CHICAGO, Ill. - The Cougar athletic community came together once again for a night of pride, celebration, and unforgettable moments at the Second Annual Cougy's Awards, honoring student-athletes whose dedication, resilience, and competitive spirit defined this year's athletic season.
The Cougy's Awards were created to spotlight the individuals and teams who elevate Cougar athletics through their commitment to excellence both on and off the field. This year's ceremony continued that tradition, recognizing athletes who demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, sportsmanship, and grit across all programs.
Most Valuable Player Award
Honoring the athletes whose outstanding performance elevated their teams throughout the season:
Nayella George - Volleyball
Keona McGee -Women's Basketball
CJ Ray - Men's Basketball
Morgan Perry - Women's Soccer
Owen Santos - Men's Soccer
Melaika Russell - Women's Triathlon
Karolina Skowronska - Women's Tennis
Yurii Hoida - Men's Tennis
Begona Perez - Women's Golf
Kaleb Lambert - Men's Golf
Makiyah Brewton - Women's Track & Field
Xavier Beatty - Men's Track & Field
Weronika Stanczak - Women's Cross Country
Denis Kirui - Men's Cross Country
Cougar Heart Award
Recognizing athletes who embody perseverance, leadership, and unwavering team spirit:
Gracilove Littlejohn - Volleyball
Marisa Gant - Women's Basketball
Malek Robinson - Men's Basketball
Ameerah Kolleff - Women's Soccer
Victor Herrera - Men's Soccer
Jalyn Long - Women's Triathlon
Nadjema Morille - Women's Tennis
Justin Atkins - Men's Tennis
Almudena Aguera - Women's Golf
Marcus Freeman - Men's Golf
Queanna Taylor - Women's Track & Field
Kendrick Scott - Men's Track & Field
Katherine Thornton - Women's Cross Country
Collins Kuyo - Men's Cross Country
Best Newcomer Award
Celebrating first-year athletes who made an immediate and meaningful impact:
Leah Linares Castro - Volleyball
Brianna Hill - Women's Basketball
Marcus Tankersley - Men's Basketball
Izabella Asciutto Kilgore - Women's Soccer
Jayden Quezada - Men's Soccer
Jasmine Cruz - Women's Triathlon
Karolina Skowronska - Women's Tennis
Joao Teixeira - Men's Tennis
Hannah Butzer - Women's Golf
Jose Monge - Men's Golf
Phebe Thompson & Bryanna Boroze - Women's Track & Field
Faustin Kaseba - Men's Track & Field
Alexis Fallejo - Women's Track & Field
Jacob Draaisma - Men's Track & Field
Academic Excellence Awards
These teams demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic success while competing at the highest level.
Top Team Male GPA: Men's Tennis
Top Team Female GPA: Volleyball
Iron Cougar Awards
Presented to athletes who exemplify unmatched toughness, discipline, and relentless drive:
Malek Robinson - Men's Basketball
Gracilove Littlejohn - Volleyball
The Cougy's Awards continue to highlight the best of Cougar athletics not only the victories and statistics, but the character, dedication, and heart that define the program. Congratulations to all nominees, finalists, and award recipients for an unforgettable year.
