Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics J Batt presents Sam Edwards with the Gwendolyn Norrell Community Service & Leadership Award.
Photo by: Matthew Mitchell Photography
Spartan Academic Excellence Gala Celebrates Student-Athletes
4/14/2026 1:10:00 PM | General
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State's Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) recognized the academic success of Spartan student-athletes during the 29th annual Spartan Academic Excellence Gala on Monday evening at the Breslin Center.
To qualify for the academic gala, student-athletes must be in at least their third semester at MSU and have obtained a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or have earned a 3.00 or higher GPA during the 2025 calendar year. Graduates are recognized as well.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti was the keynote speaker at the event.
In addition to the 2026 Spartan Academic Excellence Gala award winners, field hockey's Maddie Lawlor was named the national female recipient of the 2026 Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award presented by Discover.
2026 SPARTAN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE GALA AWARD WINNERS
PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Presented to the male and female student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average in the Athletic Department who is a senior in their final year of eligibility and has participated in at least four seasons with their team.
Natalie Blake, Women's Track and Field
An accomplished student-athlete, Natalie Blake has demonstrated excellence throughout her time at MSU. An Honors College member with a perfect 4.0 GPA, she has earned Dean's List recognition every semester and has been named Academic All-Big Ten and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar three times. A three-time varsity letterwinner, she was also selected to the 2024 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team. Blake also dedicated a significant amount of time to the Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation Lab conducting research for sports injuries, rehabilitation, and ultrasound imaging. Upon graduation, Blake plans to attend physical therapy school.
Stephanie Lebster, Gymnastics
Stephanie Lebster has distinguished herself at MSU through her strong commitment to academics and meaningful campus involvement. Maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA as a member of the Honors College, Lebster is a consistent Dean's List honoree, three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, and a three-time Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association Scholastic All-America selection. In addition, Lebster demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to service. She served as a team captain this season and has represented her peers on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for two years. Her dedication to community outreach spans a wide range of initiatives, including the Student-Athlete Food Drive, Safe Halloween, and Special Olympics. Through her leadership and service, Lebster continues to make a lasting impact on her teammates and the broader MSU community. Upon graduation, she will transition into the healthcare field, where she will pursue a career as a physician assistant.
Sophia Lucki, Women's Cross Country, Track and Field
With a perfect 4.0 GPA, Sophia Lucki has proven to be a dedicated student-athlete. She completed her undergraduate degree in human biology with a minor in bioethics and continues to excel in her master's program in global health. Her hard work and dedication earned her Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Academic All-Big Ten honors four times each, while also being recognized on the Dean's List every semester. She also earned the 2025 MSU Board of Trustees Award, awarded to the students with the highest GPAs in the graduating class, demonstrating her ability to balance rigorous academics with collegiate athletics. In addition to her scholastic accomplishments, Sophia has contributed beyond competition as a team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for two years and participates in service initiatives such as the Student-Athlete Food Drive, Accessible Trick-or-Treating, Teams for Toys, and March is Reading Month. For the past two years, Lucki has contributed to a national research study through the MSU Epidemiology Department investigating risk factors and causes of pregnancy loss. Her research specifically focuses on the role of social vulnerability in pregnancy loss. Following graduation, Lucki plans to pursue medical school.
Josh Mason, Men's Soccer
Josh Mason has proven to be an exceptional student-athlete during his time at MSU. A dedicated member of the Honors College with a perfect 4.0 GPA, he has maintained Dean's List status every semester, earning three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors and three Academic All-Big Ten selections. His commitment to academic excellence has also been recognized with the Spartan Academic Excellence Gala Scholar-Athlete Award twice. Outside of athletics, Mason devoted numerous hours to research in both the Exercise & Cardiovascular Health Outcomes Laboratory and Human Performance and Environmental Laboratory. Additionally, he served two semesters as a teaching assistant in the Department of Kinesiology. Beyond competition and academics, he has embraced leadership and service, representing his team on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for two years and contributing to community initiatives such as Teams for Toys and the Student-Athlete Food Drive. Upon graduation, Mason plans to attend medical school.
