
2019: Don Familo - Game Day Staff Assignor
2020: Amy Klein - Professor of Health, PE, and Exercise Science
2022: Dr. Todd Battaglia - Team Othopedist
2023: Rachel Zoanetti - Professional Advisor / Volunteer Volleyball Coach
2024: Lino Poli - Athletic Department Intern
2025: Kevin Stewart (Baseball)
Â
Outstanding Athlete of the Year
Presented to a male and female student-athlete in recognition of his or her excellence in athletics demonstrated by measurable achievement on the court or playing field.
Recipients
2016: Matthew Bennett (Men's Lacrosse) and Samantha Roberts (Women's Basketball)
2017: Tyler Sullivan (Men's Basketball) and Brigid Regin (Women's Lacrosse)
2018: Tyler Sullivan (Men's Basketball) and Samantha Britton (Women's Basketball)
2019: Isaiah Brinkley (Men's Basketball) and Sydni Eure (Women's Basketball)
2020: Latyce Faison (Men's Basketball) and Katelyn Karleski (Women's Basketball)
2022: Latyce Faison (Men's Basketball) and Macey DeOrdio (Women's Basketball)
2023: Caio Hughes (Men's Soccer) and Hannah Durand (Women's Basketball)
2024: Tehokwirathe Barriero (Men's Lacrosse) and Brenna Mast (Women's Soccer)
2025: Paul Clark (Men's Cross Country) and Harmony Russell (Women's Soccer)
Male and Female Comeback Athlete Award
The nominee must have participated on a team in the past and recovered well from an injury to make a significant impact during the season or for a student who made a significant turnaround academically.
Recipients
2016: Ryan Lewis (Men's Cross Country) and Morgan Neadom (Softball)
2017: Tae Elijah (Men's Basketball) and Ganarehawi Printup (Softball)
2018: Ahmad McKinney (Men's Basketball) and Deanna Day (Softball)
2019: Antonio Nesci-Cruz (Baseball) and Jazzmine Powless (Softball)
2022: The Student-Athlete
2023: Mason Sands (Baseball) and Zoe White (Softball)
2024: Teharoniorens McComber (Men's Lacrosse) and Julianna Barton (Women's Lacrosse)
2025: Tyler Wavercak (Men's Soccer) and Precious Gabriel (Women's Basketball
Lazer All Star Award
Presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, academic performance and volunteerism in their team, school and community.
Recipients
2016: Justin Hussey (Men's Lacrosse)
2017: Noah Townsend (Men's Cross Country / Men's Track & Field)
2018: Emmanuel Mateo (Men's Track & Field)
2019: Augustine Wait (Women's Soccer)
2020: James Gaffney (Men's Cross Country / Men's Track & Field)
2022: Andrew Coleman (Men's Track & Field)
2023: Jacek Krol (Baseball)
2024: Jack Hopson (Men's Soccer)
2025: Isabella Shenandoah-Kurtz (Women's Basketball / Women's Lacrosse)
