Each year, the Ave Maria University athletic department hands out a number of all-department awards, honoring the very best at AMU from the previous school year. Below are the current awards handed out by the University, with a list of those who have won each award linked below.
GYRENE AWARD
Established 2014
The Gyrene Award is the highest athletics award handed out each year. One male and one female student who excel in all the areas of academics, athletics, spirituality, service and leadership.
PAST FEMALE WINNERS
PAST MALE WINNERS
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Established 2014
The Athlete of the Year award is presented to the male and female in recognition of outstanding athletic contribution during the current school year.
PAST FEMALE WINNERS
PAST MALE WINNERS
SENIOR OF THE YEAR
Established 2014
The Senior of the Year award is presented to a male and female graduating student-athlete who has contributed significantly to his or her team in their final season as a Gyrene.
PAST FEMALE WINNERS
PAST MALE WINNERS
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Established 2014
The Newcomer of the Year Award is presented to a first-year AMU student-athlete whose presence has made an immediate impact on their team, and is awarded to both a male and female.
PAST FEMALE WINNERS
PAST MALE WINNERS
MARK DOREN LEADERSHIP AND CHARACTER AWARD
Established 2016
This award is named in honor of Mr. Mark Doren, a friend of the University, and is presented to a male and female student athlete that has excelled as a leader both on their team and on the Ave Maria campus. Nominations are considered based on their contributions to the team's character and chemistry as well as the contributions and service they have done within the community.
PAST FEMALE WINNERS
PAST MALE WINNERS
EMILY ACOSTA SPIRIT AWARD
Established 2020
This award will recognize a student-athlete who embodies authentic team spirit which Emily Acosta was well known for. Â Selflessness, encouragement, passion, sacrifice and dedication are just a few of the characteristics each coach uses to nominate a student-athlete who they believe represented true team spirit.
PAST WINNERS
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Established 2021
This award recognizes AMU student athletes who overcame significant obstacles, whether that be an injury, personal adversity, or any other reason, to excel on the field.
PAST WINNERS
GAMECHANGER AWARD
Established 2021
This award goes to a member of the Ave Maria University staff that has made a major impact on the department away from the field of play.
PAST WINNERS
COACH OF THE YEAR
Established 2021
This award goes to the Ave Maria head coach that made the greatest impact on his or her team, both on and off the field.
PAST WINNERS
ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR
Established 2024
This award goes to the Ave Maria assistant coach that made the greatest impact on his or her team, both on and off the field.
PAST WINNERS
STUDENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Established 2024
This award goes to one male and one female manager for their contributions to Ave Maria athletes in the most unsung of roles, as a student manager.
PAST WINNERS
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