Newman University honors athletic excellence at 2025 Jetspys Jetspys awards reveals for 2025

Newman University rolled out the red and blue carpet to celebrate student-athlete achievements at the 11th annual Jetspys awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding performances throughout the 2024-25 athletic season. The April 23 event was held in Newman’s Performance Hall in the De Mattias Fine Arts Center.

Mr. and Ms. Jet Award

Redshirt sophomore catcher Thomas Munn and junior women’s golfer Aiden Coffelt received the prestigious Mr. and Ms. Jet awards, respectively, given to student-athletes who exemplify Newman’s values through leadership, academic success and service.

“The Jetspys celebrate not just athletic accomplishments but the complete student-athlete experience,” said Billy Murphy Newman University’s interim director of athletics. “From championship performances to classroom excellence and community service, our Jets truly soared this year.”

Fisher has a big night

Jace Fisher competed in his second career NCAA DII National Championships in March

Senior wrestler Jace Fisher dominated the evening, claiming Male Athlete of the Year, Male Top Gun Award, and Performance of the Year for his dramatic double-overtime victory to secure all-American status and a sixth-place podium placement at the NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championships in Indianapolis in March. Fisher is Newman’s first wrestling all-American since 2020.

Female athlete of the year and teams honored

Senior Ozioma Ajekwu from volleyball earned Female Athlete of the Year honors, while women’s bowling captured the Female “Best of the Best” team award for their impressive season highlighted by a 1017-969 victory over No. 2 ranked Arkansas State, which was named Game of the Year. Additionally, the Jets women’s bowlers also placed eighth at nationals this month.

2025 Female Best of the Best Team Bowling

2025 Male Best of the Best Team - Soccer

The men’s soccer team earned Male “Best of the Best” team honors, with multiple players receiving individual conference and regional recognition during and after the season. The Jets qualified for the GAC/MIAA postseason tournament.

Redshirt junior guard Paige Craft received the Comeback Athlete of the Year award, while men’s basketball earned the 360 Turnaround Team honor for their significant improvement throughout the season. The Jets finished their season 15-13 overall and just missed qualifying for their first-ever MIAA postseason tournament, coming up short on a three-way tiebreaker.

Rookies, Breakthrough and Top Gun Athletes

The Breakthrough Athlete of the Year award went to junior Alex Schreiner (softball), with Rookie of the Year honors going to Liam Hardman (men’s bowling) and Ashley Soto (women’s bowling) for making immediate impacts in their first collegiate seasons. Senior golfer Beth Griffiths was tabbed the Female Top Gun awardee.

Leadership was recognized with Boston Stanton III (men’s basketball) and Coffelt (golf) receiving the Male and Female Maverick awards. It was Coffelt’s second honor during the event, as she also received the Ms. Jet award.

Behind-the-scenes contributions were acknowledged with Newman’s Director of Security Steve Patton receiving the Special Ops Award and Noah Rogers (athletic training) earning the Supporting Role Award.

The women’s soccer team received the Community Outreach Award for their dedicated service efforts, while women’s golf earned top Scholar Team honors for achieving the highest collective team GPA.

The Jetspys also celebrated numerous conference honors, with Alberto Romano (men’s soccer) earning Academic All-American recognition, while Fisher and Colby Schreiner were named NWCA Men’s Scholar All-Americans.