Photo by: Greg Vasil
Class of 2023 Celebrated at Awards Brunch
5/12/2023 11:29:00 AM | General
Senior Athletes Honored in Style
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics celebrated the Class of 2023 today at the annual senior awards brunch hosted at the Guest House Ballroom on West Campus.
Pioneers were honored for their success on and off the field, and most of them had impressive numbers in the classroom.
Makinzie Youngblood of women's rugby and men's soccer's Etienne Murugarren received the top honors of the Pioneer Award, presented to the male and female student-athletes who, on and off the playing surface, represent the best in athletic and academic excellence. Youngblood was her team's leading scorer and had a 3.98 average in the classroom. Murugarren earned multiple All-NEC honors while posting a 3.92 GPA.
The Athletic Director Award is presented to the senior student-athletes who were voted to have the best overall athletic careers and are in good academic standing. The award was presented to Kelly Bartnett of swimming & diving and All-American football player Malik Grant. Bartnett has broken numerous records in many events and is one of the most decorated swimmers in school history. Grant, one of the most prolific Pio runners ever, was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as a junior.
Women's volleyball's Jasmine Rogers and Ryan Stout of men's lacrosse were presented the Dr. Gary Rose Scholar-Athlete Award. Honorees must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, and be a starter or significant reserve for their team. Rogers (3.69) was on the dean's list all four years, has been very active in outreach activities and is president of SHU SAAC. Stout, who scored an OT winner as a junior against Hobart, had a 3.72 GPA with a double major.
Mikayla VanHorn of field hockey and baseball's Josh Cohen were presented the Alvin Clinkscales Unsung Hero Award. VanHorn ran a clothing drive in Brideport this year among her multiple outreach activities, while Cohen battled cancer to become a college baseball player while inspiring many around him.
Mia Sansanelli, who will serve as captain for a fifth straight year next fall for women's soccer, and Braeden Tuck of men's hockey were named the winners of the Lucy Cox Alumni Recognition Award, presented to the graduating seniors who best reflect the high values associated with intercollegiate competition, academic achievement, leadership, and university service. Sansanelli had a 3.95 GPA, and Tuck, who notched 91 points in his Pio career, posted a 3.78 GPA while being involved in numerous outreach events.
Emma Kittredge, who is getting ready to face the North Carolina women's lacrosse team in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and Myles Talley from football were named winners of the Strength and Conditioning Award, presented to a male and female student-athlete for dedication and excellence in that area of training. Both of these athletes helped their teams win NEC titles.
Luke Lush, the men's hockey goalie, and women's lacrosse's Ellie Holt, who is in Chapel Hill with her teammates for the NCAAs, were named the Comeback Athlete-of-the-Year. Both overcame significant injuries to make a significant impact for their teams.
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 Rev. Sara D. Smith for her dedication to the success of student-athletes and the staff.
The Chip Kennedy Outstanding Contribution Award is presented to an individual or group within or outside of the athletics department who has been influential and significantly contributed to making a difference within the department of athletics for our student athletes. The recipients this year are provost Dr. Robin Cautin and associate provost for teaching and learning Amanda Moras. They have been instrumental in behind the scenes help for our student-athletes. They are two of SHU's biggest fans and work tirelessly to support all SHU athletes.
Pioneers were honored for their success on and off the field, and most of them had impressive numbers in the classroom.
Makinzie Youngblood of women's rugby and men's soccer's Etienne Murugarren received the top honors of the Pioneer Award, presented to the male and female student-athletes who, on and off the playing surface, represent the best in athletic and academic excellence. Youngblood was her team's leading scorer and had a 3.98 average in the classroom. Murugarren earned multiple All-NEC honors while posting a 3.92 GPA.
The Athletic Director Award is presented to the senior student-athletes who were voted to have the best overall athletic careers and are in good academic standing. The award was presented to Kelly Bartnett of swimming & diving and All-American football player Malik Grant. Bartnett has broken numerous records in many events and is one of the most decorated swimmers in school history. Grant, one of the most prolific Pio runners ever, was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as a junior.
Women's volleyball's Jasmine Rogers and Ryan Stout of men's lacrosse were presented the Dr. Gary Rose Scholar-Athlete Award. Honorees must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, and be a starter or significant reserve for their team. Rogers (3.69) was on the dean's list all four years, has been very active in outreach activities and is president of SHU SAAC. Stout, who scored an OT winner as a junior against Hobart, had a 3.72 GPA with a double major.
Mikayla VanHorn of field hockey and baseball's Josh Cohen were presented the Alvin Clinkscales Unsung Hero Award. VanHorn ran a clothing drive in Brideport this year among her multiple outreach activities, while Cohen battled cancer to become a college baseball player while inspiring many around him.
Mia Sansanelli, who will serve as captain for a fifth straight year next fall for women's soccer, and Braeden Tuck of men's hockey were named the winners of the Lucy Cox Alumni Recognition Award, presented to the graduating seniors who best reflect the high values associated with intercollegiate competition, academic achievement, leadership, and university service. Sansanelli had a 3.95 GPA, and Tuck, who notched 91 points in his Pio career, posted a 3.78 GPA while being involved in numerous outreach events.
Emma Kittredge, who is getting ready to face the North Carolina women's lacrosse team in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and Myles Talley from football were named winners of the Strength and Conditioning Award, presented to a male and female student-athlete for dedication and excellence in that area of training. Both of these athletes helped their teams win NEC titles.
Luke Lush, the men's hockey goalie, and women's lacrosse's Ellie Holt, who is in Chapel Hill with her teammates for the NCAAs, were named the Comeback Athlete-of-the-Year. Both overcame significant injuries to make a significant impact for their teams.
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 Rev. Sara D. Smith for her dedication to the success of student-athletes and the staff.
The Chip Kennedy Outstanding Contribution Award is presented to an individual or group within or outside of the athletics department who has been influential and significantly contributed to making a difference within the department of athletics for our student athletes. The recipients this year are provost Dr. Robin Cautin and associate provost for teaching and learning Amanda Moras. They have been instrumental in behind the scenes help for our student-athletes. They are two of SHU's biggest fans and work tirelessly to support all SHU athletes.
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