Award Recipient Bios 

Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Dylan Dunlevy, Club Golf
Finalists: Joseph Asvestas (Baseball), Jeremiah Brosovic (ACHA D3 Hockey), Dylan Dunlevy (Golf), Bryce Kirk (M. Soccer), Skyler Higgins (Volleyball)

The 2025 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award is presented to Dylan Dunlevy, a graduating senior and president of the Club Golf Team. A senior from Wheeling, WV, Dylan is graduating with a major in Economics and a Sales certificate. He has maintained an impressive 3.85 GPA and has held leadership positions in various campus clubs throughout his four years at RMU. Dylan has exemplified exceptional leadership as a representative of Club Golf, setting a high standard both on and off the course.

As a former Interfraternity Council (IFC) and fraternity president, he gained valuable experience in team management, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Additionally, Dylan served as co-commissioner of intramurals this past year, making him an invaluable asset to the campus rec department. 

On the course, Dylan has been a crucial member of the RMU Club Golf Team since his arrival on campus. His commitment to excellence extends to his performance, where he holds the best statistical average on the team with a scoring average of 78.7 and has earned all-tournament honors. Dylan's efficiency in planning events has played a key role in the team's success, including organizing team retreats and leading the annual Golf Scramble, where he successfully raised over $20,000 to support the club. His strong communication skills ensure that all members are well-informed about events, practices, and finances. We are proud to name Dylan Dunlevy the 2025 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Danielle Karol, Women's ACHA D2 Hockey 
Finalists: Erin Fingerman (Rugby), Kate Hovanec (Volleyball), Danielle Karol (W2 ACHA Hockey), Alex Krzan (Volleyball), Hayley Whittaker (W2 ACHA Hockey)

The 2025 Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award is presented to Danielle Karol, a graduating senior and defenseman on the Women's Club Hockey Team.A senior from Cannonsburg, PA, Danielle is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the School of Health Professions. Her impressive 3.69 GPA, combined with her unwavering commitment both in and out of the classroom, makes her more than deserving of this honor. Danielle has been a key player for the Women's Club Hockey Team, earning a reputation as a great locker room presence and a consistent leader on the ice.

Despite balancing the hectic demands of her nursing coursework, Danielle led the team in points while playing defense, often surprising opponents with her offensive contributions. She has had two remarkable 4-goal games, showing her ability to contribute in unexpected ways.Throughout three seasons with the D2 Colonials, Danielle became one of the best offensive threats in the club's history. Throughout her career, she tallied 29 goals and 48 points in just 43 games. This season, she achieved new personal bests in every major category, leading the team with 12 goals and 20 points in only 17 games. Due to the two-way nature of her game, Danielle played both defense and offense, proving her versatility and impact on the ice.

Danielle's leadership and skill played a pivotal role in the team's first-ever playoff appearance in the 2024-25 season. She will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the trendsetters of this club. The outpouring of support she received during the nominations further solidifies her deserving of this recognition. We are proud to name Danielle Karol the 2025 Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year and can't wait to see all that she continues to achieve.

Coach of the Year: Shawn Crago, Men's Rugby
Finalists: David Adams (Bowling), Shawn Crago (M. rugby), Tanner Kutek (Golf), Jordan Myers (M. Basketball), Kayla Pierce (W. Rugby), Norman Riffner (ACHA D3 Hockey)

We are proud to announce that the 2025 Coach of the Year Award is awarded to Shawn Crago, Head Coach of the Men's Rugby team. Since joining the university in 2007, Shawn has embodied what it means to be a dedicated coach, mentor, and leader. His unwavering commitment to the rugby club and the entire Campus Recreation department has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community.

Over the years, Shawn has consistently grown the program — not just in numbers, but in strength, spirit, and sportsmanship. His passion for the game is matched by his efforts off the field, serving as an active advocate for recruitment and helping introduce new student-athletes to the sport he loves. Under his leadership, the team has made five National Playoff appearances, 14 local playoff appearances, achieved three Elite Eight finishes at Nationals, and earned a 2nd Place finish at the Three Rivers Conference 7's Championship.

Shawn's leadership has helped shape a culture of inclusivity, hard work, and team pride, making him a cornerstone of the rugby program and an invaluable member of the Campus Rec family. We can't thank him enough for his dedication to the team.
 

Rising Star Team of the Year: Women's ACHA D2 Hockey and Women's Volleyball
Finalists: Baseball, Women's Basketball, Women's ACHA D2 Hockey, Women's Rugby, Women's Volleyball, Men's Volleyball

This year's Rising Star Team of the Year award is given to two standout teams that have shown major growth and dedication both on and off the ice and court this year. Women's Ice Hockey and Women's Volleyball have each made significant strides this season — expanding their rosters, elevating their performance, and strengthening the culture within their teams. Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to their teammates, both programs have exemplified what it means to be rising stars in our Campus Recreation community.

The Women's Club Hockey Team reached new highs this season as a franchise, making the playoffs for the first time in program history. Coach Jim Napoli brought in 11 new freshman recruits over the offseason to revamp this roster, and they certainly stood out. The Colonials kicked off their season with a huge overtime upset over the nationally ranked Lawrence Tech team, setting the tone for a successful year. The team went on to make massive leaps this season, finishing third in their division and making playoffs. The team looks to continue on that success going into next season, where the future looks beyond bright. Seniors Rebecca Shook, Danielle Karol, and Mikayla Bittner will depart after being a part of the inaugural teams and setting the standard for what is to come.

