27TH ANNUAL ACADEMIC ATHLETIC AWARDS

Hornets Celebrate Student-Athlete Success!

May 19, 2026

It was another outstanding year for Fullerton College Athletics as the department celebrated both academic and athletic excellence during the 27th Annual Academic Athletic Awards held Tuesday afternoon inside the North Gym. Parents, faculty, coaches, students, and campus administrators gathered to honor distinguished student-athletes for their achievements in the classroom and in competition.

The 2025-26 academic year featured numerous highlights across Hornet Athletics. Men's basketball captured its fifth straight Orange Empire Conference championship and went on to claim its third state title in the last six seasons, while women's lacrosse secured back-to-back division championships.

Several individual milestones were also reached throughout the year. Softball standout Lisa Villanueva broke both the career and single-season home run records, while men's volleyball saw multiple program records fall. In postseason play, men's basketball, women's basketball, women's water polo, women's golf, men's soccer, cross country, football, men's volleyball, softball, baseball, women's lacrosse, women's swim, track & field, and tennis all enjoyed successful regional and state playoff runs.

This year's ceremony featured a slightly different format as Athletic Director Scott Giles served as the emcee while allowing the Hornet coaches to speak on behalf of their student-athletes. A total of 24 awards were presented to individuals who excelled both academically and athletically. Coaches highlighted the positive character, leadership, and contributions of each recipient while wishing them continued success at the four-year level.

Also in attendance was Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo and members of the President's staff. Dr. Olivo once again showed her unwavering support for Hornet Athletics by congratulating and taking photos with the award-winning student-athletes.

A special moment during the ceremony came when longtime Hornet basketball Hall of Famer Bill Morris received the Special Recognition Award for his unwavering dedication and support of Fullerton College Athletics, particularly the men's basketball program. A former state champion player from the 1960-61 season, Morris continues to positively impact and support Hornet student-athletes.

The Academic Athletic Awards remain one of the department's most meaningful traditions, originally founded by beloved former head football coach Gene Murphy, who dedicated himself to advancing the education and success of Fullerton College student-athletes. Under the leadership of Scott Giles, the tradition continues to thrive by creating an atmosphere where student-athletes are recognized for their hard work and provided with the tools to succeed both on the field and in life.

The 2025-26 award recipients are as follows:

Donna Cherry Most Inspirational Player Award - Samuel Chavez, Men's Volleyball

Margo Davis Innovator Award - Juliana "JJ" Ursino, Softball

Bud Dawson Character Award - Jasper Nadelson, Men's Volleyball

Ed Carroll Leadership Award - Delaney Crile, Women's Lacrosse

Mike Steinkellner Scholar Athlete Award - Logan Lester, Football

Christian Wood Athletic Achievement Award - Andrew Arreola, Men's Soccer

Jim Bush Memorial Track & Field Award - Zidane Ras, Men's Track & Field

Lt Stephen Douglas Joyner Award - Jack Schierholz, Football

Dr Philip McFarland Memorial Award - Lizbeth Rodas

Bill Chambers Athletic Trainer Award - Robbie Cervantes

Edgar Clark Character of a Man Scholarship - Kairi Shepherd, Men's Basketball