General | 5/2/2024 11:01:00 AM
On Sunday afternoon, the Clarkson University Athletic Department celebrated the accomplishments of its student-athletes with the 20th annual Athletic Awards Ceremony.
The Ed Sayer Memorial Award, an honor that recognizes an individual that exemplifies the former Clarkson swimmer's spirit in exhibiting compassion for their teammates, an indelible work ethic, a passion for their sport, and an appreciation of the intricacies and importance of teamwork, went to senior women's lacrosse player Hailey Millington. Millington represented women's lacrosse in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was also a Morgan's Message Ambassador, which is a non-profit organization that works to promote student-athlete mental health, end the stigma around mental illness, and spread awareness to high school and college campuses. As a Morgan's Message Ambassador, Millington advocates for mental health resources on campus and is a resource for those who need to talk or allocate ways to help. Additionally, Millington is president of the pre-PA club at Clarkson, a member of Doctors Without Borders and helped raise awareness and time for the American Red Cross blood drives as well as Cancer Awareness 5Ks. As a high school student, Hailey worked on the COVID unit at a hospital in Rome, NY. Despite having a torn labrum for a year, Hailey determined to put off surgery until after her senior year, yet still was able to rank second on the team in goals this season with 34.  Â
The Male Athlete of the Year Award went to graduate student Ryan Miles-Ferguson of the Golden Knights' Men's Basketball team. Miles-Ferguson was picked as a D3hoops.com All-Region First-Team member, an NABC All-Region Second-Team selection, and Liberty League First-Team All-Star, averaging 21.4 points per game. His 535 points this past season are the third-most in Clarkson's 110-plus year history. He also was chosen to represent Clarkson and Region 3 in the Division III College All-Star Game during the Final Four weekend.
The Female Athlete of the Year Award was given to senior Michelle Pasiechnyk of the Golden Knights' Women's Hockey program. Selected as the Division I Women's Goalie of the Year, ECAC Goaltender of the Year, All-USCHO.com First-Team and CCM-AHCA Second-Team All-American, Pasiechnyk was the backbone of the nation-leading defense. She ranked seventh nationally in goals against average and eighth in save percentage. Pasiechnyk was at her best when it mattered most, making 61 saves against Minnesota during the NCAA Quarterfinals and another 45 against top-ranked Ohio State in the NCAA Frozen Four.
The Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Award went to senior Nolan Grady of the Clarkson Men's Soccer team. Grady sported a 3.983 grade-point average through his first seven semesters while majoring in mechanical engineering. Grady was picked as a Division III All-ECAC Second-Team All-Star, a United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third-Team member, and a Liberty League First-Team All-Star. Grady ranked third overall in goals scored (7) and fifth in points (15).
The Female Scholar Athlete of the Year Award went to junior Molly DiCaprio of the Golden Knights' Women's Soccer team. Sporting a flawless 4.00 grade-point average in mechanical engineering. DiCaprio was picked as a Division III All-ECAC First-Team All-Star, United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second-Team, and a Liberty League First-Team All-Star. She posted seven solo shutouts and was a part of two shared shutouts, putting together a 0.64 goals against average and .867 save percentage to help the team record its lowest goals against average in program history. Â
The Male Rookie of the Year Award was a shared honor between Braeden Burns of the Clarkson Men's Basketball team and Ryan Makowski of the Golden Knights' Golf program. Burns ranked fourth in the Liberty League in scoring average, fourth in field goals made, fifth in free throws made and was also in the top 10 in rebounding. He was chosen as the Liberty League Rookie of the Week on four occasions. Another four-time Liberty League Rookie of the Week recipient, Makowski averaged 76.44 strokes per round in his first collegiate season, including eight rounds of 75 or lower.
The Female Rookie of the Year Award went to Clarkson Women's Hockey first-year standout Keira Hurry. A finalist for ECAC Rookie of the Year and an ECAC All-Rookie team selection. Hurry played in all 40 games and registered 16 points on five goals and 11 assists while helping the Golden Knights' defense rank as one of the best in the country.
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