The following awards are given out at the department's annual end-of-the-year banquet:
The Leadership Wall
The Athletic Director's Award
The Donald Bishko Award
The New Paltz Prize
The Kenneth F. Burda Sportsmanship Award
The Carol Eckman Award
The Floyd Patterson Award
The Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. Award
*For the 2016-17 Award Ceremony press release, click here.
The Leadership Wall
- Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership both in and out of competition and will have a plaque bearing their name and photo on the department's Leadership Wall. (*award began in 2010)
Leadership Wall - Past Recipients
2025 - Kaitlyn Shaw (women's lacrosse), Rachel Tama (field hockey), Gaby Treble (women's soccer), Isabel van der Veen (women's tennis), Xavier Zykoff (baseball)
2024 - Hannah Ackerman (field hockey), Cate DiGiacomo (women's volleyball), Rylan Blondo (men's basketball), Jillian Shelbourne (softball), Morgan Woolley (field hockey/women's lacrosse)
2023- Michael Boccarossa (baseball), Shannon Bernhardt (field hockey), Cassidy Deaver (women's basketball), Maddie Gillis (women's basketball/lacrosse), Lexi Van Vorst (women's basketball)
2022 - Isaiah Bien-Aise (men's basketball), Katie Quagliana (softball), Spencer Ryczek (men's soccer), Graci Serravillo (women's basketball)
2021 - Anthony Amoroso (baseball), Carly Croteau (field hockey), Gianna Damato (Wellness & Recreation), Nicole Ziogas (women's basketball)
2020 - Emily Fox (softball), Taylor LaFrance (softball), Kristin Lasker (women's soccer), Paige Niemeyer (women's basketball), Emily Visintini (women's volleyball)
2019 - Keith Seaman (men's basketball), James Hennessy (men's soccer), Samantha Ackerman (field hockey), Bradley Schneider (men's volleyball)
2018 - Conor Donachie (baseball), Taylor Mormile (women's tennis), Taylor Howell (women's basketball), Megan Gangewere (field hockey), Julia Friedman (women's soccer)
2017 - Kit Small (women's basketball), Jake Roessler (men's volleyball), Ally Lysiak (wellness & recreation), Caleb Treadwell (men's swimming), Kyrstin Gallagher (women's swimming)
2016 - Jessica Caruana (field hockey), Ethan Cooke (men's swimming), Goldie Harrison (women's basketball), RJ Rosa (men's basketball), Christian Smith (men's volleyball)
2015 - Missy Waters (wellness & recreation), Devin Tracy (women's tennis), Dani Ackerman (field hockey), Kevin Nordone (men's volleyball), Mike Scher (men's cross country)
2014 - Jackie Ulanoff (women's lacrosse), Marissa King (women's volleyball), Brian Smith (men's volleyball), Brian Spina (men's soccer), Alyssa Stock (field hockey)
2013 - Maliqua Fisher (women's basketball), Kayla DiPaulo (women's tennis), Matt Devine (men's basketball), Chelsea Allocco (women's swimming), Matt Carr (baseball)
2012 - David Spiegel (sports information intern), Jamal Lis-Simmons (men's soccer), Jeremy Borrelli (men's swimming), Caitlin Irwin (women's basketball), Shannon Cobb (women's soccer)
2011 - Joe Gentsch (men's cross country), Nichole Wischoff (women's cross country), Alyssa Finck (field hockey), Sarah Schloss (field hockey)
2011 - Courtney Costello (softball), Steve Pinckney (baseball), Melinda DiGiovana (women's volleyball), Marissa Morris (women's swimming)
