SALEM, W.Va. — Salem University Athletics celebrated another outstanding year with the announcement of its annual departmental awards, recognizing excellence in the classroom, competition, leadership, and community impact across its programs.
Leading the academic honors were Dylan Knight (men's wrestling) and Mackenzie Hamilton (women's water polo), who earned Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, respectively, highlighting their success both in competition and in the classroom.
On the sidelines, Greg Gilmore of the men's soccer program was named Coach of the Year after guiding Salem to a landmark season that included a national championship appearance. That run was further recognized with Performance of the Year honors, awarded to the men's soccer team for its victory over Maine-Fort Kent in the USCAA Championship Final.
Salem also honored its senior class, with Marko Zivojinovic (men's water polo) and Courtney Repinz earning Male and Female Senior of the Year. Their careers exemplified sustained excellence and leadership throughout their time at the university.
Two prestigious individual honors went to members of the baseball program, as Richie Preston received the Archie Talley Motivational Award and Joe Wintermute earned the Jack Deloplaine Leadership Award, recognizing their influence beyond the stat sheet.
The Athletic Director's Award, one of the department's highest honors, was presented to a group of student-athletes who made significant contributions across multiple areas: Iris Oudshoorn (women's water polo), Noemi Combi (women's volleyball), Taja Stephens (women's basketball), Seth Thomas (men's wrestling), and Max Atkinson (baseball).
New talent made an immediate impact this season, with Nandor Voros (men's water polo) and both Matipa Karimazondo (women's water polo) and Ali Shrieve (softball) earning Newcomer of the Year recognition.
Breakthrough performances were recognized with Tyson Shumaker (baseball) and Salome Molina (women's tennis) taking home Male and Female Breakthrough Athlete of the Year honors.
Resilience and perseverance were also celebrated, as Valentin Fritz (men's soccer) and Otho Savage (baseball) shared Male Comeback Athlete of the Year honors, while Selena Frost (women's basketball) earned the female distinction.
Rounding out the awards, the men's and women's tennis programs were honored with the Community Service Award, reflecting Salem's commitment to making an impact beyond athletics. Additionally, the baseball and women's water polo programs were recognized for their dedication off the field, earning the department's Team Strength and Conditioning Awards.
The 2025-26 award winners reflect a year defined not only by competitive success, but by leadership, dedication, and a strong sense of community across Salem University Athletics.
AWARD WINNER PHOTO GALLERY
