The Blue and Gold Awards were started at Madonna University in 2007 when former Athletics Director Bryan Rizzo, former Assistant Athletic Director Matt Fancett and former Sports Information Director Tony Baldwin shared their desire to celebrate and honor the academic, athletic and community excellence achieved by all MU student-athletes. It was emulated from the well-known ESPY Awards show on ESPN. The annual festivities have become the department's highlight event each fall that wraps up the previous academic year and kicks off the upcoming one and features student-athletes and coaches from all 22 sports.
The first ever BGAs were held at the University Center on the Madonna campus but after a capacity turnout in the fall of 2007, the event was moved off campus to larger venues.
2022-23 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Deveyon Blacknell (Track & Field) |
Maeson Schlaud (Softball) |
| Newcomer of the Year |
Bobby Cavin (Baseball) |
Charity Jones (Track & Field) |
| Freshman of the Year |
Gabriel Bressanelli (Soccer) |
Gabriella Sapia (Soccer) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Mark Mettie (Men's Basketball) |
Kacie Stoneburner (Volleyball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Zach Shuk (Soccer) |
Emily Gurin (Bowling) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Cobey Hall (Track & Field) |
Aria Gettel (Lacrosse) |
| Champions of Character |
| Jakel Davis (Football) |
LeeAnn Johnson (Lacrosse) |
|
| One Shining Moment |
Deveyon Blacknell and Cortez Cunningham taking first and second place in the 200m dash at the 2023 NAIA Indoor National Championships |
|
| Team of the Year |
Men's Soccer & Baseball |
Women's Bowling |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Men's Basketball |
Golf |
| Graduate Assistant of the Year |
|
Brad Parker (Women's Basketball) |
| Assistant Coach of the Year |
Nichalos Pietras (Men's Lacrosse) & Kerri Yarber (Women's Basketball) |
| Coach of the Year |
Mark Zathey (Men's Soccer) |
| Staff Member of the Year |
Ryan Mitchell (Assistant AD of Communications, Marketing & Promotions) & Kevin O'Donnell (Assistant Athletic Director) |
2021-22 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Steven Anderson (Track & Field) |
Jodie Kelly (Volleyball) |
| Newcomer of the Year |
Deveyon Blacknell (Track & Field) |
Chylece Cluck (Softball) |
| Freshman of the Year |
Ryota Nakajima (Soccer) |
Jessica Phillips (Track & Field) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Zach Beadle (Baseball) |
Jodie Kelly (Volleyball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Kent Westrick (Lacrosse) |
Brittney Leist (Lacrosse) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Jonathan Ligenza (Bowling) |
Emilee Kessler (Track & Field) |
| Champions of Character |
| Lucas Eccelton (Cross Country) |
Paige Boden (Women's Basketball) |
|
| One Shining Moment |
Basketball's overtime in against Cornerstone in WHAC Tournament Semis |
Volleyball winning the WHAC Tournament for first sweep of WHAC Championships since 2013 |
| Team of the Year |
Track & Field |
Volleyball |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Golf |
Golf |
| Graduate Assistant of the Year |
Ethan Quinn |
|
| Assistant Coach of the Year |
Nia Henderson (Track & Filed) |
| Coach of the Year |
Stacie Latnie (Track & Field) |
| Staff Member of the Year |
Ryan Mitchell (Assistant AD of Communications, Marketing & Promotions) |
| Community Service Team of the Year |
Football |
2020-21 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Steven Anderson (Track & Field) |
Kattie Popko (Softball) |
| Newcomer of the Year |
Devin Dunn (Basketball) |
Alysa Coleman (Track & Field) |
| Freshman of the Year |
Nate Blain (Baseball) |
Maeson Schlaud (Softball) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Tony Floyd (Cross Country/Track & Field) |
Kattie Popko (Softball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Kyle Tinnion (Soccer) |
Madisen Henry (Softball) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Carl Ware (Football) |
Christina Murphy (Cross Country) |
| Champions of Character |
| Matthew Knapp (Bowling) |
Kennedy Carrier (Women's Basketball) |
|
| One Shining Moment |
Track & Filed winning the National Championship with only four athletes competing |
Women's Soccer winning the WHAC Tournament with a game winning goal in Overtime |
| Team of the Year |
Track & Field |
Softball |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Soccer |
Golf |
| Graduate Assistant of the Year |
Dan Decker |
|
| Assistant Coach of the Year |
