WASHINGTON - The Kogod School of Business at American University, in partnership with AU Athletics, has established the Lincoln Ball Athletics Leadership Award, an annual recognition to honor outstanding Kogod student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to community impact.

Generous contributions from Kogod alumnus Brian Friedman (BSBA ’01, MA ’03, MBA ’03) and AU parents George and Georgene Mitsanas, in addition to funds raised by Kogod Dean Dave Marchick through his 2024 Race Across America, will support the award for the next 10 years.

Named in honor of former AU men’s basketball and academic standout Lincoln Ball (BSBA ’24, MS ’25), the Award recognizes the leadership qualities he embodied as both a student and an athlete. Ball was an Academic All-Patriot League selection and appeared on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll four times. A key contributor to the AU Eagles’ 2025 Patriot League-winning team, Ball played in all 35 games and led the Eagles with 5.7 rebounds per game.

"Our student athletes are doing more than competing and studying; they are modeling leadership and grit in every class and every practice," said Dean Marchick.

“We are grateful for our partnership with the Kogod School of Business in creating this award, which both celebrates that ideal and invests in the next generation of AU leaders," said Caparro.

Each year, one male and one female Kogod student-athlete will receive $2,500 in recognition of their achievements and impact. The award was first presented in January 2025 under the name Dean and Director’s Student Athletics Leadership Award, honoring a pair of student-athletes whose leadership set the standard for future recipients.

"Naming this award after Lincoln is a testament to his leadership skills,” said Duane Simpkins, Head Coach of the AU Men’s Basketball Team. 

The Lincoln Ball Athletics Leadership Award represents the latest collaboration between Kogod and AU Athletics to strengthen student engagement and leadership development across the university. It builds on a long-standing relationship between the school and the department to develop opportunities that foster excellence both on and off the field. The Award will be presented annually each January.