WASHINGTON - Student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, and partners of American University Athletics gathered at the Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance for the 2025-26 AU Athletics Student-Athlete Awards, and it was a great night to celebrate a remarkable year of achievement. Prior to the start of the awards program, senior graduation stoles were presented to all those set to graduate this year. 

2025-26 AU Athletics Highlight Reel

MVPs were honored for most programs, including cheer and dance. 
The outdoor track MVPs will be announced at the conclusion of their season.

The Top Team GPA winners were men's swimming & diving (3.49) and a tie between 
field hockey and women's swimming & diving (3.77).

Associate AD / Student-Athlete Development and Inclusive Excellence Patty Medina recognized the 2025-26 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), led by President Ciera Thacker and Vice President Mia De Villegas-Decker. The two SAAC leaders also served as emcees for the event.

The first major award handed out was Newcomer of the Year.
The winners were Madden Collins (men's basketball) and Sophie Dufour (volleyball).

The honors for Senior Athlete of the Year representing a men's sport and women's sport were awarded to 
Maximilian Leete (wrestling) and Agustina Roffo (field hockey).

The final individual honors were for the Eagle of the Year Awards representing a men's sport and women's sport, which were awarded to Raymond Lopez (wrestling) and Deniz Dakak (volleyball).

The Eagle Spirit Award is given to the team that embodies what it means to be a part of the Eagle Family. They support fellow athletes outside their respective teams and consistently encourage and champion the entire department. This award was voted on by members of SAAC. The winner of the Eagle Spirit Award, for the first time, was the volleyball team.

The “Top Moment of the Year,” award was also voted on by SAAC. See the video of all moments below. This year's winning moment was wrestler Caleb Campos beating Brian Soldano of Oklahoma at the NCAA Championships to become AU's first wrestling All-American since 2016.

The event concluded with a Senior Slideshow tribute to honor all those graduating in 2026.