POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – The Marist Athletics Department honored the Class of 2024 on Monday night in the McCann Center Recreational Gym.

All senior student-athletes were individually recognized by their head coaches. Following these introductions, major awards were issued.
 

Strength & Conditioning Award

The teams selected for the team Strength & Conditioning Awards were water polo for the second time and men's lacrosse for the 10th time.
 
The Advantage Sport Strength & Conditioning award winners were Alyssa Grupp of softball, Kaylee Brard of water polo, Brian Yetter of baseball, and Josh Balcarcel of men's lacrosse.

It was the eighth time a softball athlete earned the award, third time for water polo, first time for baseball, and 10th time for men's lacrosse.
 

Academic Awards

The Athletic Director's Award is given annually to the women's and men's teams with the highest cumulative grade-point average. This year's winners are volleyball and men's tennis. Volleyball won for the third year in a row and 10th time overall, and men's cross country received the honor for the 11th time.

The President's Academic Achievement Award is given annually to the male and female student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average. Our winners this year are Erin Fox (women's basketball) and Max Zart (football). It was the fourth time a women's basketball player earned the honor, and first time since 2001. It was the first time a football student-athlete earned this distinction.
 

Pizzani Award

The James E. Pizzani Award has been given out to honor the life of James Pizzani, '64 since 1990. Pizzani, who was an advocate for Marist Athletics during his life, lost his battle with nine-month battle with cancer in 1988. The award is presented to a male and female (does not have to be a student-athlete) who has contributed to the athletic department, both academically and socially, displaying community service and leadership, and has performed above and beyond all expectations.

This year's winners are Avalon Johnson (women's rowing) and Roshan Kalikasingh (men's track & field). It was the fourth time each a women's rowing and men's track & field athlete earned this honor. 
 

Sportsperson of the Year

This award is presented to the top female and male student-athletes of the course of their Marist careers.

The women's sportsperson of the year recipient is Sasha van der Merwe (volleyball). Chris Dauser (men's swimming) was selected for the award on behalf of the men. It was the first time a volleyball player earned the honor, and the eighth time a member of men's swimming & diving was honored.