UCSD Recreation
An overhead shot of people at a banquet hall, smiling and enjoying the Sports Clubs Banquet night.

 

2025-2026 Sports Clubs Award Winners

On a night decked out in Americana, the athletes were the brightest stars

By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director

UC San Diego Sports Clubs athletes are used to the same familiar hues, colors with names such as UC San Diego Navy, UC San Diego Blue, and — you guessed it — UC San Diego Yellow. But on this night in the Bayview Room at the Marina Village, the athletes, coaches, and Recreation staff members were dressed in their fineries and decked in red, white, and blue. 

From the banner that decorated the photo booth to the streamers that loomed overhead, the annual Sports Clubs Banquet — in which top players, teams, and coaches were presented year-end awards — held on the evening of Friday, June 5, featured a decidedly Americana theme. A doorway of shimmering red, white, and blue ribbons welcomed attendees to the event, and a cooler of nostalgic "Rocket Pops" concluded it a few hours later. In between, there was thunderous applause and resounding ovations, such as when Competitive Sports Director Dominic Ackerman led off the awards presentation by noting that 2019 Sports Clubs athletes represented UC San Diego in this past year across 443 competitions, including 20 teams competing on the national stage.

THE AWARD GOES TO ...

Eleven smiling young people hold Academic Excellence awards.

Academic Excellence Award

Honoring the top athletes with the highest cumulative GPAs.

Winners: Nehme Lahoud, Eliana Hernandez, Savannah Kezmoh, Liam Fitgerald, Olivia Knutson, Jiayu Chen, Kristen Lee, Matilda Genevriere, Sahil Dalal, Maia Harris, Andrea Hassig, Logan Kechter, Kirin Sidhu, Isabelle (Izzy) Schwarte, Taylor Humphreys, Sydney Chow, Savannah Kezmoh

Two women hold small award plaques under a red, white, and blue banner.

Coach of the Year

This prestigious recognition is given to a coach who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success in their respective sport. Overall, the Coach of the Year award celebrates excellence in coaching and acknowledges the profound influence coaches have on their teams and the sport as a whole. It serves as a mark of distinction and is highly valued within the Sports Clubs community.

Winners:

Nicole Goodwin (Women's Lacrosse)

In her very first year stepping up as head coach of the Women’s Lacrosse program, Nicole has already made a meaningful impact through her dedication and commitment to her athletes. As a UCSD alumna, Nicole is a Triton through and through, giving back to the very community and team that helped shape her. She brings her passion for lacrosse to both the high school and college levels, helping our team reach the National stage again this season!

Amanda Warford (Field Hockey)

It’s not often that you find a coach who has mastered the ability to lead with both fierce determination to win and incredible kindness. The kind of coach that you can walk up to for advice on game tactics, but also to share a funny story with. But our coach is exactly that person. Her drive to lead us to victory each year, combined with her genuine compassion, has made her a mentor to current players and a lifelong friend to alumni.

A man wearing an American flag bandana and a button-up shirts and slacks holds a small wooden plaque award under a red, white, and blue banner.

Jeff Simon Memorial Award

Given to an athlete — or athletes — who is committed to their team, not only caring about its success in competition but also inspiring team unity.

Winner: John Hurtado (Men's Rugby)

I could list the number of things John did to help this program, like taking photos at every single team game and even at my cup final for OMBAC, but most importantly, he was a rock that everyone could bounce off to get advice, to talk, to have lunch, dinner, or whatever it was. John committed everything to this team on and off the field and is a huge contributor to the success of this team this season.

A man with long brown hair wearing a checkered shirts stands next to a woman in a white dress. Both smile as they hold small wooden plaque awards and a square plastic bags.

Dustin Newall Award

Awarded to an athlete — or athletes — who personifies the ideals of a true athlete and the Sports Clubs community.

Winners:

Hudson Gehrke (Field Hockey & Ice Hockey)

His natural athleticism, sportsmanship, and leadership quickly became evident both on and off the field. As a dual-sport athlete, president of the Ice Hockey program, and recipient of the 2025–26 Field Hockey Best Offensive Player award, Hudson consistently demonstrates dedication, talent, and character. He embodies what it means to be a true athlete.

