MIAMI (April 19, 2018) – The FIU Athletic Department held its annual Athletic Academic Awards Banquet on Sunday evening at the FIU Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Each of FIU's teams received recognition and honor for their accomplishments throughout the 2017-18 academic year.
Student-athletes, coaches and FIU staff were welcomed by Master of Ceremonies Luis Perez.
Pete Garcia, Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment, followed with the opening remarks, which highlighted all the individual and team successes for each sport during the 2017-18 year.
Ayssa Rosa, Associate Director of the Student-Athlete Academic Center recognized the Academic Excellence Award, and Pete Markowitz, Faculty Athletics Representative, highlighted the Sportsmanship award.
Sophomore Alec Dominguez, from the Men's Track and Field and president of the Student-Athlete Leadership Council delivered the invocation. Following a dinner buffet, each team was recognized for their accomplishments during the 2017-18 academic year. Team-specific awards were given out in addition to various athletic department awards.
A full listing of award recipients can be found below.
Baseball:
Davy Phrathep Leadership Award
Andres Nunez Coach's Award
Men's Basketball:
Trejon Jacob Offensive Award
Brian Beard Defensive Award
Women's Basketball:
TaMiracle Taylor Most Improved Player
Lauryn Snipes Coach's Award
Beach Volleyball:
Lina Bernier Most Improved Player
Natalia Giron Coach's Award
Federica Frasca MVP
Men's Cross Country:
Jorge Areces MVP
Daniel Areces Leadership Award
Alec Dominguez Dedication Award
Women's Cross Country:
Sherilene Gelderblom MVP
Sofia Fernandez Most Improved
Sydne Grier Coach's Award
Men's Track & Field:
Daniel Neptune Track MVP
Luares Tavares Field MVP
Royer Baez Dedication Award
Women's Track & Field:
Sherilene Gelderblom Track MVP
Clarissa Cutliff Field MVP
Jada Roberson Dedication Award
Football:
Alex McGough MVP
Thomas Owens Offensive MVP
Anthony Wint Defensive MVP
Golf:
Katerina Krasova Most Improved Player
Valentina Gilly Hustle
Agueda Cortilla Coach's Award
Men's Soccer:
Paul Marie MVP
Santiago Patino Offensive MVP
Marvin Hezel Defensive MVP
Women's Soccer:
Sierra Moss Most Improved Player
Nevena Stojakovic Defensive MVP
Softball:
Jessica Rivera Coach's Award
Jackie Schoff Offensive Award
Shannon Saile Defensive Award
Volleyball:
Margherita Bianchin MVP
Sidney Henderson Most Improved Player
Chelsea Hudson Coach's Award
Swimming/Diving:
Naomi Ruele Swimmer of the Year
Rebecca Quesnel Diver of the Year
Freshman of the Year Rachel Foord
Tennis:
Andrea Lazaro MVP
Nerma Caluk Most Improved
Ulyana Grib Coach's Award
Dazzlers:
Dazzler of the year- Nicole Chacon
Rookie of the year- Alanis Alvarez
Veteran of the year- Rene Gonzalez
Cheerleaders:
Most Valuable Cheerleaders- Cassandra Greetham and Isa Guaragna
Rookie of the year- Jasmine Quesada
DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS:
Adidas Athletic Director's Award:
Tennis
Academic Excellence Award:
Michaela Mills (softball)
Dr. Paul D. Gallagher Award:
Softball
Michael Felsberg Spirit Award:
Softball
Female Sporting Behavior Award:
Araceli Peralta (softball)
Male Sporting Behavior Award:
Alec Dominguez (men's track/xc)
Gold Cup Award:
Swimming/Diving
Men's Soccer
Male Student Athlete of the Year:
Santiago Patino
Female Student Athlete of the Year nominees:
Margherita Bianchin and Federica Frasca (Beach Volleyball)
Clarissa Cutliff (Women's Track & Field)
Andrea Lazaro (Tennis)
