By Pia Perthen, Sports Editor
The 2022-23 Green and Gold Awards celebrated the exceptional achievements of student-athletes from the past year on April 11 here at Saint Leo University. Members of the Saint Leo Student Athlete-Advisory Committee (SAAC) presented the awards in a night of joy and recognition for those who work hard every day to balance the life of being a student and an athlete.
The reception began at 6p.m. with catering from Texas Roadhouse and various picture opportunities, while the awards were presented starting at 7:30p.m. in the Marion Bowman Activities Center. The event was open to in-person student-athletes and athletic staff attendees, with an online streaming option available.
The award reception started with recognizing the National Honor Society inductees, who are empowered and well-rounded student-athletes who demonstrate success and service to their academic programs. Alpha Sigma inductees included Emma Horner, Marissa Lee, Glory Seay, and Francesca Trimble from Acrobatics and Tumbling; Andy Booth, Brayden Hi-Duhl, Luke Who-in, Charles Lefebvre, Kaelan Racculia, and Drew Rudsinski from Baseball; Reagan Buhrman and Riley Coutu from Women’s Lacrosse; Alex Hare and Morgan Shannon from Softball; Alex Heck from Men’s Golf; Albert LaRed from Men’s Cross-Country and Track and Field; and Jenni Whitlow from Women’s Basketball.
The Lions Academic Excellence Award showcased exemplary performance in the classroom as a collective during the 2022-2023 academic year. To qualify for this award, the team must have a minimum of a 3.25 grade point average. The Women’s Beach Volleyball team was the recipient of this award.
The Scholar Athlete of the Year recognizes an upperclassman with a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher, participation in at least 20 percent of the team’s scheduled contests, and a minimum of one-year residence on campus. Alex Heck from Men’s Golf received the men’s award, and Elizabeth Fino from Women’s Lacrosse received the women’s award.
The Faculty Member of the Year award is a new addition to the Green and Gold Awards. It recognizes the extraordinary contributions and service of a Saint Leo faculty member in fulfilling the university’s mission, particularly by improving student-athletes’ life. The award was presented to Frank Orlando, instructor of political sciences, who has exhibited excellence in teaching, research, and university engagement as it directly relates to the success of student-athletes.
The MVP (most valuable person) award, also a new addition to the program, was given to Hailey Latief, photographer for the athletics department. This award celebrates an outstanding student worker who goes above and beyond their traditional role to positively impact the entire athletics department and the student body. Their significant contributions ensure that the athletics department runs smoothly throughout the year.
The Staff Member of the Year award was presented to Rick O’Dette, Baseball Coach. The recipient of this award is an exceptional member of the Saint Leo athletics staff who embodies the university’s core values in their work with intercollegiate athletics. The nominees for this year’s award are distinguished by their visible presence on campus and at events, where they offer unwavering support to all athletic programs.
The Mr. and Miss Saint Leo are special awards given by SAAC reps that honor a male and female student-athlete who symbolize the qualities that Saint Leo student-athletes aspire to achieve in their personal and athletic lives. These individuals have a notable presence on campus as exemplary leaders and role models, not only in their academic and athletic pursuits, but also in their engagement with the wider Saint Leo community. The winners are Jeanette Henderson from Beach Volleyball and Volleyball and Leo Dunlap from Men’s Lacrosse.
This year’s Iron Lion award winners are Raylyn Straubmuller from Women’s Soccer and Kyle Croteau and Aaron Bullock from Men’s Lacrosse. These athletes have shown outstanding consistency, execution, a positive attitude, and leadership qualities that have contributed to the success of their teams.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of any sport, but the Comeback Athlete of the Year award recognizes those who have persevered through serious injuries and have made a significant impact on their teams. This year’s winner is Shyanne Waller from Softball, who has shown tremendous sacrifice, dedication, and hard work to return to her sport and team.
The Newcomer of the Year award goes to a freshman or transfer student-athlete who has significantly impacted their team’s performance. This year’s winners are Maria Palomba from Women’s Lacrosse and Bobby Sparling from Baseball, who have both demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership qualities.
Finally, the Program of the Year award recognizes the athletic program and staff that have excelled during the regular season and post-season competition. This year’s award goes to the Men’s Tennis team, who have demonstrated exceptional teamwork, skill, and dedication.
This amazing event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Saint Leo athletics department, including Susan Cross, Director of Sports Medicine; Jesse VerVelde, Director of Athletic Operations and Events; Marcal Lazenby, Associate Athletic Director; and the many other helpers and volunteers who have contributed to the success of the Green and Golds 2022-23.