Victoria Paula (Gymnastics)

Victoria is always there when you need her. She steps up without being asked and expects nothing in return. Humble and kind, Victoria is the ideal teammate. She cheers for every member of our team, knows their choreography, and dances along from the sidelines. Whether it’s moving equipment, answering questions, posting on social media, or handling last-minute issues at our hosted meet, Victoria does it all with a smile on her face.

A pair of young women smile under a red, white, and blue banner, holding small plaque wooden awards.

Athlete of the Year

The Athlete of the Year award is a prestigious recognition given to an outstanding athlete who has demonstrated exceptional skill, achievement, and sportsmanship throughout the year. This award typically celebrates individuals who have excelled in their respective sports, showcasing not only athletic prowess but also dedication, perseverance, and a positive influence on the Sports Clubs community. Recipients of this award often serve as role models for aspiring athletes, embodying the values of commitment, excellence, and fair play.

Winners:

Adeline Hooper (Women's Soccer)

Every team wants an Addie. Addie is consistently the hardest working player on the field and is an absolute beast in our defensive line. Addie shows up to every practice and game with a smile and her enthusiasm to play soccer is infectious. Her dedication to UCSD women's club soccer drives our team to perform to the best of our abilities and her hunger to win games has been game-changing this year. Addie has the mindset and work ethic of the best athletes, but what stands out is that she is fair and demonstrates great sportsmanship to our opponents and shares lots of love for her teammates."

Wendy Siwen Cui (Triathlon)

When you have someone like Wendy on the team, the whole group is stronger for it. She demonstrates with her consistency that hard work pays off, and we, her teammates, are inspired to be more dedicated ourselves. At the same time, Wendy has the capacity to celebrate the successes, big and small, of those around her. She is a model for all of us of what it means to be an athlete."

Hope Amend (Women's Lacrosse); Not Pictured

For the past four years, she has been a cornerstone of the Triton’s defense and it is truly bittersweet to see her graduate. Hope served as an exceptional captain during her sophomore and junior years, leading as treasurer and then president. Beyond the field, Hope’s warmth, authenticity and kindness have touched every member of the team. We could not be more proud of her and all she has accomplished!"

A young woman with dark hear wearing a burgundy dress smiles as she holds a small award.

Outstanding Leadership Award

 This award recognizes a Sports Clubs officer (president, treasurer, or vice president) who has not only been a phenomenal leader for their team but has also been a successful administrator and created a healthy and positive environment and structure for their organization.

Winner: Isabelle Li (Club Tennis)

She’s the kind of leader who makes people want to be more involved simply because of her energy and care. She sets the standard for what leadership should look like, and there honestly couldn’t have been a more obvious or deserving choice. She leads with both confidence and kindness, and our club is genuinely better because of her.

A young, brown-haired woman with a floral dress holds a small plaque under a red, white, and blue banner.

Sports Clubs Outstanding Leadership Scholarship Award

This award recognizes an athlete who demonstrates outstanding academic, campus, and community leadership during their undergraduate years. Thank you to John Sundt and other generous donors. 

Winner: Kira Sellers (Women's Water Polo)

A group of young men and women smile as they hold a paper certificate emblazoned with a yellow Trident.

Alumni Engagement Award

This team fosters a culture of community not only amongst themselves but throughout years of tradition and alumni engagement. Their fundraising was the highest of all the Sports Club teams this year. Their alumni contributions reduced the financial impact on each student-athlete and allowed them to play the sport they love.

Winner: Club Tennis

Young women in dresses stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they hold a paper certificate award and smile.

Community Service Award

This team went above and beyond in giving back to the community. Their community service hours were the highest of all the Sports Clubs teams this year. Their dedication to aiding the community embodies the values of the Sports Clubs program.

Winner: Gymnastics

Six young men wearing polos and baseball hats smile as they hold a certificate under a red, white, and blue banner.

One Team Award

This is an award given to a team that represents the essence of Sports Clubs. They aspire to unify this program, creating a stronger community and deeper friendships. This team goes out of its way to support other teams by cheering them on at games and making themselves available for friendship. They exemplify “30 Sports Clubs, ONE TEAM."

Winner: Baseball

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