April 25, 2023

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls held their annual Spirit of Excellence Awards Celebration today with 16 Cougar athletes receiving awards.

The USF Athletics Department awards a male and female athlete with the USF Athlete of the Year Award each year. This award is the highest athletic honor a student-athlete can receive during their time here at the University of Sioux Falls. In order to be eligible for this award, athletes must be recognized in at least one sport as an all-conference athlete.

Elizabeth Spaans was named this years Female Athlete of the Year following a historic swimming career at USF. Spaans has had an incredible career filled with numerous awards and recognitions while at USF. She is a four-time NCAA Championship swimmer and owns the school record in the 200IM. Spaans continues to represent USF and Cougar Swimming in the pool as well as in the classroom.

Matt Cartwright was named this years Male Athlete of the Year after he cemented his name in the USF record books as the fastest men's basketball athlete to reach 1,000 career points in just 51 games. Throughout the season, Cartwright landed eight prestigious awards for both his efforts on the court and in the classroom.

Dallie Hoskinson received this years Gibby Award after battling her way back to the court following an ACL injury. This award is given to an athlete who faces, and overcomes, adversity with strength, perseverance and courage.

Other Honors by USF Student-Athletes

Outstanding Student for Special Education: Tanner Beaton, Football

W.O. Knight Award: Carson Hausmann, Men's Track & Field

Outstanding Overall Natural Sciences Senior: David Ecker, Men's Track & Field/Cross Country

Outstanding Mathematics Senior: Cole Schumacher, Baseball

Outstanding Biology Freshman: Delanie Van Driel, Women's Track & Field

Outstanding Chemistry Freshman: Josie Schlachter, Swimming

Outstanding Mathematics Freshman: Mara Parker, Soccer

Outstanding Psychology Senior: David Ecker, Men's Track & Field/Cross Country

Outstanding Graphic Design Student: Caleb Roggenbuck, Men's Track & Field/Cross Country

Outstanding Business Administration Senior: Emma Kenkel, Women's Track & Field

Outstanding Entrepreneurial Studies Senior: Annika Aho, Women's Track & Field/Cross Country

2023 Honors Program Graduates: David Ecker, Men's Track & Field/Cross Country; Emma Kenkel, Women's Track & Field

Purple Legacy Award: Khot Juac, Women's Track & Field/Cross Country; Emma Kenkel, Women's Track & Field; Ben Morrison, Men's Track & Field/Cross Country; Cassidy O'Meara, Women's Track & Field/Cross Country

Representative Man and Women Award Nominees: Emma Kenkel, Women's Track & Field; Tanner Beaton, Football

Representative Man Award: David Ecker, Men's Track & Field/Cross Country

For all things Cougar Athletics, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.