May 19, 2020
By Michael Bruckler
The St. Mary's College of Maryland Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Athletic Department announced the awards for the 2020 SMESPYS from May 11-17 through the athletic department’s social media accounts. In total, 15 awards were announced to recognize the athletic achievements of the Seahawks during the 2019-20 academic year.
The award winners are listed below:
Fall
Female Rookie of the Year - Celina Kaufman (Field Hockey)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Kaufman recorded 11 goals, one assist, and started all 18 games.
- Athletic recognition for the 2019-2020 season: Selected to the All-CAC Second Team, CAC Offensive Player of the week (Sept. 16), and NFHCA All-Academic Team.
- Thoughts from Coach Lanham: “I’m very proud of Celina for earning rookie of the year. She has made an immediate impact as a freshman and I look forward to seeing her grow even more over the next three years.”
Male Rookie of the Year - Matt Barlow (Men’s Soccer)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Barlow started all 20 games as a freshman and was a key piece to the Seahawk defensive unit.
- Thoughts from Coach Oliver: “Matt was fantastic for us this season. He is a player that is extremely composed and calm on the ball, and more often than not, makes great decisions during a game. He competed against some of the best strikers in the nation this season and stood toe-to-toe with all of them. This is a well-deserved award for a talented player and a great person.”
Female Player of the Year - Meghan Ronan (Field Hockey)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Ronan tallied 10 goals, nine assists, 29 points (2nd in CAC), and started all 18 games.
- Athletic recognition for the 2019-2020 season: Ronan was selected to the All-CAC Second Team and was named CAC Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 23).
- Thoughts from Coach Lanham: “It was very exciting to see Meghan receive Female Player of the Year. She works incredibly hard on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. I am extremely proud of Meghan and her accomplishments.”
Male Player of the Year - Leo Boucher (Sailing)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Boucher was named a national champion by taking first place at the College Sailing Singlehanded National Championships hosted by the University of California Santa Barbara (18 teams). This was the first time that a St. Mary's College sailor has ever won the men’s singlehanded championship. Other notable finishes included: First place Carl Van Duyne Trophy, second place Danmark Trophy (A Division), Second place Rose Bowl (A Division), fourth place War Memorial (A Division).
- Athletic recognition for the 2019-2020 season: Selected to the 2019-2020 All Mid-Atlantic Conference First Team.
Winter
Female Rookie of the Year - Stephanie Howell (Women’s Basketball)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Howell started 23 games, averaging 5.6 points per game and six rebounds per game.
- Thoughts from Coach Howerton: “I’m so happy for Steph! Not only is she a great player, she is also a great teammate, and leader. Steph has such a bright future ahead of her!”
Male Rookie of the Year - Gary Grant (Men’s Basketball)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Played in 27 games and made 22 starts. He averaged 16.3 points per game, six rebounds per game, and shot 45% from the field.
- Athletic recognition for the 2019-2020 season: Named CAC Rookie of the Year and selected to the All-CAC Second Team as a Freshman. Was the fourth leading scorer in the CAC and named the CAC Player of the week three times. Captured St. Mary’s College Student Athlete of the Month honors for December.
- Thoughts from Coach Harney: “Gary Grant was the one of the hardest working players on the court and off the court in our program. His impact was felt from day one and he just keeps getting better and better every day.”
Female Player of the Year - Brenna Litynski (Women’s Swimming)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Litynski was the team high-point scorer for the second consecutive season. At the CAC meet she placed first in the 100 Free, second in the 50, and second in the 200, in addition to being a key leg on relays.
- Athletic recognition for the 2019-2020 season: Earned All-CAC First Team honors in the 100 Free.
- Thoughts from Coach Brandt: “Brenna has a rare combination of being a very driven competitor while also being dedicated to good sportsmanship. Her attitude and approach to competition are key to her success and set a great example for our team.”
Male Player of the Year - Peter Orban (Men’s Swimming)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Orban was the team high-point scorer with 202 points on the season. Orban set/broke the SMCM team records in both the 100 and 200 back three times and twice respectively over the course of the season.
- Athletic recognition for the 2019-2020 season: Named SMCM Scholar Athlete of the Year and selected to the All-CAC Second Team.
- Thoughts from Coach Brandt: “Peter approached this season with determination, confidence, and focus; he was a team leader in every sense of the term. He has been a key contributor on the men’s team for the past four years and I couldn’t be more pleased that he was able to finish his career with such a successful season.”
Spring
Female Rookie of the Year - Sydney West (Women’s Rowing)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Rowed a 7:36.0 2000m (school record) and 20:54 5000m (Second fastest in school history).
- Athletic recognition for the 2019-2020 season: Named to the All-Mid Atlantic Rowing Conference Novice Team.
- Thoughts from Coach Lindgren-Streicher: “Sydney has made an immediate positive impact in her first year on the rowing team. In addition to consistently pushing herself to greater achievements in her training and racing, she also brought a positive attitude to supporting her teammates every day.”
Male Rookie of the Year - Stephen Alam (Men’s Tennis)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Among a strong team with four starting seniors, Alam emerged as a force to be reckoned with and rapidly moved up the depth chart. When the season was cut short he was playing in the #1 doubles and #2 singles positions. He finished the season undefeated in singles (5-0) with a strong doubles record as well (5-2).
