COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. – The Ursinus athletics department held the fourth annual URSPYS Award Show at Helfferich Hall on Sunday night. The show continued to serve as the closing ceremony that honors the top student-athletes with the outstanding senior and rookie awards, while handing out special awards to the best and the brightest for the 2024-25 academic and athletic year.
Ursinus Women's Basketball's Chinwe Irondi was named the Female Senior MVP behind completing a decorated career on the team that saw her earn a pair of All-American honors this past season, four All-Centennial First Team Honors, the Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Year honor, and become the second player in program history to tally 1,000 points and rebounds for her career. Trevor Wall of Ursinus Men's Basketball took home the Male Senior MVP after earning All-American honors this season, two career All-Region honors, four All-Centennial honors with two being first team, and finishing fourth all-time in program history for scoring.
Irondi also garnered the Most Outstanding Female Athlete for 2024-25 to become the first athlete to sweep a Senior MVP and Most Outstanding Athlete Award. Irondi earned All-American nods from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and D3Hoops.com, First Team All-Region honors from D3hoops.com, her Centennial Conference accolades while being the leading scorer and rebounder in the Centennial Conference. Ursinus Football's Tony Holden was named the Most Outstanding Male Athlete for 2024-25 following a one of the best seasons ever completed by an Ursinus running back. Holden earned D3football.com All-Region third team honors and was named the Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Year plus garnering All-Centennial First Team honors. He was 10th in NCAA Division III with 1,316 rushing yards and 15th in touchdowns while yarding the Centennial in both categories.
Here are the rest of the special award winners:
Female Rookie of the Year – Olivia Guy, Women's Wrestling
Awarded to the female first year student-athlete who has excelled in athletics during their first year as an Ursinus Bear.
Male Rookie of the Year – Mitchell Davis, Men's Track & Filed
Awarded to the male first year student-athlete who has excelled in athletics during their first year as an Ursinus Bear.
Male and Female Defensive Players of the Year – Connor Carter, Football and Maeve Montgomery, Field Hockey
Ehret and Ronald C. Kichline Prizes –
Ehret: Chinwe Irondi, Women's Basketball; Julia McCann; Women's Lacrosse; Maeve Montgomery; Field Hockey; Chase Shaneman, Men's Track & Field, James Sims III, Men's Track & Field; Jonah Kasznay, Men's Swimming
Ronald C.: Mary Lauren Franz, Field Hockey; Caroline Sherman, Women's Volleyball; Samantha Mallen, Softball; Tony Holden, Football; Trevor Wall, Men's Basketball
Awarded to senior student-athletes who excelled in athletics during their time at Ursinus.
Linda McIntyre Award – Morgan Coupe, Women's Tennis
Awarded to a sophomore woman who, during her freshman and sophomore years, demonstrates initiative in financing her education, proficiency and perseverance in intercollegiate athletics and a cooperative and unselfish attitude in women's sports.
Olive Sergeant Hamm Award – Katie Barlow, Women' Swimming
Awarded to a senior woman who exemplifies the best in college life; athletically, socially, and scholastically.
Best Bear Award – Carl Blickle, Head Men's and Women's Track & Field/Cross Country Coach
Honors a staff member of Ursinus Athletics (Team Ursinus), who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, a willingness to provide exceptional service, and has gone above and beyond to support the Ursinus College Department of Athletics.
Unsung Hero Award – Graham Eilberg Men's Basketball
Recognizes an underclassmen student-athlete who exemplifies dedication, resilience, and selflessness. This individual may not always be in the spotlight, but their impact is undeniable-whether through their relentless work ethic, positive attitude, and/or leadership by example. Their contributions to the team dynamic ultimately helps the group achieve success in ways that aren't measured by stats.
Team Community Service Award – Ursinus Women's Volleyball
Honors the varsity sports program that achieves the most significant contributions and notable community service to the college and local communities throughout the academic year.
Play of the Year Award – Amanda Groeling – Double Overtime Game-Winning Goal against Franklin & Marshall in Centennial Conference Tournament Semifinals.
Awarded to the Ursinus student-athlete who made the most exciting individual play during an athletic competition this year.
URSPYS Social Media Tournament Champions – Track & Field/Cross Country
Most Outstanding Athletic Performance Award – Jalen Bradford school-record setting seven touchdown pass performance in win over Muhlenberg.
Honors the student-athlete who had the best overall individual athletic performance in a single varsity competition this year.
Director of Athletics Award – Mason Jolivette, Track & Field
Honors a student-athlete who exemplifies perseverance, loyalty, and spirit to their team and Ursinus College and is a positive influence on their teammates.
