QUINCY, Ill. – Quincy University Athletics celebrated another outstanding year on and off the field at the annual Mart Heinen Club Awards Presentation, recognizing the achievements of its student-athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters from the 2025–26 academic year.
The evening highlighted not only athletic success, but also academic excellence, community service, leadership, and the values that define Quincy University.
The night began with the presentation of the John Ortwerth Team Community Service Award, given to the team that best represents Quincy through service on campus and in the community. This year's honor went to the STUNT program, whose efforts included impactful work with organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Dance Love Foundation, and Team IMPACT.
Academic excellence was recognized with the Dr. David Edgerly Team GPA Award, awarded to the men's and women's teams with the highest cumulative GPA. Men's Soccer (3.492 GPA) and Women's Soccer (3.598 GPA) earned top honors for their success in the classroom.
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came with the Faculty Excellence Award in Honor of John and Barb Schleppenbach, which was awarded posthumously to Father Daren Zehnle. A beloved member of the Quincy University community, Father Daren served as Director of Campus Ministry and as an adjunct professor of Theology. His impact as a mentor, spiritual guide, and supporter of student-athletes, especially the men's lacrosse team, who accepted the award in his honor, continues to be felt across campus.
Quincy Athletics also recognized its unsung heroes through the H.A.W.K. Awards (Honoring Athletes Will and Know-How), celebrating student-athletes who exemplify leadership, perseverance, and a team-first mentality across all programs.
From the men's programs, honorees included Alex Pickus (baseball), Preston Brewer (basketball), Cayden Thoms (bowling), Oliver Moore (cross country), Dominic Ricci (track & field), Joey Bradley (football), Griffin Taylor (golf), Zach Anderson (lacrosse), Lucca Barbero (soccer), Donnell Packer (sprint football), Wojciech Chalat (swimming), Inigo Villacampa (tennis), Diego Cuadros (volleyball), and Sabian Russell (wrestling).
From the women's programs, recipients included Karly Peters (basketball), Hannah Herdklotz (bowling), Gabby Pugh (dance), Mia Robnett (cross country), Suraya Newman (track & field), Laci Novosel (golf), Piper Douglas (lacrosse), Reegan Hess (soccer), Emma Stieferman (softball), Josey Miller (stunt), Claire McDaris (swimming), Mahi Panchal (tennis), Lily Fjell (volleyball), and Trinity Pendergrass (wrestling).
The Comeback Player of the Year Awards honored Kaidence Dumas and Jack Bishop, recognizing their resilience and immediate impact after returning from significant injuries.
Outstanding first-year performances were celebrated with the Chuck Brady Awards, awarded to Hayven Harden and Bradyn Little. Harden made an immediate impact for women's basketball, earning GLVC All-Freshman Team honors while setting a Quincy single-season field goal percentage record. Little led the football offense with poise beyond his years, finishing among conference leaders in multiple passing categories while accounting for 21 total touchdowns.
The St. Francis and St. Clare Award in Honor of Greg Haake, recognizing student-athletes who embody Quincy's Franciscan values, was presented to Amelia Ham and Zach Anderson for their leadership, service, and commitment to faith.
Senior excellence, both academically and athletically, was honored with the Brother Clete Van Ackeren Award, awarded to Alayna Vela and Callan Ivy. Both student-athletes demonstrated elite performance in competition while excelling in the classroom.
The highest individual athletic honors of the night, the Female and Male Athlete of the Year Awards in Honor of Coach Jack Mackenzie, were awarded to Xochitl Mota-Pettis and Jaylin Vaughn. Mota-Pettis delivered one of the most historic seasons in program history, capturing a national championship in women's wrestling. Vaughn capped his career with a dominant defensive season, earning GLVC Defensive Player of the Year honors and establishing himself as one of the top defenders in program history.
Quincy Athletics also recognized the contributions of those behind the scenes, presenting the Mart Heinen Volunteer of the Year Award to Andy Tappe for his tireless dedication, leadership, and support of Hawks athletics.
On the sidelines, excellence was recognized with the Mart Heinen Coach of the Year Awards, presented to Jeff Haley and Kyle Egan. Haley led women's wrestling to a historic national finish and continued rise on the national stage, while Egan guided men's bowling to the most successful season in program history, including its first tournament championship.
Long-term success and impact were celebrated with the Mart Heinen Career Achievement Awards, awarded to Trinity Pendergrass and Wyatt Walsh. Both student-athletes played foundational roles in building their respective programs while earning All-American honors and rewriting the record books.
Team unity and school spirit were also on display, as Women's Lacrosse claimed the Hawks vs. Hawks Award, recognizing dedication to supporting fellow student-athletes and building a strong athletic community.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) also introduced team superlatives, with Baseball earning Best Uniforms and Best Social Media Presence, Women's Lacrosse recognized for Best Sportsmanship, and Football taking home Most Likely to Take Over the Caf.
The Mart Heinen Club Awards Presentation once again showcased the depth of excellence within Quincy University Athletics, celebrating a year defined by achievement, resilience, and a continued commitment to being champions both in competition and in the community.
