By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
For the second year in a row, all of Aquinas’ athletic teams packed the Coach Bo court in Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center for the second annual Nelly Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 27.
“I think the Nelly’s were entertaining with a great showing from the student-athletes on campus,” Murphy said. “All of the lacrosse guys really enjoyed getting together, dressing up to celebrate the athletes and teams on campus.”
Men’s Lacrosse celebrates a Nelly Award given to a teammate – Photo by Grace Malec
The Nelly’s aims to recognize student-athletes, coaches and staff who have made an impact on the Aquinas Athletics community.
The first award recognized the most outstanding female single event performance which was awarded to Kayla Shuk of Women’s Soccer, and Evan Bennett of Swim and Dive received the most outstanding male single event performance.
The next round of awards recognized teams as a whole. Women’s Volleyball took home the award for best overall women’s team and Men’s Lacrosse won the Nelly for best overall men’s team.
Men’s Swim and Dive won the award for best overall AQ moment of the year and Men’s Lacrosse won the award for best upset of the year for their win over the number two ranked University of the Cumberlands.
Women’s Volleyball accepts the Nelly for best overall Women’s Team – Photo by Grace Malec
Assistant Athletic Director, Joey Sutherlin won the award for most entertaining moment of the year for AQ Athletics, from the moment of him getting hit by a soccer ball on the livestream. The KPOP Dance Club takeover won the Nelly award for event of the year.
AQ Coaches and staff including Dr. Mackenzie Yob, Peter Treppa, Sydney VanderHaegen, and Ryan Campbell were all recognized with Nelly Awards for their contributions to the athletic community.
Men’s and Women’s Swim and Dive earned their Nelly for most improved team. Bridget Sherman and Ian Wright both claimed Nelly’s for their significant comebacks. Natalie West and Cooper Wasson claimed the title for Women’s and Men’s newcomer of the year.
Track and Field claimed the title of Team Super Saint. Madison Rempalski earned the prestigious Patti Tibaldi Female Athlete of the Year award alongside TJ Murphy taking home the Coach Bo Male Athlete of the Year award.
“It was awesome for the team to take a few Nelly’s home with us, and it means a lot for the program to be acknowledged for all the hard work we have put in throughout the year,” Murphy said. “I am very grateful for everyone who made it all happen.”
Jake VanTassel was awarded the Baker award which recognizes the all around outstanding Senior Male Athlete of the Year. In a tie, both Alana Calhoun and Lauren Chioni took home the Sister Helen Louise Broger award recognizing the all around outstanding Senior Female Athlete of the Year.
“It was so fun seeing the accomplishments of all the amazing student-athletes at Aquinas,” Chioni said.
Aquinas President Sister Maureen Geary presents the Sister Helen Louise Broger Award – Photo by Grace Malec
To end the night, graduating seniors from all teams were recognized for their accomplishments at their time at Aquinas and were given student-athlete stoles to wear with their commencement regalia.
“I like how we take the time to appreciate all of the teams, individual athletes and everyone involved in what It takes to run athletic programs,” Zachary Burns said. “It’s always a fun event and an excellent way for the teams to mesh and appreciate the time, effort and dedication given by athletes in a fun end of year celebration.”
The Nelly Awards are planned to make a return following the 2026-2027 Aquinas Athletics year, recognizing a new year of great and outstanding accomplishments from the student-athletes.
Aquinas Baseball Seniors receive their stole – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 