Lakewood, N.J.- The Georgian Court University Department of Athletics honored its student-athletes Monday, May 13 at its annual Athletics Awards Banquet, hosted by Eagle Ridge Country Club.

The Lions celebrated a sensational 2018-19 with a new format as the the student-athletes were treated to an ESPY's-style program, which included such honors as: Championship Performance (Aretha Edwards), Team of the Year (Softball), Record-Breaking Performance (Samantha Reilly), Comeback Athlete of the Year (Jada Atchison), Upset of the Year (Women's Basketball over # 8 Jefferson), Breakthrough Athlete of the Year (Marissa Trezza), Defensive Performer of the Year (Jamie Hickey) and Moment of the Year (Carna Prokic's game-winner vs. #8 Jefferson) 

The evening's other award-winners include:

Men's and Women's Athlete-of-the-Year Award
Austin Geissel (men's lacrosse) and Jessica O'Neil (softball) took home the 2018-19 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 William Goldsborough (men's track & field) and Krystal Hund (women's soccer). This award is presented to the Lions' 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 Interim Provost Janice Warner,the 2019 Presidential Award went to Arturo Sanchez (men's soccer/lacrosse). 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
Connor Buckley earned the 2019 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. 
 
Scholar-Athlete Award
Samantha Smith (women's track & field)

Team GPA Award
Women's Cross Country

Mercy Award
Women's Basketball


Team Awards

Men's Basketball 
Kim Speller

Women's Basketball
Carna Prokic

Men's Cross Country
 Hussein Elmeshad

Women's Cross Country
Kylie Jones

Men's Lacrosse
Patrick Castiglione

Women's Lacrosse
Nicole Barbella

Softball
Jessica O'Neil

Men's Soccer
Angel Guerrero

Women's Soccer
 Anissia Fucci

Men's Track & Field
Joshua Clyburn

Women's Track & Field
Shanae Rayside

Women's Volleyball
 Peggy Rosario