SAINT LEO, Fla. – Entering a new year, the Saint Leo University athletic department is pleased to announce that basketball student-athletes Jocelyn Gagnon (women's basketball) and Luther Smith Jr. (men's basketball) have earned the first Jimmy John's Lions of the Week honors for 2026. The award is recognizing these student-athletes for their performances for games played from December 31-January 4 as announced on Monday.

Sophomore Jocelyn Gagnon set a career best with six made threes as she shot 60% from distance. The Fort Lauderdale native scored 19 points on New Year's Eve at Rollins, including a 4 point play. Gagnon set the new Saint Leo program team record as she hit a fast break three midway through the final quarter en route to a 17-point win over the Tars. 

This past week, junior guard Luther Smith Jr. averaged 17.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals for the Lions. On New Year's Eve at Rollins, Smith Jr. posted 13 points with one steal and a rebound while converting all seven of his free throw attempts in 24 minutes of action to conclude his 2025 calendar year. On Saturday versus Lynn, the Wisconsin native posted his third 20-point performance of the season with 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field. Additionally, he recorded two steals and three boards. 

For the 2025–26 season, Saint Leo University Athletics is proud to partner with Jimmy John's to present a new weekly award recognizing student-athletes. The award will recognize athletic competition held from Monday to Sunday. 

Since launching in 1983 in Charleston, Illinois, with just a $25,000 loan from his father, Jimmy John Liautaud built his modest sandwich shop into the national chain known for its "Freaky Fast" delivery and fresh-baked bread. Over the years, the brand expanded rapidly, surpassing 2,600 locations nationwide by 2025 and even venturing internationally with openings in Seoul, Toronto, and Dubai. In 2019, Jimmy John's became part of Inspire Brands, the restaurant group that also owns Arby's, Dunkin' Donuts, and more.

Week-by-Week Winners
2025-26 Jimmy John's Lion of the Week
Sept. 8: Jorge Perez (MSOC); Chloe Froese (WSOC)
Sept. 15: Paul Rivera (MXC); Skye Dias (WSOC)
Sept. 22: Ben Morland (MGOLF); Brielle Kallberg (VB)
Sept. 29: Anel Rojas (MSOC); Maria Jaime (WGOLF)
Oct. 6: Jose David Segovia & Kodai Kato (MTEN); Rachel Jarrett (WXC)
Oct. 13: Dylan Andrianaly (MTEN); Rachel Jarrett (WXC)
Oct. 20: Enzo Barbaglia (MGOLF); McKenzee Sullivan (WGOLF)
Oct. 28: Adam Yousfi (MSOC); Iza Stahlevi (WGOLF)
Nov. 3: Roberto Iguala (MSOC); Mia Moser (VB)
Nov. 10: James Knudson (MSOC); Molly Chappell (VB)
Nov. 17: Camden Cerese (MBB); Paula Perez Rosales (VB)
Nov. 24: Donovan Hill (MBB); Zoe O'Leary (WBB)
Dec. 1: Elijah Harris (MBB); Amy Duggan (WBB)
Dec. 8: Owen Pawlikowski (MBB); Jailenn Green (WBB)
Dec. 15: Jayden Johnson (MBB); Zoe O'Leary (WBB)
Dec. 22: Donovan Hill (MBB); Olivia Agunzo (WBB)
Jan. 5: Luther Smith Jr. (MBB); Jocelyn Gagnon (WBB)

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- SaintLeoLions.com -