REDLANDS, Calif. - The University of Redlands Athletic Department celebrated a memorable evening this past Sunday as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the 3rd Annual Golden Dawg Awards Banquet. The event brought together student-athletes, coaches, and supporters to recognize excellence in academics, leadership, and athletic performance across Bulldog programs.

Among the highlights of the evening were the Team GPA awards, which honored the top academic-performing teams. Men's Swimming & Diving (3.50) and Women's Golf (3.56) earned top recognition for their commitment to success in the classroom.

Leadership Award 
Leadership is one of the vital qualities throughout athletics, as it measures far beyond just performance and statistics. A true leader shows up day in and day out, has integrity, and holds themselves and those around them accountable.  This award recognizes not just talent, but character. It acknowledges those who elevate their program between the lines and motivates others through their actions and commitment to excellence. This year's nominees have demonstrated these characteristics through their work ethic, camaraderie, and ability to maintain their composure regardless of the challenges they face. 
 
Winners: Leila Hosn (Women's Basketball) and David Huggins (Men's Cross-Country | Men's Track & Field) 

Iron Dawg Award
These honors go beyond stats, scores, or spotlight moments. They represent the work that happens when no one is watching—the early mornings, the extra reps, the commitment to getting better every single day.

Our Iron Dawg recipients embody what it means to lead through effort. They push themselves and those around them, show up with consistency, and bring a level of toughness and accountability that elevates the entire team. They are not only strong in the weight room, but strong as teammates—supportive, selfless, and driven.

These are the athletes who go above and beyond, who set the standard, and who make everyone around them better.

Winners: Stephen Ramirez (Men's Water Polo), Cecily Wagstaff (Volleyball), Jack Ryan (Football), and Natalie Lowthers (Softball).

Comeback Athletes of the Year
These student-athletes are being recognized not just for athletic excellence—but resilience, determination, and the incredible strength it takes to rise after being knocked down. The Comeback Athlete Award recognizes individuals who have faced significant challenges—be it injury, illness, or personal setbacks—and returned to their sport with unmatched perseverance and heart.  These two student-athletes have gone through tough injuries but have worked extremely hard to get back to playing the sport they love.

They are excellent reminders that being a great athlete is not only about physical strength, but it is about mental toughness and grit. Each one of these nominees are the definition of what it means to be truly resilient. 

Winners: Aliyah Anderson (Women's Basketball) and Enrique Ybanez (Football)

Breakout Athletes of the Year
This award recognizes the student-athlete who made the biggest leap in their role, performance, and impact on the team. This athlete stepped up when given the opportunity, whether they were an incoming freshman or had a minor role, they showed major growth and became an important contributor.   

Winners: Savanah Christenson (Women's Golf) and Kev Markossian (Football).

Freshman Athletes of the Year:
This award represents the future of the program. Transitioning to a new level of competition is never easy, yet these athletes stepped in and made an immediate impact.

These student-athletes have shown maturity beyond their years, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and compete from day one. More importantly, they've embraced being great teammates and have already helped raise the standard of our program.

Winners: Lily Kautai (Volleyball), Teagan McIlroy (Women's Basketball), Mark Mitchell III (Football), and Tim Jensen (Men's Water Polo).

Individual Athletes of the Year
These competitors who have truly distinguished themselves through exceptional performance, dedication, and consistency.
 
Winners: Maegan Deng (Women's Tennis) and Stian Asper (Men's Cross Country | Track & Field). 

Team Sport Athletes of the Year
These individuals have made a powerful impact within the ultimate team environment.  Team sports are built on trust, communication, and shared sacrifice, and these athletes embody all of that and more. They compete at a high level, lead by example, and consistently put the success of the team above themselves.

Their effort, leadership, and commitment have helped drive their teams forward and represent the very best of University of Redlands Athletics.

Winners: Katlyn Gandara (Softball), AJ Wick (Women's Basketball), Lucas Gordon (Men's Basketball), and Anders Beckton (Men's Soccer). 

Golden Dawg Awards
Winners: Sabrina Semmere (Women's Soccer | Track & Field), David Basa (Men's Swimming & Diving)

Frank Serrao Award Winners
Winners: Katlyn Gandara (Softball), and Lucas Gordon (Men's Basketball), celebrating their exceptional contributions to Bulldog athletics.

The night served as a powerful reminder of the dedication, talent, and spirit that define University of Redlands student-athletes. Congratulations to all award recipients—Go Dawgs!