POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – The presentation of our Senior Awards continues on Wednesday with the Advantage Strength & Conditioning Awards.
 
These awards are presented to the female & male student-athletes seniors who have shown the most commitment, dedication and leadership while exhibiting an exemplary attitude in the weight room. They are the heart and soul of their teams during strength and conditioning.
 

female

The female winner of the award is Nicole Sasso of women's soccer.
 
"Nicole has been a great leader and ambassador for the women's soccer team in the weight room from the first day she walked in as a freshman," Strength & Conditioning Coach Aaron Suma said. "She always gave her all, focused on doing exercises with proper technique and intensity, helped other teammates that needed it, as well as providing leadership and motivation to the rest of the team."
 
Sasso was named CoSIDA Academic All-District this year, and was a three-time Second Team All-MAAC selection in her career. She was also named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team in 2017.
 
Sasso is the third women's soccer player to earn this award in its history, and first since Lauren Tillotson in 2011.
 
Joining Sasso as finalists are Allie Best (basketball), Willow Duffell (basketball), Gianna Tedeschi (cross country/track & field), and Esabelle Gervasio (swimming & diving).
 

male

The male winner of the award is Kevin Burke of football.
 
"Kevin exemplifies all of the qualities that fit the winner of the Strength and Conditioning Award," Suma said. "He always gave everything he had from the moment he walked into the weight room until after he left it. Kevin seemed to have endless amounts of energy and strength and was always wanting to do more, no matter how hard the workouts were."
 
Burke began his Marist career as a safety and then transitioned to linebacker, and was a key contributor on special teams. He registered a career-high five tackles in a win at Davidson in 2019.
 
This is the 12^th time a football player has earned this award, which is the highest total of any program on campus. It is the second straight year a football player has been honored, as Grant Dixon shared last year's award with lacrosse's Chris Schlappich.
 
Joining Burke as finalists are Clayton Barnes (baseball), Andrew Evans (lacrosse), and John Oxner (tennis).
 

up next

The Pizzani Award winners will be announced on Thursday.