FAIRFIELD, Conn.- Sacred Heart University celebrated the Class of 2022 at the 30th Annual Senior Awards Brunch. The members of the Pioneer senior class were honored for their success in the classroom and on the field with numerous awards.
Anna Klein of the women's ice hockey team and Nathan Kim of the men's golf team received the top honors with the Pioneer Award, which is presented to the male and female student-athletes who on and off the playing surface represent the best in athletic and academic excellence.
Klein was a two-time All-NEWHA selection who played in over 100 games in her career. She captured NEWHA Rookie of the Year and this season's Player of the Year. During her career at SHU, she tallied 39 goals alongside 49 assists. In the classroom, Klein recorded a 3.95 GPA in biology and is going to medical school.
Kim has been one of the best golfers in the Northeast Conference while also succeeding academically. He's been a three-time All-NEC selection and helped the team capture its first NEC title since 2011. In the classroom, he posted in a 3.5 GPA in communications.
The Athletic Director Award is presented to the senior student-athletes deemed to have had the best collegiate playing career during their time at SHU. The award was presented to Sarah Ciszek of the women's volleyball team and Julius Chestnut of the football team.
Ciszek is a four-time All-NEC recipient alongside 2022 NEC Tournament MVP honors. She's a four-time NEC Setter of the Year, NEC Player of the Year and been named to the AVCA All-Region team. Ciszek has led her team to the last three NEC Championships. In her career, she ranks third all-time with 3500 assists, posted 700 career kills and was top three in the nation in triple doubles this season.
Chestnut was one of the top running backs on the FCS level. A consensus All-American during the spring of 2021 season, he was third in the voting for the Walter Payton Award, giving to the top FCS player in the country. Recently signed with the Tennessee Titans, he's been named NEC Rookie of the Year, NEC Offensive Player of the Year, a three-time All-NEC recipient. Chestnut ranks second in program history in rushing yards with 3,605 and third all-time with 35 touchdowns. He also ranks second all-time in single season rushing yards which he rushed for 1,495 yards in 2019.
Swimming and diving's Nicole Tingley and men's lacrosse's Thomas Houlihan were presented the Dr. Gary Rose Scholar-Athlete Award. Honorees had to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, and are a starter or significant reserve for his or her team.
Tingley is one of the most decorated swimmers in program history. She holds two individual records and has been on two record-setting relay teams. In addition, she finished her career as the second-highest point scorer in program history. Tingley is a four-year member of the NEC Winter Honor Roll and Dean's List.
Houlihan has been a mainstay as one of the Pioneers' top defenders. He's started in every game over the last three seasons. In the classroom, he's recorded a 3.5 GPA in finance and has been a four-year member of the NEC Spring Honor Roll. Off the field, Houlihan has been heavily involved in the team's community service efforts.
The John Croffy Award was presented to the senior student-athletes with the highest cumulative GPAs and this year's recipients were Tomas Koeck of the fencing team who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in journalism while the female recipient was Mari Fay from women's tennis who had a 4.0 GPA in psychology.
Megan McLaughlin of women's swimming and diving team was presented the Alvin Clinkscales Unsung Hero Award, which goes to the male or female student-athlete that has been a consistent and positive force both in and out of his or her sport and represents the department of athletics in a positive manner in the university community and beyond.
McLaughlin immediately had an impact on the team in and out of the pool. After joining the team as a walk-on, in her sophomore year, she set a school record in the 3-meter diving against Stony Brook. This season she finished second at the conference meet to earn All-NEC Honors. She has been member of SAAC and always has introduced volunteer events, or creating a team spirit award which will be a lasting legacy for years to come. Over her four years at SHU, she has been the second-highest scorer behind teammate Nicole Tingley.
DeAndre Byrd of the football team and Mariah Daley from women's lacrosse, were named the winners of the Lucy Cox Alumni Recognition Award, presented to the graduating seniors that best reflects the high values associated with intercollegiate competition, academic achievement, leadership, and university service.
Byrd has been an All-NEC honoree and a three-year starter for the Pioneers. He's been voted captain twice by his peers and serves on the team's leadership council. Byrd is active in the team's community service projects including Read Aloud and White Ribbon Campaign.
Daly has been a standout in the classroom, field, and in the community. She has been a four-year member of SAAC and is a part of the team's leadership council. She has coordinated events such as the Team Impact signing, and the team's mental health game. In the classroom she posted a 3.73 GPA in biology while on the pre-med track. She's earned multiple spots of the Dean's List and the IWCLA Honor Roll.
Rob DiNota of the football and men's lacrosse team and Claire McElhenney of women's lacrosse team were awarded the Strength and Conditioning Award, which is presented to a male and female student-athlete for dedication and excellence in that area of training.
Abby Fessele of the equestrian team earned the Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year Award, presented by the athletic training staff to the male or female student-athlete who has overcome adversity to get back into competition.
Fessele had to overcome two serious injuries during her time at Sacred Heart. In her first year, she suffered a concussion which cut short her season. Then in her sophomore season she suffered a broken clavicle that required stem cell injections to heal. Fessele reinjured herself over the summer before her junior season and was kept out due to weakness and tingling in her shoulder. She was cleared to ride in her senior year and helped her team reach regionals and has been one of the top riders on the team.
The Pioneers also presented awards to members of the University community for their continued support of athletics. The Dr. Marian 'Bunny' Calabrese Spirit Award was presented to Kathleen Early from the student-athlete counseling center as she went above and beyond to provide student-athletes several resources to address mental health such as apps, therapy dogs and seminars.
Lisa and Mark Tammone from Chartwells were presented the Chip Kenney Outstanding Contribution Award for their outstanding work catering team meals, selection shows and championship celebrations. The Kenney Award recognizes members of the SHU community whose contribution and support are integral to the success of Sacred Heart Athletics.
