REDLANDS, Calif. - The University of Redlands Athletic Department is proud to announce Katlyn Gandara (Whittier, CA) and Lucas Gordon (San Marcos, CA) as the recipients of the 2025–26 Frank Serrao Award — the most prestigious individual honor presented annually by Bulldog Athletics. The award recognizes one female and one male student-athlete who have distinguished themselves through the highest standards of academic performance, athletic accomplishment, and meaningful engagement with their community.

This year's honorees represent the very best of what Bulldog Athletics strives to develop: individuals whose impact extends well beyond the field of competition. Gandara, a standout pitcher/utility player and leader for the Division III National Champion softball program, and Gordon, the cornerstone of a men's basketball program that has reached historic heights, each leave a legacy that will endure long after their playing days at Redlands conclude.

Katlyn Gandara

Academic Accomplishments
Gandara has demonstrated a sustained commitment to academic excellence throughout her Redlands career graduating with a degree with Psychology looking to attend graduate school in order to become a Marriage and Family therapist.

Athletic Accomplishments
Gandara capped her Redlands career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in program history. A four-time 1st Team All-SCIAC selection (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026), she earned SCIAC Pitcher of the Year honors in 2023 before being named SCIAC Player of the Year in both 2024 and 2026. Her excellence was recognized on the national stage as well, earning 2nd Team NFCA All-American honors twice (2024 and 2026) and 1st Team NFCA All-American recognition in the same years, after receiving a 2nd Team NFCA All-West Region nod in 2023. She also earned 3rd Team CSC Academic All-American recognition in 2024, reflecting her commitment to excellence in the classroom alongside her on-field achievements.
A program-record 72 career victories stand as a testament to her dominance in the circle over four years. Gandara was instrumental in leading the Bulldogs to their first-ever Regional Championship, Super Regional Championship, and Women's College World Series appearance in 2025, earning All-Tournament Team honors at the World Series that year. In 2026, she took her legacy even further — being named Most Outstanding Player at the Wartburg Regional, earning All-Tournament Team honors at the Women's College World Series for the second consecutive year, and being named the Women's College World Series Most Outstanding Player as she led Redlands to its first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship.

Service & Community Involvement
Gandara has served as a Student Leader on campus for two consecutive academic years, dedicating herself to assisting fellow students with conflict resolution, mental health support, event hosting, and community collaboration.

Lucas Gordon

Academic Accomplishments
Gordon has been named to the Dean's List every semester since arriving on campus — a testament to his discipline and intellectual commitment that has matched his dedication on the hardwood.  Ge graduated with a degree in Business Administration and plans to continue his professional career in basketball before starting his own construction company. 

Athletic Accomplishments
Gordon closed out his Redlands career with a remarkable final season, earning SCIAC Player of the Year and 1st Team All-SCIAC honors while also being recognized academically as a CSC Academic All-American and CSC Academic All-District selection. On the national stage, he earned 2nd Team All-American recognition from D3hoops.com and 3rd Team All-American honors from the NABC, complemented by 1st Team All-District 10 and 1st Team All-West Region accolades from both organizations.

He was also selected to participate in the prestigious NABC Division III All-Star Game and named Region 10 Player of the Year by D3hoops.com. As captain, Gordon led the Bulldogs to the 2025–26 SCIAC Regular Season Championship and, for the first time since 2013, the SCIAC Tournament Title, before guiding the program to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. Following his collegiate career, Gordon signed a professional contract with the Mount Gambier Pioneers, taking the next step in his basketball journey.

Service & Community Involvement
From the moment he arrived at Redlands, Gordon became a fixture at every boys and girls basketball and leadership clinic and camp held year-round on campus. He has devoted hundreds of hours to the community's youth, teaching both leadership skills and basketball fundamentals. Gordon also participated in the SURF Garden program during his May Term — reflecting a curiosity and generosity of spirit that defines his time as a Bulldog.

The Frank Serrao Award has long stood as the hallmark recognition of Bulldog Athletics, presented each year to student-athletes who demonstrate that success in sport and success in life are not competing pursuits — they are complementary ones. Gandara and Gordon have proven that in every dimension of their college careers.