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BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – The LIU Post Department of Athletics honored its student-athletes at the annual Student-Athlete Banquet at the Tilles Center, April 20.
During the annual awards ceremony, each of the LIU Post 25 varsity sports, along with the cheerleading and dance teams, honored two student-athletes who demonstrated outstanding performance, perseverance and leadership throughout the season.
Along with the team awards, the department presented eight major awards for community service, pride, performance, and academic achievement throughout the year. The recipients of the awards are listed below:
Make a Difference Award
Women's Lacrosse
The LIU Post women's lacrosse team compiled 848 hours of community service this season, averaging 33 hours per student-athlete. The Pioneers volunteered at many different events, including the Ronald McDonald House, HEADstrong, and Hurricane Harvey relief.
Most Outstanding Male Athlete
Joe Calderone, Wresting
Calderone earned All-American honors for the second time in his career at this year's NCAA Division II Championships, taking fifth-place individually in the 141-pound weight class. The junior compiled a 32-9 overall record this season, including a stretch of 10 consecutive victories and nine victories by pinfall.
Most Outstanding Female Athlete
Julia Seader, Softball
Seader was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason watch-list for National Player of the Year, and has been outstanding at the plate for the Pioneers this season. Despite moving to the lead-off position in the order midway through the season, Seader is still hitting .384 with 58 hits, 39 runs scored, 31 runs batted in and five home runs. Her .440 on-base percentage leads the team and ranks seventh in the East Coast Conference.
Male Pioneer Excellence Award
Johan Mauritzson, Men's Soccer
Mauritzson was named the United Soccer Coaches' Scholar Athlete of the Year after compiling a 3.50 cumulative grade point average as a business administration major. Mauritzson captained a back line that allowed just 19 total goals this season and helped record eight shutouts.
Female Pioneer Excellence Award
Kaycee Zelkovsky, Field Hockey
Zelkovsky was the recipient of the Northeast-10 Field Hockey Excellence award this season, compiling a 3.94 grade point average as a business major. She also earned her second scholar of distinction honor this season and helped lead the Pioneers to an appearance in the Division II National Championship game. The senior started all 23 contests for the Pioneers, scoring 14 goals and adding 13 assists.
Comeback Player of the Year Award
Mike Williams, Football
Williams was a true warrior this fall for the Green and Gold, overcoming multiple injuries and illnesses, while remaining a leader on the field and in the locker room. Williams overcame the obstacles and made five appearances this season, recording 109 rushing yards on 27 attempts to supplement 13 receptions for 123 yards out of the backfield.
Christine Webb Award
Ramel Joseph, Football/Track & Field
The Christine Webb Award is awarded annually to a deserving student-athlete, who displays the most Post Pride.
Joseph is a two-sport athlete who is always found around campus with a smile on his face. His coaches describe him as friendly, dedicated and a leader. When he is not spending time at practice, he works tirelessly in the Pratt Recreation Center and can be found at many sporting events supporting his fellow Pioneers.
Dr. Roy Ilowit Sportsmanship Award
Talya Williams, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
The Dr. Roy Ilowit Sportsmanship Award is annually bestowed upon a deserving student-athlete for their achievements in the classroom and on the field, while also representing the spirit of Dr. Ilowit with an outstanding grade-point average and a high level of character on the playing field.
Williams truly epitomizes what it means to be a Pioneer at LIU Post. The senior has compiled a 3.78 grade point average and has thrived both in the classroom and in competition. She was named the East Coast Conference Runner of the Year for cross country and captured multiple individual titles at the ECC Indoor Track & Field Championships and the Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Outside of competition, Williams works as a building manager for the Pratt Recreation Center.