ARLINGTON – The UT Arlington Department of Athletics took a brief break from competition on Tuesday night, honoring a multitude of successes throughout the year and celebrating the careers of its 2023 graduates at College Park Center in the annual All Sports Banquet.
With about 400 attendees, the All Sports Banquet featured a series of annual awards handed out, recognition of UTA's championships, accomplishments and much more. Descriptions of each award and the recipient(s) biographies are included throughout this release.
Each of UTA's teams – including Adaptive Sports with the Lady Movin' Mavs and Movin' Mavs – were recognized throughout the night, with both men's and women's tennis being highlighted for winning Western Athletic Conference Championships already this year.
The evening began with a catered meal from Spring Creek Barbeque following opening remarks from the evening's emcee – the Voice of the Mavericks Josh Sours – and an invocation delivered by softball pitcher Gracie Bumpurs.
Following a brief introduction from Sours and welcome messages from Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President Krystal Igbo and University President Jennifer Cowley, the event's first award was presented. Director of Athletics Jon Fagg concluded the evening with closing comments before a 2023 graduate picture was taken.
In addition to the below award winners/nominees, both golf teams swept the Team Highest GPA honors with the women posting a 3.43, and the men registering a 3.20 cumulative mark.
MAVERICK STAR AWARD – BROOKE TOWNSEND (Volleyball)
Presented to a student-athlete who demonstrates leadership in service and character, and influences those around him or her in a positive and meaningful manner. Award presented by Devien Davis (men's track & field).
Former SAAC President Townsend won the award for the second-straight year. In her five years at UTA, Townsend has been an excellent leader and ambassador for the university. She has participated in several community service events and activities, including volunteering for the Miracle League, Special Olympics and Salvation Army; supporting Swift Elementary's guest reader program; providing volleyball camp instruction; backing the Send Silence Packing suicide prevention awareness program and participating in UTA's Hazing Prevention Week by speaking to freshman classes.
Townsend is also an inaugural member of the APPLE crew (Athletic Prevention Programming and Leadership Education), and has worked with athletics administration to formulate programs that draw awareness and education to the dangers of substance abuse. Additionally, Townsend helped set up for the banquet earlier in the day on Tuesday.
On the court, she was named to multiple all-tournament and all-conference teams, received league Player of the Week honors and will graduate ranking 10th in program history with 1,297 career kills.
BIG AL'S COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – IONA DUMITRESCU (Tennis) & ERLAND RAA (Track & Field)
Presented to the female and male student-athletes with the most community service hours completed over the last year. The award is named in honor of longtime UTA professor and namesake of the softball complex Allan Saxe. Awards p
resented by Nicole Hill (softball) and Mikeya Washington (women's track & field).
Dumitrescu: Another two-time award winner, Dumitrescu also claimed the honor in 2022. A SAAC representative and captain of Team Community, Dumitrescu has also volunteered with UTA's Fresh Check program and shared information about mental health resources and self-care with the campus community. She has talked with young students at Swift Elementary and the Boys and Girls Club of Tarrant County about her journey to UTA from Romania, and spent time with them to celebrate sports and education. Additionally, Dumitrescu has volunteered for the Salvation Army and the Miracle League.
Raa: He has volunteered his time promoting education about hazing during Hazing Prevention Week, and participated in the Cards for Cubs program by sorting letters for children awaiting adoption. Additionally, the Norwegian assisted at the Arlington Parks and Rec Trail or Treat event, and spent time with students at Swift Elementary taking part in numerous volunteer activities. Erland was also recently recognized as an Outstanding Student Leader nominee by the university.
FACULTY/STAFF LOYALTY AWARD – DR. MARI DUNCAN, Ph.D.
Presented to a member of the university community who has demonstrated a commitment above and beyond to support student-athletes and the mission of the Department of Athletics. Award presented by Jon Fagg (Director of Athletics).
Dr. Mari Duncan is UTA's Director of Apartment and Residence Life (ARL), and in recent years that has meant much more than one would expect. Dr. Duncan's leadership through the pandemic and multiple natural disasters meant that campus residents had an advocate to keep them safe and warm, affording them access to services and food when they needed it most.
She also works closely with athletics staff to not only ensure student-athletes are safely housed, but also provides support for the department's on-campus events by encouraging participation and attendance at games through ARL nights.
MAVERICK CLUB STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Presented to a female and male senior student-athlete who has demonstrated commitment to academics and excellence in their respective sport. This year's winners will be announced on June 1, and below are the nominees.
Female Nominees
Shyia Smith – Basketball
Connor Howard – Golf
Liz Chileno – Tennis
Tatyana Terrell – Track & Field
Brianna Ford – Volleyball
Meagan Smith – Softball
Male Nominees
Pedro Castro – Basketball
Caleb Hicks – Golf
Solano Caffarena – Tennis
Matt Novis – Baseball
B.G. WILSON SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Presented to a female and male student-athlete who best epitomize the 'student-first' and 'athlete-second' mantra. The award is named for former baseball player B.G. Wilson, who played for the Mavs from 1993-96, was an Academic All-American and a widely respected youth mentor who gave countless hours to support the Arlington community. This year's winners will be announced on June 1, and below are the nominees.
Female Nominees
Jireh Washington – Basketball
Kinsey Ray – Golf
Sarina Reinertsen – Tennis
Tatyana Terrell – Track & Field
Alli Wells – Volleyball
Morgan Westbrook – Softball
Male Nominees
Aaron Cash – Basketball
Zak Jones – Golf
Alfredo Corona – Track & Field
Tyler Rice – Baseball
Gallery: (4-25-2023) 2023 All Sports Banquet
FOLLOW THE MAVS SOCIALLY
For up-to-date news, photos and videos, follow UTA Athletics online at UTAMavs.com or via several social media accounts on Twitter @UTAMavs, Instagram @UTAMavs and Facebook /UTAMavs.
