CHARLESTON, West Virginia – University of Charleston's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the 1st Annual Golden Eagles Awards Night Tuesday night – a celebration of the Athletic Department's yearly achievements.
The Golden Eagles lasted about three hours and celebrated the top athletes, teams, coaches, and moments from the sports season throughout 2021-22. Attendees walked through a balloon lined, red-carpeted Riggleman hallway before entering the auditorium for the event's ceremonies. Athletes were encouraged to wear formal attire and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to dress up for an evening.
Members from each sports team were honored with awards presented by their team's SAAC representatives. The SAAC representatives also gave away the overall crowning awards. You can see the full list below. Awards of Appreciation and Recognition were also given to the Athletic Trainers, Sports Information team, Photographers Scott & Aubrie Abbott, and Director of Athletics, Dr. Bren Stevens.
"Congratulations to Jenna Theden (SAAC Advisor) and all of the members that make up our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee on putting together an incredible evening," said Athletic Director Dr. Bren Stevens. "I was thrilled to see the love that our athletes exhibited towards their teammates and coaches. From my perspective, it was an extraordinary event that showcased the many successes of our teams and I particularly enjoyed the special recognitions that went out to our Faculty Athletic Representative, Sports Information Directors, Athletic Trainers, and our department photographers."
In addition to the bevy of awards presented, all student-athletes received raffle tickets for athletic apparel and gear donated by the athletic teams that was given away during the event.
Gift bags with UC Athletic branded items were presented at the end of the evening to all attendees.
"The Golden Eagles were a true celebration of our student-athletes and our Athletic Department," said SAAC Advisor and Assistant Athletic Director Jenna Theden. "The event gave us a wonderful opportunity to bring all our student-athletes and staff together to celebrate a great year in Charleston Athletics. I am incredibly proud of the SAAC group bringing this event to life and creating such a memorable experience."
Full list of the awards and recipients:
Community Service Awards – Baseball
Scholar Team of the Year – Women's Golf
Female Scholar of the Year – Emma Groe, Softball
Male Scholar of the Year – Mitch Hoffman, Men's Golf
Faculty of the Year – Nicky Bell, FAR & Health Promotion Program Director, Assistant Professor
Performance of the Year – Elise Leveel, Women's Cross Country
Comeback Player of the Year – Dakota Reeves, Women's Basketball
Assistance Coach of the Year – Bubby Johnson, Women's Basketball
Coach of the Year – Tianni Kelly, Women's Basketball
Female Freshman Athlete of the Year – Elise Leveel, Women's Cross Country
Male Freshman Athlete of the Year – Thomas Ashworth, Football
Female Athletes of the Year – Kaylee Hensley, Women's Soccer and Markyia McCormick, Women's Basketball
Male Athlete of the Year – Lamont McManus, Men's Basketball
Performance of the Year – Elise Leveel, Women's Cross Country
Upset of the Year – Women's Basketball vs. Glenville State in MEC Championship
Team of the Year – Women's Basketball