Alexa Shaffer, Field Hockey
With a consistent record of academic excellence, Alexa Shaffer has made her mark in the classroom throughout her collegiate career. Maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA as a kinesiology major, she has earned Dean's List honors every semester and has been recognized three times as both an Academic All-Big Ten selection and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. Her success in the classroom has also earned her national recognition as a three-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Scholar of Distinction and a three-time NFHCA National Academic Squad honoree. A three-time varsity letterwinner, she also was elected team captain for the 2025 season. Shaffer will pursue a doctorate in physical therapy at Lebanon Valley College starting in May.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR'S AWARD
Presented to the male and female team with the highest cumulative grade point average after the Fall 2025 Semester.
Women's Golf (3.79 GPA)
Led by head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, the women's golf team continues to redefine excellence, both academically and athletically. A perennial NCAA Championship qualifier, the program has clinched the Athletic Director's Award an impressive 13 times, surpassing all other women's teams.
Men's Soccer (3.66 GPA)
Under the direction of head coach Damon Rensing, the men's soccer team claimed the Athletic Director's Award by posting a 3.66 team cumulative grade point average in the fall semester. It marks the fourth time overall and the second year in a row the men's soccer program has won the award under Rensing.
GWENDOLYN NORRELL COMMUNITY SERVICE & LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to impacting the areas of leadership and community service.
Sam Edwards, Football
A distinguished leader on and off the field, Edwards graduated in 2024 double majoring in political theory & constitutional democracy and international relations, with a minor in political economy. He went on to obtain a master's degree in marketing research and analytics, earning Academic All-District honors three times and appearing on the final ballot for the Academic All-America Team in 2024. A team captain in 2025, Edwards has been actively involved in Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for three years, demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to community service with participation in initiatives such as the Ronald McDonald House and elementary school readings. His leadership extends to the national level, where he currently serves on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, as well as a number of other national committees, advocating on behalf of student-athletes and helping shape policy and the future of college football. This fall, Edwards will attend law school where he will continue his dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service.
HAROLD & RAYNOR SHNIDER OFFICE OF THE PROVOST AWARD
Presented to the outstanding male and female freshman or sophomore student-athlete who embodies the characteristics promoted by Student- Athlete Support Services. Emphasis is placed on academic performance, community involvement, and leadership ability.
Malayah Long, Volleyball
Malayah Long has emerged as a dynamic student-athlete, excelling in both academics and athletics while staying dedicated to leadership and community service. A communication major with a 3.71 GPA, she earned Dean's List honors for the Fall 2025 semester. As only a redshirt freshman, Long has played an integral role on her team, contributing to its success on the court as a member of the volleyball leadership council. Outside of volleyball, she demonstrates exceptional leadership as a representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) where she made an immediate impact, supporting organizations like Team Impact, Boys and Girls Club, Teams for Toys, and Operation Christmas Child. Her commitment to mentorship and community outreach continues to inspire and champion others.
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARDS
Presented to the individual from each team who is in at least their third season at MSU, has received a minimum of one varsity letter, has competed during the 2025-2026 season and while meeting these requirements, maintains the highest cumulative grade point average on their team.
BASEBALL: Ryan McKay
MEN'S BASKETBALL: Nick Sanders
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Abbey Kimball
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Nathan Larson
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Sophia Lucki
FIELD HOCKEY: Alexa Shaffer
FOOTBALL: Brennan Parachek
MEN'S GOLF: Lorenzo Pinili
WOMEN'S GOLF: Shannon Kennedy
GYMNASTICS: Stephanie Lebster
ICE HOCKEY: Matthew Basgall
ROWING: Katherine Heinecke
MEN'S SOCCER: Josh Mason
WOMEN'S SOCCER: Bella Najera
SOFTBALL: Sydney Doloszycki
MEN'S TENNIS: Ozan Baris
WOMEN'S TENNIS: Matilde Morais
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD: Andrew Nolan
WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD: Natalie Blake
VOLLEYBALL: Taylah Holdem
WRESTLING: Andrew Hampton
To qualify for the academic gala, student-athletes must be in at least their third semester at MSU and have obtained a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or have earned a 3.00 or higher GPA during the 2025 calendar year. Graduates are recognized as well.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti was the keynote speaker at the event.
