Richmond Celebrates Record-Breaking Performances and Unforgettable Moments at 2025 SPIDYs
04/14/2025 | Baseball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, General, Men's Golf, Men's Lacrosse, Men's Tennis, Women's Basketball, Women's Golf, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming & Diving, Women's Tennis, Women's Track & Field, Men's Basketball, Spider Performance
Doogan, Nwakalor, Ekert, and Roussell Headline a Night Honoring Spider Athletic Excellence
Richmond, Va. — The stars were out Monday night as University of Richmond student-athletes walked the red carpet at the 2025 SPIDYs Awards, celebrating a year of achievement, leadership and resilience across Spider Athletics. The annual awards show, hosted inside the Robins Center, highlighted excellence in competition, academics, community engagement and service, while also unveiling this year's top honors for Athletes and Coach of the Year.
In one of the most anticipated moments of the evening, Maggie Doogan (Women's Basketball), Melissa Nwakalor (Swimming & Diving), and Cole Ekert (Golf) were named 2025 Spider Athletes of the Year, following historic seasons that captivated the Richmond community and beyond.
- Maggie Doogan, named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and a semifinalist for the Becky Hammon Award, led Spider Women's Basketball to its first-ever NCAA Tournament win. Averaging 17 points per game during the regular season and an electrifying 28.5 points per game during March Madness, Doogan cemented her place in Spider history as a generational talent and a poised leader on and off the court.
- Melissa Nwakalor became a program legend in the pool, making her debut at the NCAA Championships, breaking the A-10 record in the 50 free, and helping power relay teams to multiple medals. Her back-to-back record-setting swims in the 100 free led a dominant campaign that elevated Spider Swimming to new heights.
- Cole Ekert, a standout on the golf course, delivered one of the best seasons in program history with six top 20 finishes, two runner-up performances, and a crucial role in setting a team record at the Loyola Intercollegiate. Ekert is on pace to break his own single-season scoring record while leading his team to new competitive benchmarks.
Throughout the night, several other awards were presented, including:
Outstanding Civic Engagement Award
- Izzy Blaylock – Women's Cross Country & Track
- Brian Reinke – Baseball
Izzy and Brian demonstrated deep, long-term community commitment through leadership and meaningful service initiatives.
- Cole Brashear – Men's Tennis
- Grace Wiggins – Field Hockey
Both Cole and Grace made an immediate impact with energy, integrity, and team-first attitudes.
- Wayne Galloway – Football
- Rachel Ullstrom – Women's Basketball
- Molly Wise – Women's Cross Country & Track
These student-athletes stood out for their strength, consistency, and relentless self-improvement.
Top achievers across all class years were recognized for academic excellence, including:
- First-Years: George Insley, Kaleb Griffith, Luke Spitzer (Men's Lacrosse), Lena Amare (Swim & Dive), Avery Nam (Soccer), Brooke Wilson (Soccer), Ava Milisits (Soccer) Hallie Muniz (Women's Cross Country & Track)
- Sophomores: Grace Gannon (Women's Lacrosse), Rachel Vandersea (Swimming & Diving), Aidan Wooley (Men's Lacrosse)
- Juniors: Phoebe Rubio (Women's Cross Country & Track), Joe Sheridan (Men's Lacrosse)
- Isabel Blaylock – Women's Cross Country & Track
- Liam Weaver – Men's Basketball
The highest academic honor for seniors with exemplary performance in sport and scholarship.
- Michael "Carp" Carpenter
- Chris Williams
Recognized for tireless behind-the-scenes support and positive impact across Athletics.
- Kieran Thayer – Strength and Conditioning
- Ian Walker – Field Hockey Athletic Trainer
Honored for their infectious energy, unwavering support and student-athlete advocacy.
- Drew Anthony – Football
- Erin Menges – Field Hockey
Both coaches exemplify empathy, mentorship, and leadership that lifts student-athletes beyond sport.
- Gerry Peacock – Baseball
- Anna Camden – Women's Basketball
Celebrated for grit and perseverance in the face of adversity and injury.
- Sofia Barbulescu – Women's Tennis
- Carson Baez – Golf
Both student-athletes made immediate, historic contributions in their debut seasons.
- Zach Chambers – Football
- Sydney Moore – Soccer
As DEI Chairs for SAAC, they've championed equity and belonging through authentic leadership.
- Virginia Beringer – Cross Country & Track
- Delonnie Hunt – Men's Basketball
Ginny and Delonnie exemplify Spider values through leadership, academics, service, and excellence.
- University of Richmond Police Department
Led by Chief Dave McCoy, Lt. Al Johnson, and Lt. Eric Beatty, the URPD was honored for its essential role in ensuring the safety and well-being of Spider student-athletes and the larger community.
SAAC Superlatives:
Spider-Woman/Man Award: Clare McCooe (Women's Lacrosse) and Mike Walz (Men's Basketball)
Best Duo-Male: Sean Clarke (Football) and Ashten Snelsire (Football)
Best Duo-Female: Jess McMeeking (Field Hockey) and Lainey Nichols (Field Hockey)
Most Likely To Be Famous: Drew Tenzer (Men's Lacrosse) and Jojo McShane (Soccer)
Most Likely To Bring Home To Parents: Joey Wilga (Baseball) and Logan Jackson (Soccer)
Most Likely To Be A Future Hall of Fame Inductee: Davis Wiley (Men's Tennis) and Grace Muldoon (Women's Lacrosse)
Hype woman/Hype Man of the Year: Maya Beasley (Women's Golf) and Eric Scully (Men's Cross Country)
Best Gameday Hair: Lucas Littlejohn (Men's Lacrosse) and Gabby Cummings (Track & Field)
From national accolades to personal breakthroughs, the 2025 SPIDYs Awards celebrated the spirit, excellence and unity that define Richmond Athletics.
Players Mentioned
