KINGS POINT, N.Y. (June 18, 2024) – The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Athletic Department kicked off graduation week festivities on Wednesday by celebrating the 2025-26 seasons with its annual awards ceremony at the Ackerman Auditorium on campus. It was a great atmosphere as student-athletes from all classes, as well their families, coaches, staff, faculty, alumni and the academy's administration were in attendance to honor all of our award winners from another successful year for Kings Point Athletics.
Photos from the ceremony can be viewed
at this link.
After welcoming addresses by seventh-year Athletic Director
Kristofer Schnatz and USMMA Superintendent
RADM Anthony Ceraolo, the programming began with the presentation of the two Rookies of the Year. That was followed the Team Acta Non Verba and MVP awards for all 19 teams, academic awards, sport-specific awards, faculty and staff awards including the Coaches of the Year, special awards and the final three major awards of the night. (A full list of winners for each award is available at the bottom of this story.)
The final two awards handed out were the Julie A. Berke Trophy and the Admiral Giles C. Stedman Trophy which honor the top female and male student-athletes, respectively, for excellence throughout their careers.
Nicole Nagengast (Seaford, N.Y.) of the women's lacrosse team was the Berke Trophy winner. Nagengast has been one of the most accomplished defenders in the history of the women's lacrosse program. A four-year starter, two-time team captain and four-time All-Skyline First Team selection and an All-ECAC regional honoree, she helped lead the Mariners to two Skyline Conference championships and three undefeated regular seasons in conference play. Nagengast ranks second in program history in career caused turnovers and is among the program's all-time leaders in ground balls while serving as a three-time team MVP on defense.
The Stedman Trophy went to
Michael Hofstetter (Deer Park, N.Y.) of the men's soccer and men's lacrosse teams. Michael has been one of the Academy's most accomplished two-sport athletes, serving as a starter for both the men's soccer and men's lacrosse teams since his freshman season. He helped lead the Mariners to conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in both sports while earning multiple All-Conference honors, including two First Team selections in men's lacrosse. In 2026, he was selected to represent Kings Point in the USILA Senior All-Star Game. A men's soccer team captain, academic leader and respected presence on and off the field, Hofstetter established himself as one of the Academy's premier student-athletes.
The Herman Berke Athletic Leadership Award, which combines athletic excellence with leadership in the Regiment, went to
Caden Pierce (Marietta, Ga.) of the baseball team. Pierce, an All-American relief pitcher for the Mariners, was among the top closers in the nation this past 2026 season with eight saves and a microscopic 0.96 earned run average. In the Regiment of Midshipmen, Pierce served as the 1st Battalion Commander and Logistics Officer.
The top head coaches and assistant coaches of the year were also awarded. The Dr. Stephen "Bill" Omeltchenko Award for top men's head coach went to
Commander Sean M. Tedesco of the swimming & diving team after he led the Mariners to the yet another Skyline Conference championship and had one Mariner qualify for the NCAA National Championship Meet and earn All-America honors. The Sue Petersen Lubow Women's Coach of the Year Award winner was women's basketball coach
Alexa Shields for the second-straight season, who capped off an undefeated Skyline Conference regular season by bringing the Mariners to the NCAA Tournament as an at-large selection, the first women's team invited as an at-large in KP Athletics history. Both Tedesco and Shields were selected by their peers in the Skyline Conference as the Coaches of the Year.
This year's Assistant Coaches of the Year were
Salma Tarik of women's soccer for the second-straight season, and
LT Johan C. Lopez of men's swimming & diving.
Tarik helped lead the Mariners to an undefeated Skyline Conference regular season and a #2 seed and semifinal appearance in the Skyline Tournament.
Lopez mentored three divers who qualified for the NCAA Regional Championships, including one who went on to represent KP at Nationals and earn multiple All-American honors.
The Julie Berke Rookie of the Year Awards kicked off the ceremony. Freshman
Eleanor Romeo (Carson City, Nev.) of the women's cross country/track & field teams was the women's winner, while classmate
Carter Kov (Goodyear, Ariz.) of men's swimming & diving took home the honors on the men's side.
Romeo was a three-time Skyline Conference major award winner, including Runner of the Year and Track Athlete of the Year honors. She also claimed individual championships in cross country at both the Skyline and ECAC Championship meets, while claiming four titles at the Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 800m, the 1500m, the 3000m steeplechase and the 5000m.
Kov had a phenomenal freshman season that saw him earn two All-American honors, win an NCAA Regional title and collect both Skyline and NJAC Diver of the Year recognition. He also broke Academy records on the 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards and helped the Mariners capture another Skyline Conference championship.
The ceremony concluded with a special recognition for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation President and CEO Captain Jim Tobin, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Captain Tobin and the Alumni Association and Foundation have been tremendous supporters of USMMA Athletics, and his leadership, dedication and commitment to the Academy and its midshipmen will be greatly missed.
Listed below are the rest of the awards handed out (with descriptions) at the 2025-26 Athletics' Awards Ceremony.
