2023- 2024 athletic department awards

mvp and leadership awards

The team's most valuable player is given annually to an individual who has had an outstanding overall performance for their team during the season. The team leadership award is given annually to an individual who displays exceptional leadership and embodies the values, spirit, and tradition of being a model student-athlete during the season. The individual is an outstanding represent ative of the school and the department in the classroom, the community, and in their sport, they play. These qualities exhibit what it means to be a student-athlete.

Leadership Award - Bella Sernavsky

Bella Sernavsky is a natural-born leader. Although only a sophomore, she leads with the kind of integrity of someone much older. Bella works continuously to ensure that all cheerleaders feel a part of something greater. She offers to help without being asked and is always willing to go the extra mile. Bella puts in the work daily to be the best version of herself and tries to instill that in her teammates. Bella quickly moved up in the ranks this past year from cheerleader to Jr. captain and now into the head captain role. Bella has the kind of vigor that is contagious and we are all excited for what she does next. - Head Coach Alexandra Zajko

MVP - Jordan Turner

" Jordan Turner has cheered for Anna Maria for the last four years with the greatest combination of skill and leadership this team has seen in a long time. Jordan is the definition of a collegiate cheerleader. She has an excellent skill set of acrobatics, performance, and stunting power that is simply unmatched. Her courage and energy to try new things radiates throughout the team. Jordan has led the team through a lot of intense developments. Her "can and will do" attitude has held the team together. Her ability to take on any position given to her is admirable by her coach and the rest of the team. We are excited for Jordan to return to us next year. - Head Coach Alexandra Zajko

Leadership Award - Elijah Allston

"Elijah was a four year starter on our defensive line and a leader off the field. Always ready to lead whether it was in the classroom, weight room, meeting room, film or practices. Eli lead by example and was always the hardest worker. His hard work paid off this year after two years of 2nd team ECFC this year he was first team. Elijah's attitude and effort will be sorely missed, but we know he will be successful because of it." - Head Coach Steve Croce

MVP - Ryan Russell

"In his first year as a starter at QB all Ryan did was turn in a performance that was good enough to be the #4 rated QB in the entire NATION and leading the team to a three way tie for the league championship and first ever New England Bowl appearance. Ryan led the league in every QB stat and was voted ECFC Offensive Player of the Year. He all set the team record for passing yards and TDs for a season, not to mention he was 4X ECFC Player of the week and set the single game records of most yards and TD's vs Husson (540 yds 6tds)" - Head Coach Steve Croce

Leadership Award - Hannah Tobey

"Hannah is one of the best goaltenders to play between the pipes for the AMCATS. A fiver year standout who’s unselfish play and leadership carried teams through difficult competition. Hannah not only played goalie but her unselfish nature during her fifth year year allotted her a goal as a forward sealing an important win." - Head Coach Lauren Chenevert

MVP - Meghan Sonia

"Meg has been a dedicated and dominate five year player for the AMCAT field hockey team, Meg has shown fortitude and distinction on the field throughout her career and once again this season. Her dedication to her teammates and coaching staff earned her this award." - Head Coach Lauren Chenevert

Leadership Award - Hezekiah Adeyeye

"Hezekiah provided an unwavering commitment to the program. His determination to play even when he was hurt was inspiring. His presence will be missed next season." - Head Coach Joseph Dincecco

MVP - Rubelsi Moran

"Rubelsi demonstrated tremendous skill on the field. His ability to deliver goals in crucial moments was a key asset for our team. We are excited to have him return in the fall." - Head Coach Joseph Dincecco

Leadership Award - McKenna Coolidge

"In a time of change, Mack is someone who helped settle in the new coaching staff at Anna Maria. She is selfless and always put the needs of others before her own. Mack always stayed positive during a challenging season. She is empathetic and someone who listens to others. Another excellent representation of the soccer program & the college." - Head Coach Neil Stafford

MVP - Anetta Del Prado

"Anetta has always led by example. She is fiercely competitive, brave and someone you’d want next to you in a foxhole. She never backs down from a tackle on the field and is great at striking the ball with both feet. She excels in the classroom and is a fantastic representative of the program & college." - Head Coach Neil Stafford