Torin Anderson (Track & Filed) |
| Coach of the Year |
Stacie Latnie (Track & Field) |
| Staff Member of the Year |
Adam Kerfoot (Men's Basketball) |
| Community Service Team of the Year |
Football |
2019-20 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Tony Floyd (Cross Country/Track & Field) |
Alison Shapic (Cross Country/Track & Field) |
| Newcomer of the Year |
Henry Speight (Basketball) |
DJ Sargent (Volleyball) |
| Freshman of the Year |
Harrison Bowman (Golf) |
Erin Seibert (Cross Country) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
KJ Sayer (Basketball) |
Jodie Kelly (Volleyball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Antar Howard (Bowling) |
Sydney Brown (Basketball) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Josh Reynolds (Basketball) |
Kayla Gerhardt (Golf) |
| Champions of Character |
Ryan Castle, Kierra Cooper, Samantha Drew, Tony Floyd, Kayla Gerhardt,
Mackenzie Gurne, Blake Heavener, Madisen Henry, Antar Howard, Madison Kadwell,
Antonio Montoni, Bryce Myles, Sierra Nissan, Abbey Powell, KJ Sayer, Kyle Tinnion |
| One Shining Moment |
Basketball WHAC Tournament Championship |
Cross Country National Championship |
| Team of the Year |
Basketball |
Cross Country |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Ryan Clemer (Baseball) |
Betsy Cook (Volleyball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Soccer |
Golf |
| Assistant Coach of the Year |
Eric Boyer (Women's Lacrosse) |
| Coach of the Year |
Patrick Daugherty (Cross Country) |
| Staff Member of the Year |
Scott Kennell (Athletic Director), Lisa Erickson (Head Athletic Trainer) |
| Community Service Team of the Year |
Football |
2018-19 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Tony Floyd (Cross Country/Track & Field) |
Alison Shapic (Cross Country/Track & Field) |
| Newcomer of the Year |
Dwight Burton (Basketball) |
Erica LaBaere (Volleyball) |
| Freshman of the Year |
Victor Mencotti (Baseball) |
Megan Verant (Soccer) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Devin Gibson (Cross Country) |
Karen Zambrano (Golf) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Jon Swift (Basketball) |
Olivia Kitz (Soccer) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Ludvick Asigo (Soccer) |
Dana Haney (Lacrosse) |
| Champion of Character |
Antar Howard (Bowling) |
Nicole Chestnut (Volleyball) |
| One Shining Moment |
Men's Soccer, NAIA National Championship Opening Round Win |
| Team of the Year |
Lacrosse |
Cross Country |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Michael Kolodin (Lacrosse) |
Taylor Suurmeyer (Volleyball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Bowling |
Golf |
| Assistant Coach of the Year |
Adam Kerfoot (Men's Basketball) |
| Coach of the Year |
Patrick Daugherty (Cross Country) |
| Staff Member of the Year |
Scott Kennell (Athletic Director), Zach Shore (Assistant AD for Communications & Marketing) |
| Community Service Team of the Year |
Volleyball |
2017-18 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Tony Floyd (Cross Country/Track & Field) |
Karlie Kelly (Volleyball) |
| Newcomer of the Year |
Tyler Butzin (Baseball) |
Jordan Johnson (Softball) |
| Freshman of the Year |
Cole Gingell (Lacrosse) |
Christina Murphy (Cross Country) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Devin Gibson (Cross Country) |
Karlie Kelly (Volleyball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Jon Swift (Basketball) |
Karlie Kelly (Volleyball) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Ludvick Asigo (Soccer) |
Dana Haney (Lacrosse) |
| Champion of Character |
Antar Howard (Bowling) |
Nicole Chestnut (Volleyball) |
| One Shining Moment |
Men's Soccer, goal in NAIA National Championship Quarterfinals |
| Team of the Year |
Bowling |
Cross Country |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Michael Kolodin (Lacrosse) |
Christina Moraccini (Soccer) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Bowling |
Golf |
| Assistant Coach of the Year |
Mark Grenier (Volleyball) |
| Coach of the Year |
Mike Walter (Men's Lacrosse) |
| Staff Member of the Year |
Scott Kennell (Athletic Director) |
2016-17 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Tony Floyd (Cross Country) |
Kelly Capoccia (Soccer) |
| Newcomer of the Year |
Justin Pahl (Golf) |
Kelly Schmidt (Soccer) |
| Freshman of the Year |
Tony Floyd (Cross Country) |
Nicolette Vultaggio (Soccer) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Taylor Grzelakowski (Baseball) |
Karlie Kelly (Volleyball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Connor Humitz (Lacrosse) |