Captain James Liebertz Memorial Award
The Captain James Liebertz Memorial Award is presented in memory of Captain James Liebertz, who served as the Academy's Athletic Director from 1950 to 1972. The Award is chosen by the Athletic Director and is given to someone who exemplifies the same traits of dedication, perseverance, enthusiasm and love for USMMA Athletics as Captain James Liebertz.
2025-26 Winner: Steve DiRusso of SMD Concepts (for going above and beyond snapping pictures and videos for USMMA Athletics for the past two seasons)
Mayor Joe Coviello Memorial Award
The Mayor Joe Coviello Memorial Award is awarded to one football player and one baseball player who have consistently demonstrated leadership, strong moral character and sound judgement, and are respected by their coaches and teammates. The recipients personify the traits exhibited by Mayor Joe Coviello, the father of two USMMA graduates, Ross, Class of 2006, a baseball player, and Alex, Class of 2013, who played football.
2025-26 Winners: Danny Ferris (North Andover, Mass.) (Football) / Caden Pierce (Baseball)
Francis L. Toner IV Award
The Francis L. Toner IV Memorial Award is presented annually to the midshipman who best demonstrates selfless service on the athletic field and within the regiment, in the spirit of Lieutenant Junior Grade Francis L. Toner IV, USN. Frankie Toner was a 2006 graduate of USMMA and a running back for the football team. He tragically died a hero during a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2009 and was posthumously awarded a Silver Star.
2025-26 Winner: Jessica Felske (East Troy, Wis.) (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Staff Awards
Staff Member of the Year Award
In its first season, the USMMA Athletics Staff Member of the Year Award is presented to a member of the PE&A staff who goes above and beyond in support of the mission of our department. The recipient plays a critical role within the overall athletics program, is a joy to work with, and their hard work is appreciated by their peers and our student-athletes.
2025-26 Winner: Kristin Pollock (Athletics' Administrative Assistant)
Captain Perry Walter Team Mentor Award
Established in 1999, the Captain Perry Walter Team Mentor Award is presented annually to the team mentor who best exemplifies the traits exhibited by Captain Perry Walter. Captain Walter was known for his guidance and dedication in academics, athletics, and regimental affairs for Midshipmen-Athletes.
2025-26 Winner: LCDR Michael Fiorenza (Men's Lacrosse Team Mentor)
Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Award of Appreciation
The ECAC Award of Appreciation is presented to a member of the USMMA regiment, faculty, or staff in appreciation for their support of the overall Athletics Program.
2025-26 Winner: Bob Sugar (Equipment Manager)
Mark J. Paradiso Service Award (S.A.A.C. Award)
Inaugurated in 1984 as the Mariner Service Award, the honor is presented annually by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in memory of Mark J. Paradiso, Class of 1983. It is bestowed upon a member of the Academy family who best exemplifies the traits of Mark, unequaled in his dedication and service to the USMMA Athletic Program.
2025-26 Winner: Kristen Schnatz (First Lady of USMMA Athletics & Women's Soccer Team Mentor)
Captain William "Bill" Fell Jr. Power of Inspiration Award
Established in 2014-15, the Captain William "Bill" Fell Jr. Power of Inspiration Award goes to an individual who inspires not only through the use of words but actions. The award represents a person who is very enthusiastic and passionate about their work and is able to translate that to others. In 2023-24, the award was renamed to honor long-time deputy athletic director Capt. Bill Fell, whose service and commitment to the academy and unwavering support of the midshipmen always inspires others to be better.
2025-26 Winner: LCDR Jonathan Jones (Command Chaplain & Tennis Coach)
Scholar-Athlete Awards
Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Merit Awards
The ECAC Merit Award is presented to the midshipmen who have demonstrated excellence in the athletic arena, while maintaining high academic standards. One winner is selected from a men's team and another from a women's team.
2025-26 Winners: Teague Mayer (Boulder, Colo.) (Men's Swimming & Diving) / Stephanie Schatzman (Virginia Beach, Va.) (Women's Volleyball)
Thomas LeBlanc Award
The Thomas LeBlanc Award (Class of 1986) is presented to the outstanding male scholar-athlete in the senior class. Established in 1987 as the Captain Leo V. Berger Award, it was revised in 2003 as the LeBlanc Award.
2025-26 Winner: Sam MacDonald (Phoenix, Ariz.) (Football)
Julie A. Berke Achievement Award
The Julie A Berke Achievement Award is presented to the outstanding female scholar-athlete in the senior class.
2025-26 Winner: Nicole Nagengast (Women's Lacrosse)
Team-Specific Awards
Michael Ricciardi Memorial Award (Football)
The Michael Ricciardi Memorial Award is presented to the Kings Point football player who personifies Michael Riccardi's love for life, his courage, his commitment, toughness and teamwork. It is awarded to the player who emulated the character and spirit of Michael Ricciardi.
