Hood Athletic Department Honors 52 Senior Student-Athletes at Annual Awards Banquet

FREDERICK, Md.--The Hood College Athletic Department held its annual banquet to honor its 52 graduating seniors from its 20 varsity teams and one club team Sunday at BB&T Arena.

Each head coach or staff representative shared special moments and memories and sent well wishes to each of their respective student-athletes.

Fifteen outstanding senior student-athletes were then presented with departmental honors in seven categories, including the Coach's Awards, Dean's Awards, Kim Servedio Awards, President's Awards, Scholar-Athlete Awards, Trustees' Awards and Most Outstanding Student-Athlete Awards.

Below is a list of the departmental award winners.

Coach’s Awards

The Coach’s Award is given to student-athletes who personify the philosophies of being a Division III student-athlete and the Hood College athletic motto: mind, body and spirit.

The male recipient is Brenden Straughn, a four-year member of the basketball team.

The female recipient is Julia Banks, a four-year member of the lacrosse team.

Dean’s Awards

This Award is given to student-athletes who have shown an unparalleled commitment to the student body through involvement in extra-curricular activities and desire to make a difference at Hood College.

The male recipient is Doug Raftery, a four-year member of the soccer team.

The female recipient is Emily Schrodel, a four-year member of the tennis team.

Kim Servedio Awards

The Kim Servedio Award is given in honor of a former women’s soccer player who passed away tragically in 1998. The award is given to student-athletes who best embody Kim’s characteristics of sincerity, selflessness and optimism.

The male recipient is Conor Prachar, a four-year member of the soccer team.

The female co-recipients are Casey Miller, a four-year member of the soccer and tennis teams and Mollie Widdowson, a four-year member of the cross country and track and field teams.

President’s Awards

This award is given to student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their Hood College careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership.

The male recipient is Naseem Zietoon, a three-year member of the soccer team.

The female recipient is Kelly Gafner, a three-year member of the softball team.

Scholar-Athlete Awards

This award is given to student-athletes who maintain superior academic standing and are major contributors to their teams.

The male recipient is Carter Reitman, a four-year member of the tennis team.

The female recipient is Maria Smith, a three-year member of the field hockey team.

Trustees’ Awards

The Trustees’ Award is given to student-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Hood College athletic department and whose proficiency and reliability are invaluable to the athletic administration.

The male recipient is Chris Papinsick, a four-year member of the tennis team.

The female recipient is Ashley Nokes, a four-year member of the cheerleading team.

Most Outstanding Student-Athlete Awards

The Most Outstanding Student-Athlete Award is given to student-athletes who have demonstrated exemplary athletic prowess throughout their careers at Hood College.

The male recipient is Chris DiGangi, a four-year member of the track and field team.

The female recipient is Arielle Harding, a two-year member of the swim team (not pictured).