Karlie Kelly (Volleybal) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Austin Johnson (Basketball) |
Jessica Reagle (Cross Country) |
| Champion of Character |
Dean Kolstad (Basketball) |
Becky Giacobbi (Softball) |
| One Shining Moment |
WHAC Men's Golf Tournament 10-man Playoff |
| Team of the Year |
Golf |
Softball |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Tommy Martin (Cross Country) |
Nicole Murley (Cross Country) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Bowling |
Soccer |
| Assistant Coach of the Year |
Mike Baum (Softball) |
| Coach of the Year |
Steve Mato (Men's Golf) |
2015-16 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Marcel Schmid (Soccer) |
Michele Hayes (Basketball) |
| Rookie of the Year |
Ahron Gunn (Cross Country) |
Casey Gates (Volleyball) |
| Freshman of the Year |
Tyler Olson (Golf) |
Lindsey Hernden (Basketball) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Ryan Williams (Soccer) |
Rachel Melcher (Basketball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Jame Robinson II (Soccer) |
Mo DeGrandis (Soccer) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Nick Corbeil (Golf) |
Chelsea Collura (Golf) |
| Champion of Character |
|
|
| One Shining Moment |
Softball eliminates No. 3 Concordia-Irvine in the NAIA National Championship |
| Team of the Year |
Baseball |
Softball |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Ryan Williams (Soccer) |
Kayla Vogel (Volleyball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Baseball |
Cross Country |
| Coach of the Year |
Jerry Abraham (Softball) |
2014-15 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Travis Schuba (Basketball) |
Emilie Freeman (Volleyball) |
| Rookie of the Year |
Taylor Grzelakowski (Baseball) |
Natalie Blazo (Golf) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Bobby Naubert (Basketball) |
Liliana Serratos (Soccer) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Erik Taurence (Golf) |
Emilie Freeman (Volleyball) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Donny Holland (Baseball) |
Chelsea Collura (Golf) |
| Champion of Character |
Matt Jenkins (Basketball) |
Emilie Freeman (Volleyball) |
| One Shining Moment |
Men's Golf - 2nd round of the WHAC Championship to seal the victory |
| Team of the Year |
Golf |
Volleyball |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Bobby Naubert (Basketball) |
Rachel Melcher (Basketball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Golf |
Cross Country |
| Coach of the Year |
Jerry Abraham (Volleyball) |
| Sr. Franciline Lifetime Achievement Award |
Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa |
2013-14 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Bobby Naubert (Basketball) |
Evia Prieditis (Volleyball) |
| Rookie of the Year |
Shane Dokey (Baseball) |
Stacey Catalano (Volleyball) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Steve Pelletier (Baseball) |
Michelle Hall (Golf) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Brad Lineberry (Baseball) |
Michelle Hall (Golf) |
| Bernie Holowicki 3-7-12 |
Matt Jenkins (Basketball) |
Chelsea Collura (Golf) |
| Champion of Character |
Eoghann Stephens (Basketball) |
Megan Fleischer (Golf) |
| One Shining Moment |
Volleyball - Program's 1,000th win |
| Team of the Year |
Basketball |
Golf |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Steve Pelletier (Baseball), Tim Boes (Cross Country) |
Rachel Melcher (Basketball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Golf |
Softball |
| Coach of the Year |
Noel Emenhiser (Men's Basketball) |
2012-13 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Bobby Naubert (Basketball) |
Michelle Hall (Golf) |
| Rookie of the Year |
Adrian Motta (Soccer) |
Bianca Kubicki (Cross Country) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Tyler Coker (Basketball) |
Karie Altman (Volleyball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Franco Giorgi (Soccer) |
Amber Rafko (Softball) |
| Hall of Fame Moment |
Jeremy Gooding sets baseball's career wins and strikeout records |
| Champion of Character |
Mitch Cieslak (Basketball) |
Megan Fleischer (Golf) |
| One Shining Moment |
Men's soccer - Double overtime WHAC Championship victory |
| Team of the Year |
Golf |
Softball |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Steve Pelletier (Baseball) |
Karie Altman (Volleyball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Golf |
Soccer |
| Coach of the Year |
Steve Mato (Men's Golf) |
2011-12 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Jeremy Gooding (Baseball) |