2010 - Dominic Garafola (intamural sports student staff member), Harris Wichard (men's basketball), Mel Cilmi (softball), Brittany Bennett (women's soccer)
The Athletic Director's Award
- Awarded to a person or persons who, in the estimation of the Athletic Director, has provided dedicated service to the department
Athletic Director's Award - Past Recipients
1986- Kelly Cassano, Vincent Crantz
1987- Bridget Foote, Joe McMahon
1988- Brigid Foote, Eileen Sottile
1989- Lisa Free, Amy Blackinton
1990- James Whittel
1991- Christy Piazzi
1994- Karen Adams
1996- David Albertson
1998- Anthony Flores
1999- New Paltz Kickline
2000- Student Athletic Trainers
2001- Jason Bryden
2002- Brian Hanley
2003- Robyn Darrow Gullickson
2004- Cheryl Elliott
2005- Kenneth Rodriguez, Nicole Beauregard
2006- Christina Mazurowski
2007- Keith Sobel
2008- Kevin Saunders, Kyle Clancy
2009- Paul Merola, Chris Paulicelli, Alex Donatelli, Phil Parker, Pat Sylvester, Matt O'Neill, Mike Sherlock, Ben Quick
2010- Liam Welsh, Dominic Garafola
2011- Corinna Caracci
2012- David Spiegel
2013- Chris Carlson
2014- Campus Dining Services
2015- Jay Daniels, Ryan Novitsky
2016- L. David Rooney
2017- Steve Domino, Eric Culver
2018- John Sharp
2019- Monica D'Ippolito
2020- Sarah Swift, Ben Latorre
2021- Bryan Lurie and Allison Lindsay (Athletic Trainers)
2022 - Dean Winslow, Rick Drosdowich & Jack Klosterman (Facilities Operations)
2023- Robin Cohen La Valle
2024 - no award given.
2025 - Michele Halestead
The Donald Bishko Award
- Awarded to the male and female athlete who has the highest combined grade-point average at the conclusion of the spring and fall of the year leading to the award
Donald Bishko Award - Past Recipients
1999- Amanda Havrilla (Women's Swimming), Regina Ippoliti (Women's Lacrosse), Kate Mochamer (Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer) and Bob Bubel (Men's Swimming).
2001- Stephen Ferrara (Men's Soccer) and Dawson Gerhardt (Women's Cross Country & Women's Track and Field).
2003- Jodi Novatka (Field Hockey) and Nolan Reynolds (Men's Swimming).
2004- Jennifer Hollis (Women's Volleyball), Denee Miggins (Women's Volleyball), Kelly Long (Women's Volleyball), Jeff Cote' (Baseball) and John Hauser (Men's Basketball).
2005- Kelly Long (Women's Volleyball) and Jeff Sosis (Baseball).
2006- Katie Becofsky (Women's Volleyball) and Neal Rosengren (Baseball).
2007- Kim Clouston (Women's Volleyball), John Hauser (Men's Basketball) and Masanori Hotta (Men's Soccer).
2008- Katie Becofsky (Women's Volleyball) and Robert Moorhead (Baseball).
2009- Jillian Cafarchio (Field Hockey/Women's Lacrosse), Alyssa Finck (Field Hockey) and Rob Webb (Men's Swimming.)
2010- Caitlin Irwin (Women's Basketball) and Jeremy Borrelli (Men's Swimming).
2011- Sarah Schloss (Field Hockey), Alyssa Finck (Field Hockey) and Jeremy Borrelli (Men's Swimming).
2012- Liz Hauser (Women's Volleyball/Women's Basketball) and Jeremy Borrelli (Men's Swimming).
2013- Shayna Burgess (Softball) and Michael Pinnola (Baseball).
2014- Liz Hauser (Women's Volleyball) and Noah Onoff (Men's Soccer).
2015- Fatima Ismail (Women's Lacrosse), Nicole Gottschalk (Women's Lacrosse) and Alec Johnson (Men's Soccer).