In addition to the 2026 Spartan Academic Excellence Gala award winners, field hockey's Maddie Lawlor was named the national female recipient of the 2026 Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award presented by Discover.
2026 SPARTAN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE GALA AWARD WINNERS
PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Presented to the male and female student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average in the Athletic Department who is a senior in their final year of eligibility and has participated in at least four seasons with their team.
Natalie Blake, Women's Track and Field
An accomplished student-athlete, Natalie Blake has demonstrated excellence throughout her time at MSU. An Honors College member with a perfect 4.0 GPA, she has earned Dean's List recognition every semester and has been named Academic All-Big Ten and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar three times. A three-time varsity letterwinner, she was also selected to the 2024 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team. Blake also dedicated a significant amount of time to the Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation Lab conducting research for sports injuries, rehabilitation, and ultrasound imaging. Upon graduation, Blake plans to attend physical therapy school.
Stephanie Lebster, Gymnastics
Stephanie Lebster has distinguished herself at MSU through her strong commitment to academics and meaningful campus involvement. Maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA as a member of the Honors College, Lebster is a consistent Dean's List honoree, three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, and a three-time Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association Scholastic All-America selection. In addition, Lebster demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to service. She served as a team captain this season and has represented her peers on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for two years. Her dedication to community outreach spans a wide range of initiatives, including the Student-Athlete Food Drive, Safe Halloween, and Special Olympics. Through her leadership and service, Lebster continues to make a lasting impact on her teammates and the broader MSU community. Upon graduation, she will transition into the healthcare field, where she will pursue a career as a physician assistant.
Sophia Lucki, Women's Cross Country, Track and Field
With a perfect 4.0 GPA, Sophia Lucki has proven to be a dedicated student-athlete. She completed her undergraduate degree in human biology with a minor in bioethics and continues to excel in her master's program in global health. Her hard work and dedication earned her Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Academic All-Big Ten honors four times each, while also being recognized on the Dean's List every semester. She also earned the 2025 MSU Board of Trustees Award, awarded to the students with the highest GPAs in the graduating class, demonstrating her ability to balance rigorous academics with collegiate athletics. In addition to her scholastic accomplishments, Sophia has contributed beyond competition as a team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for two years and participates in service initiatives such as the Student-Athlete Food Drive, Accessible Trick-or-Treating, Teams for Toys, and March is Reading Month. For the past two years, Lucki has contributed to a national research study through the MSU Epidemiology Department investigating risk factors and causes of pregnancy loss. Her research specifically focuses on the role of social vulnerability in pregnancy loss. Following graduation, Lucki plans to pursue medical school.
Josh Mason, Men's Soccer
Josh Mason has proven to be an exceptional student-athlete during his time at MSU. A dedicated member of the Honors College with a perfect 4.0 GPA, he has maintained Dean's List status every semester, earning three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors and three Academic All-Big Ten selections. His commitment to academic excellence has also been recognized with the Spartan Academic Excellence Gala Scholar-Athlete Award twice. Outside of athletics, Mason devoted numerous hours to research in both the Exercise & Cardiovascular Health Outcomes Laboratory and Human Performance and Environmental Laboratory. Additionally, he served two semesters as a teaching assistant in the Department of Kinesiology. Beyond competition and academics, he has embraced leadership and service, representing his team on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for two years and contributing to community initiatives such as Teams for Toys and the Student-Athlete Food Drive. Upon graduation, Mason plans to attend medical school.
