Sports award ceremony honors University’s student-athletes

Pictured above: Female athlete of the year Clare Adams ’14 and male athlete of the year Dominic Di Sano ’14

More than 450 athletes from all 19 varsity teams gathered to celebrate their accomplishments, both as teams and individuals, during the annual Seahawk Sports Award ceremony May 4.

The ceremony was highlighted by the presentation of the major Seahawk Sports Awards, including:

Seahawk Spirit Award: Daniel Ives ’16

The award is presented to an individual or group who demonstrates undying support, in a positive manner, for all Seahawk sports and athletes. An all-conference performer on the football field in the fall, Ives lent his talents as an announcer for winter and spring sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, women’s ice hockey and men’s lacrosse.

Sister Philemon Banigan Award: Clare Adams ’14

The award is presented to an individual who through his or her efforts and dedication behind the scenes makes a positive contribution to the intercollegiate athletics program. Adams excelled on the volleyball court and in the classroom while providing her photographic talents for free at several venues for the Seahawks.

Meghan E. Strathman Award: Grace Kelly ’14

The award honors a student-athlete who demonstrates a commitment to academics and athletics and is actively involved in athletic department leadership opportunities, community service and other campus activities. Kelly not only excelled on the lacrosse field, but also balanced the demands of the nursing program while being actively involved in student government and community service.

Brother Michael Reynolds Award: Dan Parks ’14

The award is presented to a male student-athlete who demonstrates a commitment to academic and athletic excellence and who contributes to the overall development of the athletics program. Parks lettered four seasons in two sports – football and men’s lacrosse, while maintaining a 3.30 GPA.

Christopher Kiernan Distinguished Senior Scholar Athlete Award: Clare Adams ’14 and Joshua Hohlfelder ’14

The awards are presented to the male and female student-athletes who achieved the highest GPA while participating in varsity athletics for four years. Adams has a 3.89 GPA in studio art with an emphasis in graphic design and photography and is also minoring in religious and theological studies. Hohlfelder has a 3.88 GPA in business studies.

Sportsmanship Award: Grace Kelly ’14 and Alexander Trammell ’14

The awards are presented to male and female student-athletes who earned the respect of fellow athletes, coaches and administration for superior athletics and for continually demonstrating those qualities associated with good sportsmanship. The award is administered by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, whose members nominate and vote for the recipients.

Female Athlete of the Year: Clare Adams ’14

Adams is the all-time leader in kills (990) and second all-time in service aces (129) for women’s volleyball. During her senior year, she became the fourth player in school history to reach the 1,000-dig milestone, finishing as No. 3 all-time with 1,290. Adams was named to the 2014 Commonwealth Coast Conference all-league team as a first team outside hitter.

Male Athlete of the Year: Dominic Di Sano ’14

Di Sano, a four-year catcher on the baseball team, earned all-American honors after his 2013 season, when he batted .354 with three home runs and 34 runs batted in. A three-year all-conference performer, he established career highs in RBI while leading the Commonwealth Coast Conference with 39 thus far in 2014. In addition, Di Sano’s two home runs and 11 doubles give him 13 extra-base hits among his 38 total hits.