2016- Julia Friedman (Women's Soccer), Nicole Gottschalk (Women's Lacrosse), Gretchen Kleinsmith (Field Hockey), Chelsea Weir (Women's Soccer) and Caiden Williams (Men's Soccer)
2017- Colleen Jones (Women's Lacrosse), Degen Mariniello (Women's Swimming), Julia Friedman (Women's Soccer) and Chad Plante (Men's Swimming)
2018- Colleen Jones (Women's Lacrosse), Katie Hempfling (Women's Cross Country), Julia Friedman (Women's Soccer) and Coltan Goodwine (Men's Soccer)
2019- Reed Williams (Women's Cross Country) and Schuyler Mann (Men's Soccer)
2021- Reed Williams (Cross Country), Schuyler Mann (Men's Soccer), Jackie Kanapes (Field Hockey), Tara Bovich (Women's Lacrosse), Sky Pedroza (Women's Soccer), Alex Chimenti (Women's Tennis) and Kylee Kresge (Cross Country)
2022 - Michael Boccarossa (baseball), Elias Elcock (men's lacrosse) & Reed Williams (men's cross country)
Rhionna Bianchini (softball), Morgan Gunter (field hockey), Kyra D'Amico (field hockey), Kate Cochran (women's cross country), Lisette Palomo (women's soccer) and Alex Chimenti (women's tennis)
2023-Joseph DiPreta (men's soccer), Rhionna Bianchini (softball) and Angelina Somma (women's swimming)
2024- Rylan Blondo (men's basketball), Michael Boccarossa (baseball), Pat Wing (men's volleyball) / Katie Buquicchio (women's soccer), Shannon Corr (women's swimming), Jess Funke (women's soccer) and Angelina Somma (women's swimming)
2025 - Xavier Zykoff (baseball) and Morgan Hammell (women's basketball)
The New Paltz Prize
Awarded to the male and female team that has the highest team grade-point average at the conclusion of each semester. To be considered for the team prize, a team must have a minimum of 10 members
New Paltz Prize - Past Recipients
Spring 2002 - Women's Swimming and Men's Cross Country.
Fall 2002 - Women's Cross Country and Men's Cross Country.
Spring 2003- Field Hockey and Men's Soccer
Fall 2003- Women's Cross Country and Baseball
Spring 2004- Women's Tennis and Men's Cross Country
Fall 2004- Women's Soccer, Softball and Baseball
Spring 2005- Women's Cross Country and Baseball
Fall 2005- Field Hockey and Men's Cross Country
Spring 2006- Women's Volleyball and Baseball
Fall 2006- Women's Swimming, Baseball and Men's Soccer
Spring 2007- Women's Cross Country and Men's Volleyball
Fall 2007- Women's Cross Country and Men's Volleyball
Spring 2008- Women's Cross Country and Men's Soccer
Fall 2008- Field Hockey and Men's Swimming
Spring 2009- Women's Cross Country and Men's Cross Country
Fall 2009- Women's Cross Country and Men's Basketball
Spring 2010- Women's Basketball and Men's Cross Country
Fall 2010- Women's Basketball and Men's Cross Country
Spring 2011- Field Hockey and Men's Basketball
Fall 2011- Field Hockey and Men's Swimming
Spring 2012- Women's Volleyball and Men's Basketball
Fall 2012- Women's Volleyball and Men's Swimming
Spring 2013- Women's Volleyball and Men's Soccer
Fall 2013- Field Hockey and Men's Soccer
Spring 2014- Field Hockey and Men's Cross Country
Fall 2014- Women's Volleyball and Men's Basketball
Spring 2015- Women's Cross Country and Men's Cross Country
Fall 2015- Women's Cross Country and Men's Cross Country
Spring 2016- Women's Lacrosse and Men's Cross Country
Fall 2016- Field Hockey and Men's Cross Country
Spring 2017- Women's Lacrosse and Men's Soccer
Fall 2017- Women's Volleyball and Men's Soccer
Spring 2018- Women's Lacrosse and Men's Soccer
Fall 2018- Women's Tennis and Men's Cross Country
Fall 2020- Softball and Men's Soccer
Spring 2021- Women's Volleyball and Men's Soccer
Fall 2021 - Women's Soccer and Men's Cross Country
Spring 2021 - Women's Volleyball and Men's Soccer
Fall 2022- Women's Volleyball and Men's Soccer
Spring 2022- Women's Swimming and Men's Cross Country
Fall 2023 - Field Hockey and Men's Basketball
Spring 2023- Baseball and Women's Swimming
Fall 2024- Field Hockey and Men's Soccer
Spring 2024- Women's Lacrosse and Baseball
The Kenneth F. Burda Sportsmanship Award
Awarded to a student-athlete who has participated for at least three years and who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, sportsmanship, citizenship, ethical conduct and leadership throughout his/her career beyond which is generally expected of student-athletes at SUNY New Paltz. The award, which was previously known as the "sportsmanship award," was renamed in honor of long-time administrator Dr. Kenneth F. Burda following his retirement in the summer of 1998.