Leadership Award - Sarah Burt

"Sarah stepped up this year as a senior captain both on the court and on campus hosting recruits and helping us with tours. As new coaches at this fall, Sarah helped Assistant Coach Skylar and I immerse into the campus community and successfully overcome challenges the program faced in 2022. On the court Sarah led by example as she took up a new positions in our time of need to lead the team in the new direction. If there was ever a silent moment in our gym or huddle, Sarah filled that void with clapping and enthusiasm; she never lost sight of our team goals and helped the rest of us see the light even at our darkest moments." - Head Coach Kevin Pender

MVP - Shay Savoie

"Shay catapulted our team to a new competitive level the day she joined our program. She led our team in nearly all columns across the stat sheet and was our rock star in serve receive. Shae was our MVP in practice, using her skills to challenge her teammates and grow their game while simultaneously elevating hers. She was never satisfied with mediocre and that helped our team strive for more. Although she suffered an ankle injury mid-season, she never missed a practice or game to support her teammates. She healed up in time to help us grab a huge road win at Bay Path University to wrap our season." - Head Coach Kevin Pender

Leadership Award - Jakai Alexandre

"Jakai has been a staple in the AMCATS lineup over his four year career here. He played in 99 career games, 70 of them as a starter. Another player who filled the stat sheet, scoring 700 total points, over 200 rebounds, 300 assists, and 150 steals. Gritty defender who often took on the assignment of defending the other team’s top perimeter option. Upbeat personality, unforgettable cackle, incredibly reliable, great competitor, and a great teammate. His presence on the floor and in the locker room will be missed for sure. We salute Jakai for a great career! " - Head Coach Shawn Conrad

MVP - Gabe Armstead

"Gabe had a tremendous season for the AMCATS. Consistency would be the best word to describe Gabe’s season. Started all 25 games, averaged 18.3 pts and 7 rebounds. Gabe scored in double digits 20 times and had 8 or more rebounds in a game 13 times. He set personal career bests this season in minutes played, free throws made and attempted, free throw percentage, assists, and offensive rebounds. He also recorded his 1,000th career point in his 74th career game here, accomplishing this feat in just under 3 years. A great person and leader by example, we salute Gabe for his incredible junior season!" - Head Coach Shawn Conrad

Leadership Award - Madison Paulhus

"Madison was a great addition to our AMCAT family this year, as a junior transfer, and we are so blessed to have her. She is our defensive threat on the court; she is one of our hardest workers at practice and in games, and she helps everyone to improve around her. Her notable enthusiasm and positivity for the success of her teammates on and off the court was unmatched, making her a shining light to lead our team in a positive direction. We want to thank her for all her hard work and dedication." - Head Coach Melissa Paulhus

MVP - Marnique Reddin

"Marinique lead the AMCATS this year scoring 465 points, averaging 18.6 points per game, had 266 rebounds averaging 10.6 per game, and was selected to the GNAC Third Team All-Conference. She is the type of player that knows what is needed to get the job done and when she gets in her zone no one can stop her. Her athleticism is off the charts and when she sets a goal for herself or a teammate, it gets met. We are so blessed to have her in our AMCAT family, and we want to thank her for all her hard work and dedication." - Head Coach Melissa Paulhus

Leadership Award - Ben Giovenalla

"Ben has been a leader in every aspect He has helped move the program forward with his professional on and off the ice." - Head Coach Paul Martone

MVP - Josh Alexander

"Josh has been a consistent player over the course of his career. He has pushed the offense when needed. His compete and willingness to step up at the right times helped with our national tournament run." - Head Coach Paul Martone

Leadership Award - Derek Raposo

"Derek was born a leader. Derek has been a captain for our team the last two seasons and will be in the 24-25 season as well. I know our group believes in Derek, which makes the coaching staff's job a lot easier." - Head Coach David McCauley

MVP - Braeden McKinnon

"Braeden made an impact this season up front as he played in all situations for us. He was most notable on the score sheet scoring or assisting on goals that made a difference in the outcome of the game." - Head Coach David McCauley

