SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo Athletics honored the outstanding performances of the past 12 months, while paying tribute to the University's core values at the annual Green and Gold Awards celebration, held on Wednesday, April 29 at the Saint Leo University Marion Bowman Activities Center Gymnasium.
 
The student-athletes recognized were from the Spring 2025, Fall 2025, and Winter 2025-26 teams. Student-athletes currently in season on Spring 2026 teams will be recognized at the 2027 Green and Gold Awards.

Award recipients for 2026 were:
 
Lions Academic Excellence Award:
Beach Volleyball (Spring 2025)
 
Scholar Athlete of the Year:
Female: Marina Dean, Women's Lacrosse
Male: Thomas DeBrower, Baseball
 
University Member of the Year:
Kelly Atkins
 
Heart of a Lion:
Tajma Muharemovic, Volleyball
 
Staff Member of the Year:
Jesse VerVelde, Assistant Athletic Director
 
Coach of the Year:
Erin Kinberger, Softball
 
One Pride Award:
Camren Williams, Men's Basketball
 
Iron Lion Award*:
Female: Carolyn Jackson, Acro & Tumbling
Male: Nate Tidwell, Baseball
 
Comeback Athlete of the Year^:
Male: Greg Palmer
 
Newcomer of the Year:
Female: Maddie Antioco, Softball
Male: Thomas DeBrower, Baseball
 
Program of the Year:
Softball (Spring 2025)
 
Miss Saint Leo:
Tajma Muharemovic, Volleyball
 
Mr. Saint Leo:
Adrian Selles, Baseball

Competitive Excellence:
Gold Rush

 
* Iron Lion Award is presented to one (1) female and one (1) male student-athlete who have shown the greatest dedication and improvement in the weight room as chosen by the Strength & Conditioning staff
^ Comeback Athlete of the Year Award is presented to the individual who has demonstrated the most strength, hard work, and determination to overcome adversity and/or injury as chosen by the sports medicine staff