EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Victory Theater in downtown Evansville was the scene of the 2nd-annual Acespys, which honors and recognizes the achievements of University of Evansville student-athletes and teams over the last year. The Acespys were first introduced during the 2021-22 school year.
Over 25 awards were given out on Wednesday evening with Purple Aces student-athletes, teams, coaches and staff being recognized for their achievements. Kyle Peach was the emcee for the event with UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, Director of Athletics Ziggy Siegfried, athletics staff and student-athletes presenting the awards.
2023 Acespys winners include:
Community Service Team of the Year – Softball
- Served over 35 different organizations while completing 1,529 hours of community service
Coach of the Year – Wes Carroll – Baseball
- Awarded to the coach who instills the values of honesty, integrity, a positive attitude and competitiveness while leading by example and demonstrating a dedication to lifelong learning and improvement
Comeback Athlete – Megan Brenton – Softball
- Chosen by the Athletic Training staff and given to the student-athlete who had the greatest performance following a significant setback
Strength & Conditioning (Male) – Eric Roberts – Baseball
Strength & Conditioning (Female) – Marah Wood – Softball
- Given to the student-athletes who have used the weight room as a resource to help promote their success in competition. They worked continually to improve their athletic abilities while holding themselves and their teammates accountable.
Record-Breaking Performance – Alon Baer's (Swimming) Comeback at MAC Championship
- Awarded to the top record-breaking performance from the. Last year
Play of the Year – Ola Arntsen – Men's Soccer – Goal versus Belmont – was named the Top Play in the SportsCenter Top 10
- Honored the individual or team that made the most exceptional play of the season
Moment of the Year – Men's basketball head coach David Ragland's first win at Miami Ohio
- Recognizes the great moment from the season that marked the next chapter in UE history
Game of the Year – Women's basketball sellout versus Murray State
- Embodies overcoming adversity and capturting the moment with a defining victory
Female Freshman of the Year – Kate Petrova – Women's Golf
Male Freshman of the Year – Nacho Diaz – Men's Soccer
- Awards recognize the top performing male and female freshmen in for the Purple Aces
Male Rising Star Award – Michael Ikejiani – Men's Golf
Female Rising Star Award – Madison Rollett – Women's Swimming
- These awards are presented to male and female student-athletes who are sophomores or juniors and have made giant leaps forward with their performances
Female Newcomer of the Year – Barbo0ra Tomancova – Women's Basketball
Male Newcomer of the Year – Marvin Coleman II – Men's Basketball
- Presented to the top male and female newcomers who have immediately made an impact in the classroom, community and on their teams
Male Aces Spirit Award – Zach Dove – Track and Field
Female Aces Spirit Award – Georgia Katsonouri – Women's Soccer
- The Spirit Awards are given to the male and female student-athletes who go above and beyond in support of their peers through cheering them on, working their events and more.
Director of Athletics Leadership Award – Caitlin O'Donnell – Women's Golf
- This is awarded to a current student-athlete who is committed to much more than their respective sport. They put in hours to help move the Athletics Department and University forward while acting as leaders within SAAC, community service and much more.
Best Team – Men's Soccer
- Presented to the team who shows the togetherness and excellence from every member of the squad
Jim Byers Award – Tom Benson
- Given to an athletics staff member who, like Jim Byers, supports coaches, cares deeply about student-athletes and strives for excellence.
Best Female Athlete of the Year – Alondra Vazquez – Volleyball
Best Male Athlete of the Year – Alon Baer – Men's Swimming
- Presented to the top male and female student-athletes who have thrived by making substantial contributions to their team's success
For the Aces Award – Caitlin O'Donnell – Women's Golf
- Given to the student-athlete who embodies what it means to be a Purple Aces. They are a true ambassador for the University of Evansville and the Athletics Department and have a sense of pride and positive energy for the White and Purple wherever they go.
Along with these awards, five superlative awards were nominated and voted upon by student-athletes at the award show. Those five awards included:
Best Dressed – Shane Harris – Baseball
Best Duo or Trio – Melanie Feliciano/Giulia Cardona/Laura Ruiz – Volleyball
Best Influencer – Hannah Hood – Softball
Funniest Athlete – Mark Shallenberger – Baseball
Most Supportive Team - Softball