MVP - Matt Hennessey

"Matt gave us a chance to win every game this year. He was a big reason why we won the most games (15) in a single season at AMC. Matt competes every day and pushes himself to be even better." - Head Coach David McCauley

Leadership Award - Shayla MacDonald

"Shayla embodies what you look for in a leader, approaching every situation with compassion and thoughtfulness. While the culture of the women’s hockey program continues to shift, Shayla showed up each day with the plan of working together with her assistant captain to hold the team to a standard. Shayla and her leadership will be greatly missed but she helped point the program in a direction everyone can be proud of as we continue to build." - Head Coach Zach Perkins

MVP - Sam Dahill

"Sam is the perfect example of an MVP, showing up every day trying to be better than the day before and holding an expectation of compete and growth from her teammates. Sam continued where she left off last year, continuing to set program records as well as contributing to the best record in program history." - Head Coach Zach Perkins

Leadership Award - Michael Verran

"Sophomore Michael Verran played in 63 matches this year, and was the captain of the Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Smash Bros teams. He acted as a mentor and in-game-leader to freshman and upperclassmen alike. His leadership pushed our teams to two NACE Starleague Conference Championship titles this year." - Head Coach Zach Gandara

MVP - Jahmir Hamlin

"Freshman Jahmir Hamlin was an instrumental part of our offense this year. In his first collegiate Call of Duty match, he put up a staggering 40 points and only continued to improve every game. Jahmir played in 57 matches this year and led the team in kills. His playtime directly contributed to winning the 2024 NACE Starleague Conference title. " - Head Coach Zach Gandara

Leadership Award - Tommy Sasso

"Tommy's growth and leadership development over the past year has been so impressive. He has worked so hard and he is a great player and a better leader and a better person. He’s a shining example of what you want to have in your program. And I am so proud of him." - Head Coach Dan Braind

MVP - Kosta Drosidis

"Kosta is the best player to ever play at Anna Maria College. He has completely re written the record books. But he is an even better person than he is a player. It’s has been such a pleasure to have him be a part of the Anna Maria Community these past 6 years. " - Head Coach Dan Briand

Leadership Award - Makayla Gleba

"Mak has been a true leader on the women’s lacrosse team. She has stood out throughout her three years at Anna Maria and has taken time out of practice to help fellow teammates become better on and off the field whether it's academically or lacrosse focused, she helps lead and helps her team and friends." - Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Sarah Merrill

MVP - Ivy Ballou

"Ivy has been a huge contributor to our attack. She has been fearless on the field and as well as such a great student off the field. She has come out of her shell this year and was a great force on the field. " - Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Sarah Merrill

Leadership Award - Jeremy Dewar

" The ultimate team player. Jeremey Dewar does whatever the coaches ask or whatever the team needs. He is a natural leader that will never let a teammate get down, his positive attitude mixed with his unparalleled work ethic make him an extremely special player. He is a joy to work with/coach." - Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Nate Mayo

MVP - Nate Powers

"Game in and game out the Nate Powers best player on the field. He looks at being a face off man as his vocation or calling. His passion for the process of being the best is unmatched. A special player, leader and person. He makes our team better in every way." - Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Nate Mayo

Leadership Award - Aine Manning

"Aine Manning did all the small things each day, and we recognized that this year! Aine leads by example, she fosters inclusivity, shows dedication, and passion for our team and our school. Every team needs a leader like Aine, she was awesome with the young girls who attended our camps, is the first player to set up for practice, and the last one to leave the gym, she was always there for our 15, first-year players this season. Thank you, Aine for helping our team out with uniforms, bat testing, and so much more! " - Head Coach Larry Sasso

MVP - Shay Savoie

"Shay Savoie is a game changer. She can beat you with her bat, arm, and legs. She is dedicated, and works hard each day, when she is on the field she makes everyone better, she has taken this team to new heights. . Shay was the commander of our “No Fly Zone” in the outfield making several spectacular catches! She is our first two-time MVP recipient." - Head Coach Larry Sasso