Kenneth F. Burda Sportsmanship Award - Past Recipient
1979- Leslie Jamieson (Women's Swimming) and Max Gonzalez (Men's Volleyball)
198- Debbie Frank (Women's Swimming) and Scott Woebse (Men's Soccer)/Mike Lacey
1982- Debbie Bottega (Women's Volleyball) and Tom Gillin (Men's Swimming)
1983- Phil Kinard (Men's Basketball)
1984- Kelly Cassano (Softball/Women's Basketball) and Alain Brouillaud
1985- Aileen Trippi and Steve Waldman
1986- Christine Brunie (Softball) and Vincent Crantz (Men's Golf)
1987- Rita Mullaney (Women's Basketball) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Men's Basketball)
1988- Karen Dobbins (Softball) and Rod Kendall (Men's Basketball)
1989- Maggie Smith (Women's Basketball) and Larry Soifer (Baseball)
1990- Judy Johnson (Softball) and Joel Amey (Soccer)/James Whittel (Swimming)
1991- Laura Luciano (Women's Soccer) and Danny Perry (Men's Basketball)
1994- Roxy Vendetti (Women's Soccer) and Tom Seaman (Baseball)
1999- Jessica Nadolny (Women's Soccer, Women's Lacrosse) and Alex Acey (Men's Swimming), Chris Knoblauch (Men's Soccer, Men's Tennis)
2001- Ricky Abramson (Men's Swimming) and Heather Downey (Field Hockey)
2002- Katie Sharp (Women's Lacrosse) and Ricky Abramson (Men's Swimming)
2003- Heather Downey (Field Hockey) and Kevin Smith (Men's Soccer/Men's Basketball)
2004- Keegan Peck (Women's Soccer) and John Zarella (Men's Cross Country, Men's Track & Field)
2005- Danielle Zakrewski (Softball) and Shawn Livingston (Men's Volleyball)
2006- Ashley Williamson (Women's Swimming) and Eric Velazquez (Baseball)
2007- Kim Clouston (Women's Volleyball), Kristin Jackson (Women's Basketball) and John Hauser (Men's Basketball)
2008- Eri Yamakawa (Women's Tennis) and Pedro Medina (Men's Volleyball)
2009- Erica Ellis (Women's Swimming) and Sean Reminick (Men's Soccer)
2010- Lisa Cassaro (Women's Cross Country) and Daniel Liberto (Men's Volleyball)
2011- Alyssa Finck (Field Hockey) and Tommy Garafola (Men's Soccer)
2012- Zoe Cohen (Women's Basketball) and Ramius Pruiss (Men's Volleyball)
2013- Kim Lepore (Field Hockey) and Brian Smith (Men's Volleyball)
2014- Madeliene Forrester (Field Hockey) and Alec Johnson (Men's Soccer)
2015- Alex Bizub (Women's Volleyball) and Kevin Nardone (Men's Volleyball)
2016- Jessica Caruana (Field Hockey) and Ethan Cooke (Men's Swimming)
2017- Julia Perhacs (Softball) and Matt Alfultis (Men's Swimming)
2018- Megan Gangewere (Field Hockey) and Ryan Cole (Men's Volleyball)
2019- Samantha Ackerman (Field Hockey) and Bradley Schneider (Men's Volleyball)
2020- Marion Dietz (Women's Basketball) and Tristan Wissemann (Men's Basketball)
2021- Kristin Lasker (Women's Soccer) and Schuyler Mann (Men's Soccer)
2022 - Olivia Ingalsbe (Women's Soccer) and Isaiah Bien-Aise (Men's Basketball)
2023- Maddie Gillis (Women's Basketball/Lacrosse) and Michael Horner (Men's Soccer)
2024- Cate DiGiacomo (Women's Volleyball) and Benjamin Perez (Men's Soccer)
2025- Ryan Mackle (Baseball) and Morgan Woolley (Field Hockey/ Women's Lacrosse)
The Carol Eckman Award
Awarded to the outstanding female athlete of the year
Carol Eckman - Past Recipients
Year- Athlete (Sport)
1986- Kathleen Mahon (Softball)
1987- Kathleen Mahon (Softball)
1988- Jacqui Pesa (Softball)
1989- Michele Smith (Softball)
1990- Karen Hain (Women's Basketball)
1991- Michele Laduca (Softball)
1992- Denise Ortiz (Women's Basketball/Softball)
1993- Karen J. Adams (Women's Diving)
1994- Joely Jackowitz (Softball)
