OLD WESTBURY, NY – With the completion of the 2025-2026 athletics season for both spring and fall sports, the SUNY Old Westbury athletics department recently held its annual athletics awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, recognizing the countless achievements and accomplishments Panther student-athletes achieved throughout the 2025-2026 campaign both on and off the playing field.
The annual ceremony celebrated student-athletes from each athletic program for their dedication, leadership, academic success, and athletic excellence throughout the year.
Representing the women's soccer program was Stefany Donnelly, who was recognized for her versatility, leadership, and tireless work ethic both on and off the field. From men's soccer, Ashel Santos earned recognition after helping guide the Panthers back to the Skyline Conference Tournament while serving as a respected leader and co-captain.
Women's volleyball Stephanie Maser was honored after leading the Panthers in kills while serving as a consistent six-rotation player and team captain. From the cross country programs, Brendan Reid of men's cross country and Evelyn Avila of women's cross country were both recognized for their dedication and contributions to their respective programs throughout the season.
Men's golf player Jake Berenger was recognized following another strong season in which he helped lead the Panthers to a fourth-place finish in the Skyline Conference while consistently shooting in the high 70s and low 80s throughout the spring season.
Cheerleader Jordana Tan was celebrated for her unwavering dedication and commitment to the program over the past three years, while men's volleyball standout Torrence Fredericks earned recognition after finishing among the Skyline Conference leaders in kills and blocks while also earning Skyline Player of the Week honors during the season.
Women's basketball Sakhmet Lewis was recognized for her positive attitude, resilience, and willingness to improve each day, while men's basketball student-athlete Yigit Balta was honored for both his leadership on the court and academic success in the classroom, carrying a 3.9 GPA while earning selection into the Beta Gamma Sigma International Collegiate Honor Society.
Women's lacrosse, team captain Annabella Runyun was recognized for her leadership on and off the field, serving as both a defensive anchor and ambassador for the Morgan's Message initiative while maintaining strong involvement within the campus community.
Baseball standout JT Torres earned recognition after accomplishing one of the rarest feats in NCAA baseball, finishing the season without striking out in 148 plate appearances, ranking as the toughest player to strike out in the nation. Softball's Ashley Pierce was also honored following another outstanding season after continuing to rank among the conference leaders in batting average, RBIs, doubles, and home runs while serving as a leader within the Panthers softball program.
Flag football standout Aissata Kone was recognized for her dominant two-way performances throughout the season as both quarterback and middle linebacker, leading the team defensively while also establishing herself as one of the league's top overall players.
The intramural and recreation department honored both Eniola Mayowa and Joe Suarez for their continued involvement and leadership within campus recreation. Mayowa was recognized for his participation across numerous intramural sports and his growth as an athlete, while Suarez was celebrated for helping lead multiple championship-winning intramural football teams and mentoring members of the women's flag football club team.
The ceremony concluded with congratulations being extended to all honorees, while the athletics department also thanked the administrators, coaches, staff members, families, and supporters in attendance for their continued support of Panther Athletics throughout the academic year.