Michelle Hall (Golf) |
| Rookie of the Year |
Bobby Naubert (Basketball) |
Evia Prieditis (Volleyball) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Jeff Bultinck (Baseball) |
Ashley Shay (Softball)
Tabatha Wydryck (Basketball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Tabatha Wydryck (Women's Basketball) |
| Sr. Franciline Lifetime Achievement Award |
Dr. Karen Ross |
| Champion of Character |
Justin Taurence (Golf) |
Ashley Shay (Softball) |
| One Shining Moment |
Michelle Hall rallies from seven shots back to win the WHAC championship in final round of season |
| Team of the Year |
Baseball |
Volleyball |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Justin Taurance (Golf) |
Karie Altman (Volleyball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Baseball |
Basketball |
| Coach of the Year |
Greg Haeger (Baseball) |
2010-11 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Brett Quitiquit (Golf) |
Jess Irwin (Softball) |
| Rookie of the Year |
Jeremy Gooding (Baseball) |
Michelle Hall (Golf) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Steve South (Golf) |
Cat Sidor (Softball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Kim Olech (Basketball) |
| Sr. Franciline Lifetime Achievement Award |
Brian McClain (Volleyball) |
| Champion of Character |
Justin Taurance (Golf) |
Katie Martin (Basketball) |
| One Shining Moment |
Softball's last inning rally vs. Davenport in WHAC Tournament |
| Team of the Year |
Baseball, Golf |
Softball, Golf |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Bryant George (Cross Country) |
Sarah Sherwood (Cross Country) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Cross Country |
Cross Country |
| Coach of the Year |
Steve Mato (Men's Golf), Scott Marzolino (Women's Golf) |
2009-10 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Doron Drai (Soccer) |
Jess Irwin (Softball) |
| Rookie of the Year |
Matt Kay (Baseball) |
Kim Olech (Basketball) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
Drew Fry (Baseball) |
Cat Sidor (Softball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Stephanie Parslow (Volleyball) |
| Sr. Franciline Lifetime Achievement Award |
Sr. Nancy Marie Jamroz |
| Champion of Character |
Cat Sidor (Softball) |
Drew Coker (Basketball) |
| One Shining Moment |
Baseball's 12-inning upset win of Fresno Pacific in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round |
| Team of the Year |
Baseball |
Softball |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Doron Drai (Soccer) |
Cat Sidor (Softball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Cross Country |
Basketball |
| Coach of the Year |
Greg Haeger (Baseball) & Al White (Softball) |
2008-09 Blue and Gold Award Winners
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
Kevin Zerbo (Baseball) |
Lubovj Tihomirova (Volleyball) |
| Rookie of the Year |
Cedric Sims (Basketball) |
Jess Irwin (Softball) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
John McCracken (Baseball) |
Rebecca Rufli (Basketball) |
| Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa Leadership |
Christina Finch (Softball) |
| Sr. Franciline Lifetime Achievement Award |
Mike Meldrum |
| Champion of Character |
Drew Coker (Basketball) |
Cat Sidor (Softball) |
| One Shining Moment |
Men's soccer clinches bid to NAIA National Championship |
| Team of the Year |
Soccer |
Volleyball |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Joe Horka (Cross Country) |
Jacqui Gatt (Volleyball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Cross Country |
Soccer |
| Coach of the Year |
Jerry Abraham (Volleyball) |
| Breakthrough Coaching Moment |
Tino Scicluna (Men's Soccer) |
2007-08 Blue and Gold Award Winners - Recap
| Award |
Male Winner |
Female Winner |
| Athlete of the Year |
DJ Bridges (Basketball) |
Caryn Inman (Volleyball / Basketball) |
| Rookie of the Year |
Ryan Morrow (Baseball) |
Andrea Johnson (Soccer) |
| Miss/Mr. Crusader |
John McCracken (Baseball) |
Caryn Inman (Volleyball / Basketball) |
| Champion of Character |
Drew Coker (Basketball) |
Heather Spooner (Volleyball) |
| One Shining Moment |
Women's basketball upset of Davenport in WHAC Tournament |
| Team of the Year |
Golf |
Volleyball |
| Scholar-Athlete of the Year |
Adam Kerfoot (Basketball) |
Shannon Noder (Softball) |
| Scholar Team of the Year |
Cross Country |
Soccer |
| Coach of the Year |
Steve Mato (Men's Golf) |
| Breakthrough Coaching Moment |
Chuck Henry (Men's Basketball) |
| Blue Heart Award (Overcoming Injury) |
TJ Djokic (Men's Soccer) |
