JM Caparro with Top Senior GPA Student-Athletes Daniel Coughlin and Adeline DiPaolo along with Bridget Trogden at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
Karen Angell

Student-Athlete Support Program Hands out Annual Year-End Awards

WASHINGTON - American University recognized outstanding academic achievement across its athletic programs at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception, held Wednesday, April 8, in the Eagles Club Lounge of the Sports Center Annex. The annual event, hosted by the Student-Athlete Support Program (SASP), honors student-athletes for excellence in the classroom and in the community.

American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception

Remarks were given by Director of SASP Erin Saunders, Director of Athletics & Recreation JM Caparro, Dean of Undergraduate Education Bridget Trogden, and the two winners of the Top Senior Student-Athlete Award. Those recipients were Adeline DiPaolo of women's cross country and track, and Daniel Coughlin of men's swim and dive (pictured above with Saunders). 

The other top award of the night, the Stephanie M. Bennett-Smith Award for Outstanding Leadership, went to men's swim & dive senior Colin Jue (below, center), who has balanced roles within multiple units of the athletics department in addition to the demands of being a student and an athlete. Emerging Leader honors went to Ciera Thacker of women's track, and Liam Packer of wrestling (below, left). The First-Year Leadership Award recipients were Jill DuVarney of field hockey, and Matthew Pistorino of men's swim and dive (below, right).

American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
American University student-athletes at the 2026 Student-Athlete Academic Awards Reception
Student-Athlete Support Program Director Erin Saunders (left) with Academic Counselors Summer Matlack, Morgan Gallagher, and Marshall Edrington
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