Lakewood, N.J.- The Georgian Court University Department of Athletics honored its student-athletes Monday at the annual Athletics Awards Banquet, hosted by Eagle Ridge Country Club. GCU celebrated a sensational 2016-17, one that witnessed five conference championships for the Lions.

Georgian Court was also honored by the NCAA as Amy Skiles (Assistant Coordinator for NCAA Championships & Alliances) was on hand to present GCU with the NCAA Team Works Award. Student-athletes at Georgian Court earned first place in the Division II category. They participated in more than 90 events from January 1 through March 31, amassing more than 3,300 hours of service. The Lions have compiled over 13,000 service hours since August!

The evening's other award-winners include:

Men's and Women's Athlete-of-the-Year Award
Joseph Kaas (men's track & field) and Alliyah Berger (women's basketball) took home the 2017 Men's and Women's Athlete of the Year Award.  This award-winner must have sophomore standing or better and may either be highly versatile or demonstrate excellence in one sport. The Athlete of the Year MUST be a steady, consistent athlete; demonstrate outstanding athletic ability; be the best at what he or she does (position or event); display good sportsmanship; have high personal motivation and drive; and maintain an attitude and character that represents the ideals of Georgian Court's Mercy Core Values.

Men's and Women's Rookie- of-the-Year Award
The GCU Rookie of the Year Awards went to Jonathan Firmino (men's soccer) and Kaitlin Lister (women's soccer/basketball). This award is presented to GCU's top first-year student-athlete that is a steady, consistent athlete; demonstrator of outstanding athletic ability; the best at what he or she does (position or event); displays good sportsmanship; has high personal motivation and drive; and maintains an attitude and character that represents the ideals of Georgian Court's Mercy Core Values.

Presidential Award
Presented by via video by President Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D.,the 2017 Presidential Award went to Ben Salsby (men's soccer). The award is intended to recognize the athlete who has excelled in athletic competition, in the classroom and in other college activities and who exemplifies leadership, dedication, values and concern for others.

Blue and Gold IMPACT Award
Xena Valenzuela (women's lacrosse) earned the 2017 Blue and Gold IMPACT Award. This special award is presented to a person who has been an inspiration to the GCU athletic program through outstanding efforts, dedication, and leadership or by overcoming difficulties. 
 

Female Scholar-Athlete Award

Taylor Dash (women's T&F)

Male Scholar-Athlete Award

Luka Zgonjanin (men's basketball)

Team GPA Award
Women's Lacrosse

Mercy Award
Women's Lacrosse

Roar Award
Softball

Team Awards

Men's Basketball
Coaches Award: Milos Djeric
MVP: Hamilton Capellan

Women's Basketball
Coaches Award: Jaelyn Tweedy
MVP: Alliyah Berger

Men's Cross Country
Coaches Award: Uriah St. Lewis
MVP: Patrick Parr

Women's Cross Country
Coaches Award: Caylin Montoya
MVP: Jessica Handsaker

Men's Lacrosse
Coaches Award: Dylan Pool
MVP: Tyler Verdoni

Women's Lacrosse
Coaches Award: Taylor Bauerband
MVP: Samantha Fernandez

Softball
Coaches Award: Bryana Smith
MVP: Samantha Reilly

Men's Soccer
Coaches Award: Jordan Eugenis
MVP: Andres Adum

Women's Soccer
Coaches Award: Jessica Constantine
MVP: Morgan LaDuca

Men's Track & Field
Coaches Award: Michael Rogers
MVP: Joseph Kaas

Women's Track & Field
Coaches Award: Sarah Zollner
MVP: Jessica Handsaker

Women's Volleyball
Coaches Award: Melanee Coleman
MVP: Kelsie Blue