Aquinas Athletics hosts The Nelly’s

By Grace Malec, Sports Editor

Nelly Awards line a table prepared for recipients – Photo by Aquinas Athletics

As another semester of academics and athletics come to a close for the Spring of 2025, Aquinas Athletics recognized student-athletes and their accomplishments during the 2024-2025 academic year at the first annual Nelly Awards.

The athletics department rolled out the red carpet for student-athletes. They offered a ‘social hour’ which allowed the athletics community to connect with one another before recognizing the recipients of the Nelly Awards. The awards ceremony was presented in four blocks; described by athletics as “excellence on display,” “grit, growth and leadership,” “service, spirit and superstars” and “crowning achievements.”Each of these awards within the blocks were presented by members of the Aquinas community.

Block one recognized “excellence on display,” in this category recipients include Sara Haviland who received the award for Faculty/Staff of the Year, Mallory Keller from Women’s Volleyball who received Female Newcomer of the Year, Caden Pokorzynski from Men’s Basketball who received Male Newcomer of the Year, Men’s Track and Field who received the Memorable Moment of the Year and Men’s Volleyball who received Upset of the Year for their upset against Indiana Tech. In addition, this block also recognized Athletic Director, Dr. Ronald Reeves who received the honor of Athletic Staff of the Year, Claire Gregwer from Women’s Basketball who received the Women’s Best Individual Performance of the Year and Jake Van Tassell from Men’s Track and Field who received the Men’s Best Individual Performance of the Year.

The second block of Nelly Awards emphasized “grit, growth and leadership.” The most improved team was awarded to Women’s Basketball, the Women’s Comeback of the Year was awarded to Sydney Shenk of Women’s Soccer while the Men’s Comeback of the Year was awarded to Devon Boyd of Men’s Basketball. The best championship performance was awarded to the Women’s Soccer team; Men’s Lacrosse was recognized with the Team Spirit Award and the Men’s and Women’s Senior Student-Athlete of the Year was awarded to Lydia Harper of Women’s Volleyball and Ricardo Rittersberger of Men’s Soccer.

Women’s Basketball receives the Most Improved Team Award – Photo by Aquinas Athletics

Entering the second portion of the Nelly’s, the third block focused on “service, spirit and superstars.” The most memorable event voted on by students was Saints Slam. The Outstanding Female and Male Student-Athlete Award, also known as the Sara Haviland Award was given to Meg Christian of the Dance team and Brady Waling of Men’s Lacrosse. The Outstanding Team Service Award was given to the Aquinas Softball team. Coaching excellence was also recognized at the Nelly Awards, with the introduction of both the Male and Female Coach of the Year Award which was awarded to Mike Wojciakowski and Ryan Campbell.

The final block of the Nelly Awards highlighted “crowning achievements” of the 2024-2025 academic year. The Best Overall Team Performance for women’s athletics was awarded to Volleyball, while the men’s award was given to Cross Country. The Men’s and Women’s Superstar Saint Award was given to Kylie Rancilio of Women’s Hockey and Joe Lockey of Men’s Soccer. Finally, The Sister Helen Louise Brogger Award was given to Carlota Arzabe of Women’s Tennis and The Joseph G. Baker Memorial Award was given to Ethan Barker of Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field.

“To win Men’s Superstar Saint of the Year is a great honor and I appreciate everyone that voted for me,” Joe Lockey said regarding receiving the Superstar Saint Award. “My experience at Aquinas has been more than I could have ever asked for and I have made friends that have become family. The Aquinas community will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Joe Lockey receives the Superstar Saint Award – Photo by Aquinas Athletics

To wrap up an already memorable night for the Aquinas Athletics community, Stoles were awarded to the graduating class of 2025. Each team was able to recognize their graduating seniors while awarding them with their Stoles that will be worn as they walk across the graduation stage.

“The Nelly’s was a first class event that brought together the AQ Athletic community and will be an event all will look forward to attending each year,” Kylie Rancilio said. “It is great learning about the accomplishments of the teams and individuals as they were acknowledged. I am grateful to have been included as a recipient alongside Joe Lockey for our Superstar Saint Award.”

After a successful year of athletics for the Aquinas community, the Nelly’s reflected and celebrated the accomplishments of all student-athletes at Aquinas College. Athletes look forward to the return of this event for many years to come.