2025 Winner: Gervy Alota (San Diego, Calif.)
J.A. "Red" Wagner Memorial Award (Football)
Established in 2014, the J.A. "Red" Wagner Memorial Award is presented to Marine Engineering football players who are "unsung heroes." They are dedicated, devoted, and show a pure love of the game.
2025 Winners: Duke Nelson (Boerne, Texas) / James Gleeson (Atlanta, Ga.)
Don Adams Award (Football)
The Don Adams Award is presented annually to a defensive player who displays the leadership, hustle and desire that Don exhibited as an All-America player at Kings Point.
2025 Winner: Sam MacDonald
Dennis Denny Award (Football)
The Dennis Denny Award is named in honor of an extraordinary teammate from the Class of 1958, Dennis Denny. He impressed all with his courage, work ethic and great wit. Denny was a credit to his family, the Academy and the Football program. In the true USMMA Spirit of Acta Non Verba, Denny gave all he had and more.
2025 Winner: Cole Baiamonte (Arabi, La.)
Special Teams Award (Football)
The Special Teams Award is presented to the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player during the football season. The award honors the player who has contributed the most to the success of the Special Teams units.
2025 Winner: Deryk Leverage (Glendale, Ariz.)
Andrew E. Gibson Award (Football)
The Andrew E. Gibson Award is presented annually to the outstanding offensive football player. The trophy was donated by Mr. Andrew Gibson. Gibson maintained many credentials including, former Ship Master, senior executive with the Grace Line, Maritime Administrator and Assistant Secretary of Commerce, President of Delta Line, and most recently as a Professor at the Naval War College.
2025 Winner: Ben Rini (Vermilion, Ohio)
Hanley-Naegele Award (Football & Wrestling)
The Hanley-Naegele Award is presented annually to the outstanding defensive football player and outstanding wrestler. The honor is given in memory of Midshipmen Paul Hanley and Douglas Naegele, who both participated on the wrestling and football teams during their time at Kings Point.
2025-26 Winners: Caleb Green (Flower Mound, Texas) (Football) / Wesley Wydick (Utica, Ohio) (Wrestling)
Superior Achievement Awards (Swimming & Diving)
Established in 2024, these are presented to the Most Outstanding Men's and Women's Team Members who exemplify the ethos of the swimming and diving team's top priorities of Building a Culture based on Respect and Service, Academic Achievement and Athletic Excellence. This is the program's highest honor.
2025-26 Winners: Teague Mayer / Jessica Felske
Steven Wickboldt Memorial Award (Track & Field)
The Steven Wickboldt Memorial Award is presented in the memory of Steven Wickboldt, Class of 1979, and is presented to a member of the Track & Field Team who exemplifies the same traits of dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship which Steven displayed as Midshipman at the Academy.
2025-26 Winner: Luke Zwiesler (Colbert, Wash.)
Captain Dan Buckley Memorial Award (Basketball)
The Captain Dan Buckley Memorial Award is given to a basketball player who exemplifies Coach Buckley's work ethic and dedication. The recipient also possesses the qualities of an exceptional leader who has strong character and has been a good teammate.
2025-26 Winner: Hannah Ramsden (Port Aransas, Texas) (Women's Basketball)
Kenneth Graff Memorial Award (Soccer & Baseball)
Established in 2002-03, this Kenneth Graff Memorial Award is presented in the memory of Second Lieutenant Kenneth Graff, Class of 2001, who passed away in the fall of 2003 while in attendance at the Naval Aviation Schools Command in Pensacola, Florida. The Graff Award is presented annually to a member of the Soccer Team. The recipient of this award exemplify the same characteristics of fierce competitiveness, regimental honor and integrity, and family pride that Kenneth consistently exhibited during his time as a Midshipman at the Academy.
2025-26 Winners: Jack Ouellette (Alexandria, Va.) (Men's Soccer) / Eddie Lippert (Deer Park, N.Y.) (Baseball)
Robert G. Domini Memorial Award (Basketball, Lacrosse or Baseball)
Established in 2008, the Robert G. Domini Memorial Award is presented annually to the Midshipman who received at least three letters in the sport of either men's or women's basketball, men's or women's lacrosse or baseball and who best exemplifies the traits of Robert Domini, Class of 1954. Domini was known for being a team leader through drive, determination and hard work. He was also known for being a fierce and intelligent competitor who rose to a far higher level than expected through talent alone, and lived by the motto "Acta Non Verba."
2025-26 Winner: Karianna Eagle (Little Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) (Women's Lacrosse)
Listed below are the Team Acta Non Verba and Team MVP awards for all 19 teams.
Established in 2024, the Team Acta Non Verba Award celebrates a midshipman-athlete who best portrays the motto of OUR Academy, Acta Non Verba, positively contributing to the culture of their team by displaying sportsmanship and exemplary character both on and off the playing field. This individual has shown tremendous growth and development throughout the year in all four pillars of academy life – Academics, the Regiment and Athletics, as well as representing the program well during Sea Year.
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