Alexa Shaffer, Field Hockey
With a consistent record of academic excellence, Alexa Shaffer has made her mark in the classroom throughout her collegiate career. Maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA as a kinesiology major, she has earned Dean's List honors every semester and has been recognized three times as both an Academic All-Big Ten selection and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. Her success in the classroom has also earned her national recognition as a three-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Scholar of Distinction and a three-time NFHCA National Academic Squad honoree. A three-time varsity letterwinner, she also was elected team captain for the 2025 season. Shaffer will pursue a doctorate in physical therapy at Lebanon Valley College starting in May.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR'S AWARD
Presented to the male and female team with the highest cumulative grade point average after the Fall 2025 Semester.
Women's Golf (3.79 GPA)
Led by head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, the women's golf team continues to redefine excellence, both academically and athletically. A perennial NCAA Championship qualifier, the program has clinched the Athletic Director's Award an impressive 13 times, surpassing all other women's teams.
Men's Soccer (3.66 GPA)
Under the direction of head coach Damon Rensing, the men's soccer team claimed the Athletic Director's Award by posting a 3.66 team cumulative grade point average in the fall semester. It marks the fourth time overall and the second year in a row the men's soccer program has won the award under Rensing.
GWENDOLYN NORRELL COMMUNITY SERVICE & LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to impacting the areas of leadership and community service.
Sam Edwards, Football
A distinguished leader on and off the field, Edwards graduated in 2024 double majoring in political theory & constitutional democracy and international relations, with a minor in political economy. He went on to obtain a master's degree in marketing research and analytics, earning Academic All-District honors three times and appearing on the final ballot for the Academic All-America Team in 2024. A team captain in 2025, Edwards has been actively involved in Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for three years, demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to community service with participation in initiatives such as the Ronald McDonald House and elementary school readings. His leadership extends to the national level, where he currently serves on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, as well as a number of other national committees, advocating on behalf of student-athletes and helping shape policy and the future of college football. This fall, Edwards will attend law school where he will continue his dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service.
HAROLD & RAYNOR SHNIDER OFFICE OF THE PROVOST AWARD
Presented to the outstanding male and female freshman or sophomore student-athlete who embodies the characteristics promoted by Student- Athlete Support Services. Emphasis is placed on academic performance, community involvement, and leadership ability.
Malayah Long, Volleyball
Malayah Long has emerged as a dynamic student-athlete, excelling in both academics and athletics while staying dedicated to leadership and community service. A communication major with a 3.71 GPA, she earned Dean's List honors for the Fall 2025 semester. As only a redshirt freshman, Long has played an integral role on her team, contributing to its success on the court as a member of the volleyball leadership council. Outside of volleyball, she demonstrates exceptional leadership as a representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) where she made an immediate impact, supporting organizations like Team Impact, Boys and Girls Club, Teams for Toys, and Operation Christmas Child. Her commitment to mentorship and community outreach continues to inspire and champion others.
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARDS
Presented to the individual from each team who is in at least their third season at MSU, has received a minimum of one varsity letter, has competed during the 2025-2026 season and while meeting these requirements, maintains the highest cumulative grade point average on their team.
BASEBALL: Ryan McKay
MEN'S BASKETBALL: Nick Sanders
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Abbey Kimball
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Nathan Larson
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Sophia Lucki
FIELD HOCKEY: Alexa Shaffer
FOOTBALL: Brennan Parachek
MEN'S GOLF: Lorenzo Pinili
WOMEN'S GOLF: Shannon Kennedy
GYMNASTICS: Stephanie Lebster
ICE HOCKEY: Matthew Basgall
ROWING: Katherine Heinecke
MEN'S SOCCER: Josh Mason
WOMEN'S SOCCER: Bella Najera
SOFTBALL: Sydney Doloszycki
MEN'S TENNIS: Ozan Baris
WOMEN'S TENNIS: Matilde Morais
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD: Andrew Nolan
WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD: Natalie Blake
VOLLEYBALL: Taylah Holdem
WRESTLING: Andrew Hampton
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