The Women's Volleyball Team also had a standout season, with consistent performances across multiple tournaments. Throughout the year, the team demonstrated exceptional camaraderie and spirit, pushing each other to grow. The team opened the season strong with a 2nd place finish at Slippery Rock, advancing to the Gold Bracket and setting the tone for what was to come. At Youngstown State University (YSU), both of their squads earned spots in the Gold and Silver Brackets. The club also hosted a home tournament, taking home 2nd place, and closed out the season on a high note with another 2nd place finish at Clarion. With a steadily growing roster, the club has been able to field multiple teams and showcase the depth of talent across the program. 

Whether it's through their improved presence in competition, their effort in practice, or their support for one another, these teams have set the bar for what growth and team spirit truly look like. Congratulations to both teams, and we look forward to seeing all that you continue to do!

Teams of the Year: Men's & Women's Bowling
Finalists: Men's & Women's Bowling, M. Basketball, Roller Hockey, Women's ACHA D2 Hockey, Women's Rugby

The Team of the Year award is presented to a program that has demonstrated excellence in competition, commitment to the community, as well as remarkable growth over the past few years. In the 2024–25 season, both the men's and women's bowling teams earned bids to the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships—the highest stage in collegiate bowling. The men's team achieved their seventh consecutive national qualification, finishing 32nd in the nation, the program's best in over 20 years. The women's team made program history, climbing from 97th to 81st and earning their first-ever national championship appearance. 

Off the lanes, the teams gave back through their support of Restore 22, a local veterans' organization, proudly participating in the annual Bowlapalooza Fundraiser to benefit mental health and reintegration programs for military veterans. The team is also preparing to continue the Colonial Classic Doubles Tournament & Fundraiser, in which over 100 team members, students, alumni, family, and friends participated.

Since 2017, the program has grown from just 7 athletes to 38 student-athletes and 6 coaches, with 40 team members expected in Fall 2025. In recognition of their competitive achievements, community involvement, and extraordinary growth, we are proud to present the 2025 Team of the Year Award to the Men's and Women's Club Bowling teams. 

Rookie of the Year: Zachary Blevins, ACHA D3 Hockey
Finalists: Zachary Blevins (ACHA D3 Hockey), Kirsten Lallone (W2 ACHA Hockey), Brice Mroczka (CHE D4 Hockey), Danielle Slovick (W. Volleyball), Jack Steiner (M. Rugby), Olivia Vallance (W. Rugby)

In his first season, Zach Blevins wasted no time making a massive impact on the ice. Leading the D3 team in both assists (23) and points (38), Zach quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic and reliable players on the roster. With 15 goals on the season, including a clutch game-winning goal in the third overtime of the quarterfinals, he proved time and time again that he could rise to the occasion when the team needed him most.

 His consistency and offensive skills were unmatched, and his work ethic was evident both on and off the ice. Working at the rink, he became the go-to person for skate sharpening and equipment maintenance, helping the team run smoothly behind the scenes. His commitment to the team and his teammates went far beyond what was expected. For his impressive debut season, his leadership, and his dedication, Zach Blevins is a deserving recipient of the 2025 Rookie of the Year award. His future in hockey is incredibly bright, and this is only the beginning of what promises to be a standout career.

Captain's Honor Award: Jackson Vukman, ACHA D3 Hockey
Finalists: Joey Asvestas (Baseball), Nathaniel Barr (CHE D4 Hockey), Amara Marese (W2 ACHA Hockey), Bri Medved (W2 ACHA Hockey), Amaris Shotto (W. Rugby), Jackson Vukman (ACHA D3 Hockey)

The newly added Captain's Honor Award is given to an athlete who exemplifies what it means to be a true leader. Though he wears an "A" on his jersey as an assistant captain for our D3 Ice Hockey Team, Jackson Vukman has consistently proven that he embodies everything a true captain should be. His leadership extends far beyond the rink as he brings his team together, sets the tone in the locker room, and leads with both heart and integrity. 

Jackson knows how to fire up his team right before a big game, but more importantly, he knows how to make each teammate feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it's setting up team bonding events, coordinating hangouts, or frequently checking in on his teammates, Jackson became the glue that holds the team together. Jackson exemplifies leadership, confidence, integrity, and unwavering friendship every day. His impact isn't just felt in the way he plays, but in the way he leads - with humility, purpose, and genuine care for those around him. Jackson is a true leader, and it's an honor to recognize him with the first-ever Captain's Honor Award. 

Team MVP Award: Madalyn Byrnes, Women's Soccer
Finalists: Madalyn Byrnes (W. Soccer), Jeremiah Brosovic (ACHA D3 Hockey), Shawn Davis (M. Basketball), Bryce Kirk (M. Soccer), Kayle Pritchett (W. Rugby), Skyler Higgins (M. Volleyball)

This year's Team MVP award goes to the president of the Women's Club Soccer Team, Madalyn Byrnes. Maddie is the kind of leader every team dreams of having—always present, always dependable, and always willing to help in any way she can. She is truly the heart and soul of the Women's Club Soccer team.

Her leadership is unmatched. Maddie leads by example with her dedication, positivity, and genuine love for the game. Whether she's commanding the midfield or locking down the outside defense, she gives 110% both on and off the field to improve herself and uplift her teammates. Maddie's organizational skills and team management abilities set a high standard for everyone around her. 

She's not just a great player—she's a mentor, a motivator, and a role model. Over the past few years, she's helped grow the program in countless ways, and her impact will be felt long after she graduates. Her teammates hope she considers coaching in the future because the soccer world would be lucky to have her continue shaping the game. She is, without a doubt, one of the best players, teammates, and people they've ever had the privilege of playing with.