KINGS POINT, N.Y. (June 24, 2025) – The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Athletic Department celebrated the 2024-25 seasons with its annual awards ceremony this past Friday 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 sixth-year Athletic Director
Kristofer Schnatz and USMMA Superintendent
VADM Joanna Nunan, 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 Admiral Giles C. Stedman Trophy and the Julie A. Berke Trophy honoring the top male and female student-athletes, respectively, for excellence throughout their careers.
The Stedman Trophy went to
Talsen Smith '25 of the football team. Smith was selected as a Second Team All-American wide receiver by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) after this past 2024 season. He re-wrote the USMMA record book when it comes to receiving throughout his time on the gridiron in Kings Point, setting Academy records for single-game receiving yards, single-season receiving yards and career receiving yards to name just a few of his accolades. Smith was the first KP football player to eclipse 1000 receiving yards in in a single season. With Smith in the lineup the Mariners reached two regional bowl games, including a New England Bowl victory back in 2021. He also played on the men's basketball team during his senior season.
Lauren Jablonowski '25 of the women's lacrosse team was the Berke Trophy winner. Jablonowski was a part of three Skyline Conference Championships for the Mariners throughout her four seasons. She finished her career first all-time in program history in both assists and games played and ranks second in the record book in points, fourth in goals and seventh in draw controls. Jablonowski earned All-Skyline First Team selections each of her last three seasons and was an All-Region honoree from two different outlets after her stellar senior season where she set a new single-season academy record with 50 assists and had the second-best season in the 13-year history of the program with 112 points.
The Herman Berke Athletic Leadership Award, which combines athletic excellence with leadership in the Regiment, went to
Konnor Bye '25 of the men's track & field team. Bye, an All-Region jumper and sprinter for the track & field team, helped lead the Mariners to Skyline Championships in 2022 and 2023. He has also set four individual Academy records both individually in the long jump and triple jump and as also a member of both the 4x100m and 4x200m relay teams. In the regiment, he served as the Regimental Executive Officer during the first rotation of the 2024-25 academic year.
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
Beau Bruno of the wrestling team after he led the Mariners to the 2025 Centennial Conference Championship and had two wrestlers reach the NCAA National Championship Meet. The Sue Petersen Lubow Women's Coach of the Year Award winner was women's basketball coach
Alexa Shields, 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 Bruno and Shields were named the Coaches of the Year by their respective conferences, the Centennial and Skyline, with Shields also taking home ECAC Coach of the Year honors.
This year's Assistant Coaches of the Year were
Salma Tarik of women's soccer and
Jason Miller of men's lacrosse. Tarik helped guide the Mariners to the Skyline Semifinals this past fall and also stepped up tremendously behind the scenes for the tennis team in the spring, while Miller coached the Mariners to the Skyline Championship Game and has been tremendous for morale within the athletic department as the most active member of the Department Morale Committee (the "DMC").
The Julie Berke Rookie of the Year Awards were presented to baseball freshman
Luke Kruer (Sellersburg, Ind.) on the men's side, and classmate
Carolae Barton (Waldorf, Md.) took home the honors on the women's side.
Kruer was the 2025 Skyline Conference and ECAC Baseball Rookie of the Year. He was a First Team All-Skyline selection as well as an All-Region honoree from three different outlets. Barton was the second-ever All-American in women's basketball program history, while also being named the Skyline Defensive Player and Rookie of the Year, the D3hoops and ECAC Regional Rookie of the Year and an All-Region selection from three different outlets.
Listed below are the rest of the awards handed out (with descriptions) at the 2024-25 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.
2024-25 Winner: USMMA Alumni Association & Foundation
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.
2024-25 Winners: Nicolas Espada '25 (Football) / Jack Millen '25 (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.
2024-25 Winner: Lauren Jablonowski '25 (Women's Lacrosse)
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.
2024-25 Winner: Rob Alfheim (Associate Athletic Trainer/NCAA Compliance Officer)
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.
2024-25 Winner: Dr. Jennifer Albert (Women's Basketball 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.
2024-25 Winner: Thomas Nokelty (O'Hara Hall Custodian - Corporate Source)
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.
2024-25 Winner: Dr. Diana Filar (Humanities)
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.
2024-25 Winner: Dan Paccione (Men's Lacrosse Head 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.
2024-25 Winners: Alex Burita '25 (Men's Cross Country/Track & Field) / Grace Jackson '25 (Women's Basketball)
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.
2024-25 Winner: RJ Novak '25 (Men's Tennis)
Julie A. Berke Achievement Award
The Julie A Berke Achievement Award is presented to the outstanding female scholar-athlete in the senior class.
2024-25 Winner: Lilly Podziewski (Women's Soccer)
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.
2024 Winner: Chad Hollar '25
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.
2024 Winners: Jayden Colon '25 / Zach Zebro '25
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.
2024 Winner: C.J. Livesay '25
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.
2024 Winner: Zach Zebro '25
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.
2024 Winner: George Ethan Ferrey '25
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.
2024 Winner: Talsen Smith '25
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.
2024-25 Winners: Jack Temple '25 (Football) / Reid Garrison '25 (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.
2024-25 Winners: Joseph DeCarlo '25 / Haley Agin '25
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.
2024-25 Winner: Konnor Bye '25 (Men's Track & Field)
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.
2024-25 Winner: Grace Jackson '25 (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.
2024-25 Winners: Jasper Schineller '25 (Women's Soccer) / Jacob Syversen '25 (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."
2024-25 Winner: Michael Monkevich '25 (Baseball)
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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