Golf Coach’s Awards
Most Valuable Player
Alex Smith
Alex’s performance was the best all-around performance on the team with an average score of 79.8. Alex also maintained a high scholastic standing, great sportsmanship, and team commitment. He earned the low score and Medalist at the Greater Allegheny Invitational at Youghiogheny Country Club.
Coach’s Award
Collin McCune
This award is presented to the player who best demonstrates the true spirit of Penn State New Kensington Athletics. It is given not only for hard work and personal improvement, but for a willingness to understand, to learn, and to enter into a partnership with the coach and teammates in an effort to recognize one's full potential. Collin had a great year with an average score of 81 and finished 2nd at PSUAC Championships (74), and 14th at the USCAA Championship.
Men’s Soccer Coach’s Awards
Unsung Hero
Tristan Doverspike
Though Tristian’s performances weren't recognized by the conference, they certainly were by me. He made a number of big tackles for us and was also good at starting attacks from the back. I predict conference awards for him if this form continues. He is a hard-working lad.
Women’s Volleyball Coach's Awards
Most Improved Player
Ashley Pattock
Ashley went from “zero to sixty” in just her first season … well, maybe it was “zero to thirty,” but this was still amazing for someone who had never played volleyball before … ever! Ashley worked extremely hard at learning the game. It was especially impressive that most of her learning curve was “baptism by fire” in actual games! She obviously had fun through it all, and as a result, the rest of the team had fun as well. There were many laughs for her teammates and much applauding from her teammates thanks to Ashley!
“Team First” Award
Auveonna Perkins
Auveonna (“Auve”) is one of our most selfless players, willing to do whatever the team needs. Auve was asked to play middle hitter for us at the start of the season. Middle was completely new to Auve, yet she worked extremely hard at learning this complex position. As we matured as a team, we saw the value of moving Auve to outside hitter on the weak side where she once again worked tirelessly at this adjustment. She deserves recognition for her attitude and for her fine play throughout the season. Auve also regularly played the role of team “philosopher.”
Most Consistent Player
Janet Surma
Janet has been a starter for PSNK volleyball for three straight seasons. She has been one of the most well-rounded players, able to play at a high level in every position. She is a strong outside hitter and front row player; meanwhile she has led the team in digs as a back-row player. Janet is also one of the best and most reliable servers on the team.
Men’s Basketball Coach’s Awards
Most Improved
Tavarski Wardlow
The most improved award goes to a student-athlete that we were able to see transition from one season to the next. This student was able to accept his role and worked hard on accepting feedback and applying it to his game. There was no clearer picture of this than when this student contributed to a team victory by going 6 for 10 from the 3-point line and finishing the game with 22 pts. Tavarski Wardlow, thank you, and congratulations for earning the Most Improved Award.
Newcomer of the Year
Jahi Ogbonna
The Newcomer of the Year award goes to a student-athlete that presented to the staff a perspective of coming off the bench to provide a pick-me-up to our overall bench play. He kept us in games, and his play demanded respect from our opponents due to being a consistent scoring threat as he finished as our second leading scorer (12.9), second in assists per game (3.2), and third in average rebounds per game (4.4). Jahi Ogbonna thank you for your efforts, and congratulations on earning the Newcomer of the Year Award.
Kobe Bryant - MVP Award: Jamison Nee
The Kobe Bryant - MVP Award goes to a student that took on a leadership role from start to finish. He played with a high motor and was engaged in every game from start to finish, regardless of the results. He's a role model on and off the court for his teammates and fellow peers in the athletic department. He's first to give praise to his teammates and willing to put in effort to find and work on solutions when warranted. He finished the season as our leading scorer (16 ppg), first in steals per game (2.4), first in assists per game (3.6), and fourth in rebounds per game (4.2). One of his many highlights that stood out to this coaching staff was his play against Penn State Scranton. His stat line read - 30 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Our Kobe Bryant - MVP Award was earned by Jamison Nee. Thank you for your contributions and effort. Congratulations.
Women’s Basketball
Coach’s Awards
Most Valuable Player
Ryliegh Beck
As a junior, Ryliegh Beck led the team in minutes played per game, as well as points scored per game. The team looked to Ryliegh to make a play on either end on the floor when the moment mattered. Ryliegh's season highlight included a second half run draining consecutive three-pointers against top-ranked opponent Villa Maria. Ryliegh was viewed as a leader by her coaches and teammates, both on and off the court.
Lion Award
Deshaya Chavis
The Lion Award is awarded to the women's basketball player who most exemplifies what it means to be a Lion. As the team's point guard, Deshaya accepted correction and coaching with poise and strength. She tackled every practice and game with a level of toughness and grit every student-athlete should strive to emulate.
Chairwoman of the Board
Auveonna Perkins
The Chairwoman of the Board is awarded to the program's leading rebounder on the season. Freshman forward Auveonna Perkins averaged 9.8 rebounds during 24 games to become the team's leading rebounder. During the second half of the season, the expectation was for Auveonna to earn double-digit rebounds a game. Auveonna's prowess on the glass is a testament to her work ethic and determination.
