STORM LAKE, Iowa (Apr. 23, 2025) - Buena Vista University athletic department hosted the Beaver Athletics Awards ceremony on Apr. 21 inside of Anderson Auditorium on campus to honor and recognize various accomplishments and highlights from the 2024-25 academic year that ranged from student-athletes, coaches and staff.

All student-athletes, along with coaches and athletic staff were invited to the event which began with a dessert social taking place prior to the start of the award ceremony.

Tim Gallagher, BVU Director of Development and Alumni Communications served as the emcee for the event and began the night by thanking various individuals from throughout campus and within the department for their commitment, leadership and guidance of BVU Athletics throughout this past year.

A highlight video created by the Athletics Communications staff showcased memorable images and video highlights from all sports on campus during the year. That was followed by recognition to all student-athletes who had achieved individual accolades from the year, ranging from A-R-C Player of the Week honors, all-conference, academic all-conference and even the handful of school records which have been set to this point in the year.

Gallagher then announced a series of award recipient winners. All but one of the awards was voted on by a committee of athletic department staff with the final being one established by the BVU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Each recipient was called up by Gallagher and joined on stage by BVU Director of Athletics Amy Maier who handed them their award.

The evening ended by recognizing the senior student-athletes who will be graduating this spring or have exhausted their athletic eligibility. Those individuals were called up one at a time by Gallagher, as Maier shook hands with each and presented them with a commemorative senior gift on behalf of the athletic department.

2024-25 Special Award Recipients

Team Community Service & Campus Engagement Award

Given to the athletics program that demonstrates the many characteristics of community service and engagement throughout the academic year.
WINNER: Softball Team

SAAC Faculty/Staff Award

Created entirely by and voted on by the BVU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
WINNER: Dr. Sarah Schlichte (Assistant Professor of Biomedical Science)

Spirit Award

Given to one female and one male student-athlete who best displays the utmost enthusiasm, pride and dedication to both his or her team and the university.
FEMALE WINNER: Madalynn Hilgendorf (Women's Basketball)
MALE WINNER: Gabe Peterson (Men's Basketball)

Beaver Fortitude Award

Given to one female and one male student-athlete who has had to overcome injury or adversity throughout the year or has made an inspirational comeback.
FEMALE WINNER: Mia Norton (Women's Soccer)
MALE WINNER: David Crow (Men's Track & Field)

Newcomer of the Year Award

Given to one female and one male student-athlete who has demonstrated superior performance throughout his or her first-year on campus.
FEMALE WINNER: Bradi Krager (Women's Basketball, Softball)
MALE WINNER: Kaden Struck (Baseball)

Impact Award

Given to one female and one male student-athlete who exemplifies or has made an impact to both his or her program or to the university during their collegiate career.
FEMALE WINNER: Madalyn Elwood (Softball)
MALE WINNER: Eman Alaniz (Football)

In addition to the awards handed out on Monday, the department will also present several more at the conclusion of both the academic year and the end of the spring sport season. Those awards include: Senior Scholar Athletes, Team GPA, Outstanding Athletes of the Year and Individual Performances of the Year. Each group of recipients will be announced via the BVU Athletic social media channels over the next month.