1995- Cristina Lukas (Softball)
1996- Adamilka Gil (Women's Volleyball)
1997- Adamilka Gil (Women's Volleyball)
1998- Gina Marotta (Softball)
1999- Claudine Gruver (Women's Swimming)
2000- Robin Shields (Women's Basketball)
2001- Erin Scherf (Women's Soccer)
2002- Kerry Farrell (Women's Tennis)
2003- Jackie Goldstein (Women's Volleyball)
2004- Rebecca Sparacin (Women's Tennis)
2005- Joanna Masterson (Women's Swimming)
2006- Joanna Masterson (Women's Swimming)
2007- Michelle Coombs (Women's Swimming)
2008- Michelle Coombs (Women's Swimming)
2009- Dana Lim (Women's Tennis)
2010- Brittany Coyle (Women's Volleyball)
2011- Jillian Gallagher (Softball)
2012- Stephanie Vega (Women's Soccer)
2013- Antonija Pjetri (Field Hockey)
2014- Marissa King (Women's Volleyball)
2015- Becca Borquist (Women's Volleyball)
2016- Dani Ackerman (Field Hockey)
2017- Morgan Roessler (Women's Volleyball and Women's Basketball)
2018- Rachel Simon (Women's Basketball)
2019- Lindsay Bettke (Women's Basketball)
2020- Maddie Van Pelt (Women's Volleyball and Women's Basketball)
2021- Trinity Chow (Women's Tennis)
2022 - Jessica Ascencao (Field Hockey)
2023 - Brianna Fitzgerald (Women's Basketball)
2024 - Brianna Fitzgerald (Women's Basketball)
2025 - Rachel Eisert (Women's Soccer)
The Floyd Patterson Award
Awarded to the outstanding male athlete of the year
Floyd Patterson - Past Recipients
Year- Athlete (Sport)
1981- Tyrone Robinson (Men's Basketball)
1982- Curtis Hammond (Men's Basketball)
1983- Barry Duff (Men's Volleyball)
1984- Paul Strothenke (Men's Swimming)
1985- Octavio Cabrera (Men's Volleyball/Men's Soccer)
1986- Tony Bonilla (Men's Volleyball)
1987- John Bowe (Men's Basketball)
1987- Mike Roberts (Men's Swimming)
1988- Mark Sargent (Men's Swimming)
1989- Derek Mitchell (Men's Basketball)
1990- John Schwartz (Men's Diving)
1991- Louis Petto (Men's Swimming)
1992- Louis Petto (Men's Swimming)
1993- Louis Petto (Men's Swimming)
1994- Louis Petto (Men's Swimming)
1995- Eric Bell (Men's Basketball)
1996- Eric Bell (Men's Basketball)
1997- Kamil Zitka (Men's Volleyball)
1998- Chris Wentzell (Men's Swimming)
1999- Keith Kenney (Men's Basketball)
2000- Shawn M. Francis (Baseball)
2001- Dale Ebernhardt (Men's Track)
2002- Jon Amoia (Men's Swimming)
2003- Kent Yeung (Men's Swimming)
2004- Mario Lavacca (Men's Soccer)
2005- Michael LaRocco (Men's Volleyball)
2006- John DeKams (Baseball)
2007- Amseshem Foluke-Henderson (Men's Basketball)
2008- Zachary Potter (Baseball)
2009- Tyler Terlecky (Baseball)
2010- Steve Cozzolongo (Men's Swimming)
2011- Chris Chismar (Baseball)
2012- Matt Devine (Men's Basketball)
2013- Tim Ferriter (Men's Volleyball)
2014- Tim Ferriter (Men's Volleyball)
2015- Christian Smith (Men's Volleyball)
2016- Christian Smith (Men's Volleyball)
2017- Steven Woessner (Men's Volleyball)
2018- Cooper Knapp (Men's Swimming)
2019- Nick Smith (Men's Volleyball)
2020- Matthew Grace (Men's Volleyball)
2021- Matthew Grace (Men's Volleyball)
2022 - Pat Wing (Men's Volleyball)
2023- Pat Wing (Men's Volleyball)
2024 - Tommy Kreider (baseball)
2025 - Tommy Kreider (baseball)
The Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. Award
Awarded to a junior or senior athlete with two or more years of varsity participation whose dedication, perseverance and service beyond self throughout his/her athletic career at SUNY New Paltz has been an inspiration to both his/her teammates and fellow students.
Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. - Past Recipients
Year- Athlete (Sport)
1967- Robert Spadoni (Men's Soccer)
1968- Richard Bailey (Men's Swimming)
1969- James Longo (Men's Cross Country/Men's Track)
1970- James Borden (Men's Cross Country)
1971- Mike Janoska (Men's Swimming)
1972- Richard Schimmel (Men's Volleyball)
1973- Robert Cunningham (Men's Cross Country)
1974- Richard Hack (Men's Basketball)
1975- Craig Wilson (Men's Swimming)
1976- Denis Ponte (Baseball/Men's Volleyball)
1977- Ron Domanski (Men's Basketball)
1978- Scott Smith (Men's Swimming)
1979- David Kammerman (Men's Swimming)
1980- Dieter Freer (Men's Swimming)
1981- Ray Carballo (Baseball)
1982- Dan Mooney (Men's Basketball)
1983- Debbie Bottega (Women's Volleyball -- first female recipient)
1984- John Cuccia (Baseball)
1985- Kelly Cassano (Softball)
1986- Peggy Horohoe (Softball)
1987- Wayne White (Men's Basketball)
1988- Tom McGlade (Men's Swimming)
1989- Mark Sargeant (Men's Swimming)
1990- Christine DeBiase (Women's Soccer/Softball)
1991- Joel Amey (Men's Soccer)
1992- Fernando Castillo (Baseball)
1993- Christy Ivory (Women's Basketball)
1994- Scott Hasenbalg (Men's Basketball/Men's Golf)
1995- Thomas Sweeney (Men's Basketball)
1996- Tom Morales (Men's Basketball)
1997- Adamilka Gil (Women's Volleyball)
1997- Toby Meadows (Men's Soccer)
1998- James R. Anson (Men's Soccer)
1999- Jessica DiFabio (Women's Swimming)
2000- Jessica Nadolny (Women's Soccer)
2001- Debralyn Trivisonno (Women's Basketball)
2002- Mark Otto (Men's Swimming)
2003- Silver Williams (Women's Basketball)
2004- Alison Taub (Field Hockey/Women's Track)
2004- Lisa Taub (Field Hockey/Softball)
2005- Bryan Smith (Men's Soccer)
2005- Kent Yeung (Men's Swimming)
2006- John Hauser (Men's Basketball)
2007- Katie Becofsky (Women's Volleyball)
2008- Michelle Coombs (Women's Swimming)
2009- Lindsay Trifiletti (Women's Tennis)
2010- Kristin Sitek (Women's Basketball)
2011- Joe Gentsch (Men's Cross Country)
2012- Caitlin Irwin (Women's Basketball)
2013- Maliqua Fisher (Women's Basketball)
2014- Alyssa Stock (Field Hockey)
2014- Brian Smith (Men's Volleyball)
2015- Christine Rivera (Women's Basketball)
2015- Dani Ackerman (Field Hockey)
2016- Kevin Nardone (Men's Volleyball)
2017- Kit Small (Women's Basketball)
2018- Nick Paquette (Men's Basketball)
2019- Samantha Ackerman (Field Hockey) and Taylor Howell (Women's Basketball)
2020- Philesha Teape (Women's Basketball)
2021- Carly Croteau (Field Hockey)
2022 - Jonathan Tola (Men's Soccer)
2023- Sam Moran (field hockey)
2024 - Michael Boccarossa (baseball) & Rylan Blond (men's basketball)
2025- Hannah Ackerman (field hockey)
