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.
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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)
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
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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)
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)