- Thoughts from Coach Shedd: “Stephen had an exceptional start to his SMCM tennis career and it’s very exciting to see him recognized with the Male Rookie of the Year (spring) award. With massive shot making and racquet skills, combined with a joy for the game, Stephen is poised to have a major impact on the Seahawk tennis team for years to come. This award is well deserved and it will be fun to see his continued growth at St. Mary’s.”
Female Player of the Year - Kate Bartholomew (Women’s Lacrosse)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: In only seven games, Bartholomew scored 29 goals and dished out nine assists. She grabbed 21 draw controls off the circle and snagged 11 ground balls. In addition, Bartholomew caused nine turnovers in the ride which were crucial.
- Athletic recognition for the 2019-2020 season: Bartholomew held the No. 1 spot in the CAC for points and was tied for the conference lead in goals. CAC awards were not announced.
- Thoughts from Coach McDonnell: “Kate was a fantastic leader for our team and a phenomenal force on the field. She led the team by example day in and day out with such grace, especially during the adversity of having our season cut short. She will be greatly missed!”
Male Player of the Year - Jude Brown (Men’s Lacrosse)
- Athletic statistics for the 2019-2020 season: Led the Seahawks with 48 points, 31 assists, and was second on the team in goals with 17. Brown’s mark in assists and points led the Capital Athletic Conference before the season was canceled.
- Athletic recognition for the 2019-2020 season: 2020 Maverik Men’s Lacrosse DIII Media All-American (Fourth Team). CAC awards were not announced.
- Thoughts from Coach Childs: “I am excited that Jude was recognized for the year he was having on the field. He was certainly on a tear and was on pace to have an incredible year. Though if you asked him, he’d trade every individual award for more wins, because he truly loves his team. That’s what makes him so special to coach...it’s always about the team!”
Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year - Elizabeth Johnson (Women’s Swimming)
- Johnson is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Beta Beta Beta, Nu Rho Psi, Chi Alpha Sigma and National Society of Leadership and Success honor societies. She is on the varsity swim team and worked as a head lifeguard. Elizabeth is service chair of Catholic Seahawks. After graduation, she will pursue a doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
- Thoughts from Coach Brandt: “Elizabeth was a tireless worker and set a very high bar on our team with her discipline and approach to training over the past three seasons. More importantly, her positive attitude and dedication to her teammates was unwavering and will be sorely missed.”
Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year - Peter Orban (Men’s Swimming)
- Orban is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Pi Sigma and Chi Alpha SIgma honor societies. He is captain of the men’s varsity swim team and earned CAC All-Academic team awards as well as male scholar athlete awards for swimming. He has earned two physics awards and an analysis prize in mathematics. This fall, Peter will begin a PhD program in condensed physics at the Johns Hopkins University.
- Thoughts from Coach Brandt: “Peter approached this season with determination, confidence, and focus; he was a team leader in every sense of the term. He has been a key contributor on the men’s team for the past four years and I couldn’t be more pleased that he was able to finish his career with such a successful season.”
Athletic Director’s Award - Kelbey Egerland (Field Hockey)
- Egerland started all 18 games in goal for the Seahawks this season. She collected 127 saves and finished with a 1.11 goals against average to help lead the Seahawks to a 13-5 record. Off the field, Egerland was named to the All-CAC Academic Team and NFHCA National Academic Squad in multiple years. In addition, Egerland was a key student worker in the ARC serving as a manager. She also served as president of the SAAC leading many community service initiatives.
- Thoughts from Coach Lanham: “It has been a pleasure watching Kelbey grow these past 4 years and I can’t think of anyone more deserving to receive the Athletic Director Award. Kelbey is a leader at St. Mary’s within athletics and the outside community. She is a true representation of what it means to be a student-athlete at St. Mary’s. I am extremely proud of Kelbey and know she has a bright future ahead.”
Other Nominees Considered
Fall
Female Rookie of the Year: Grace Dillingham (Women’s Cross Country), Maddie Schwarz (Women’s Soccer), Kyra Feinaeur (Volleyball)
Male Rookie of the Year: Lucas Masiello (Sailing), Nathan Sayers (Men’s Cross Country)
Female Player of the Year: Marie Lewis (Women’s Cross Country), Jessica Bennett (Sailing), Lauren Baker (Women’s Soccer), Ellyse Sutliff (Volleyball)
Winter
Female Rookie of the Year: Paige Adelsberger (Women’s Swimming)
Male Rookie of the Year: Jack Kennedy (Men’s Swimming)
Female Player of the Year: Gina Seifert (Women’s Basketball)
Male Player of the Year: Gary Grant (Men’s Basketball)
Spring
Female Rookie of the Year: Erin Piper (Women’s Lacrosse), Hannah Gorel (Women’s Tennis)
Male Rookie of the Year: Travis Rinker (Baseball), Mitch Boudreau (Men’s Lacrosse), Samuel Leaman (Men’s Rowing)
Female Player of the Year: Katherine Gill (Women’s Rowing), Claire Bodine (Women’s Tennis)
Male Player of the Year: Jay Hammett (Baseball), Christian Oliverio (Men’s Rowing), Jon Gorel (Men’s Tennis)
