FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics celebrated the Class of 2024 at last week's senior awards brunch hosted at the Guest House Ballroom on West Campus.

Kate Starastsenka of women's tennis and wrestling's Andrew Fallon received 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. Starastsenka, who had a 4.0 GPA, was NEC Scholar-Athlete of the year while volunteering at an elementary school and at a tennis clinics. She progressed from conference rookie of the year to the NEC Player of the Year this Spring along with four-time first-team all-conference status. Fallon, who was one match away from making the national tournament, had a 3.46 GPA and made the dean's list twice while also earning an EIWA academic achievement award.  He volunteered at the Bridgeport Youth Wrestling Club and was involved in other community and goodwill events.

Bowling's Paige Donovan was the winner of the Gary Rose Scholar-Athlete Award. She posted a 3.94 GPA, was a conference tournament MVP and champion and volunteered her time for many charitable organizations. Donovan was also a member of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association and a research assistant for a physician focusing on toddler language development.

The Athletics Director Award, presented to the senior student-athletes who were voted to have the best overall athletic careers, went to golfer Marcus Lim and hockey player Paige McNeil. Lim, with a 3.72 GPA in health science, is the best player in the history of the men's program. He was conference rookie of the year and then a three-time player of the year. McNeil, a sports management major with a 3.4 GPA, made her conference all-academic team all four years while posting 36 goals and 65 points in 104 games for the Pios.

The Pioneer Spirit Award goes to a student-athlete on the cheer or dance team who demonstrates the most school spirit and is continuously enthusiastic and optimistic. This athlete comes to practice and games with a smile on their face, motivates others to be better and creates a supportive and positive environment. Emily Donnelly, a four-year member of the cheerleading team, earned this honor while posting a 3.77 GPA as a nursing major.

Women's volleyball's Jessica Foss and Michael Hernandez from baseball were presented the Alvin Clinkscales Unsung Hero Award, which distinguishes a male and female student-athlete who are a consistent, positive force on and off the field. Foss worked diligently within the grass roots volleyball community, coaching hundreds of elementary and middle school athletes each year in clinics and workshops. She was also a key part of the teams' success in winning regular season and tournament championships. Hernandez's attitude and work ethic were infectious to his teammates, helping the Pios climb the NEC standings into first place.

Olivia McNicholas of swim & dive and Jalen Madison from football 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.  McNicholas, who has been recognized by the NEC for her academic and athletic efforts, was named conference athlete of the week 16 times while breaking more than 10 diving records. Madison, a running back, was a team captain and part of the leadership council. He volunteered at the food pantry in Bridgeport, organized a toy drive and was a member of the black student union. Madison ran for over 600 yards and scored four touchdowns last fall.

Football's Payton Rhoades and field hockey's Isabelle Chamberlain 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.
 
Kaleigh Jess from women's track and field and Sydni Carroll from softball were named SHU's Comeback Athletes-of-the-Year. Both overcame significant injuries to make an impact on their teams. Jess was diagnosed with bilateral tib/fib stress fractures, that kept her out of competitions most of her first two years, followed by complications from compartment syndrome and a torn hamstring.  She returned to compete in multiple events while serving as an inspiration to her teammates. Carroll fractured her leg and ruptured her ACL in her first two years at SHU before returning her senior year in good health.  

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 the Dean of the College of Education, Mel Horton, 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 recipient this year is Dr. Christopher Taber, who has been instrumental in behind the scenes help for our student-athletes, especially in strength and conditioning. He started a sports science program and oversaw the grad assistants who collected the varsity athlete data.