ARLINGTON, Texas – The UT Arlington Department of Athletics took a brief break from competition on Monday night, honoring a multitude of successes throughout the year and celebrating the careers of its 2024 graduates at Arlington Backyard at Texas Live 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 and head coaches were recognized throughout the evening, with men's tennis being highlighted for winning the Western Athletic Conference Championships for the regular season and conference tournament already this year.
 
The evening began with assorted finger foods such as sliders, chicken strips, quesadillas and nachos which were prepared within the confines of Texas Live. As everyone was enjoying food and conversation amongst each other, Richard Haifley began with opening remarks which led into a brief video highlighting all seasons for our respective sports.
 
Haifley continued with his monologue before announcing awards winners and nominees. Director of Athletics Jon Fagg concluded the evening with closing comments.
 
In addition to the below award winners/nominees, both tennis teams swept the Team Highest GPA honors with the women posting a 3.42, and the men registering a 3.69 cumulative mark.
 
MAVERICK STAR AWARD – IONA DUMITRESCU (Women's Tennis) 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.
 
A member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee leadership team and Captain of Team Community.  In this role she spent time at St Maria Goretti elementary school sharing her culture and experiences as an international student-athlete. She participated in Hazing Prevention Week, the WAC Clothing Drive, Miracle League mentoring and University Mental Health Fresh Check awareness events.
 
Dumitrescu is a leader in community service and a teammate to all our student-athletes.  She has taken an active role in SAAC and the conference wide clothing drive initiative; she attends games in all of our sports and has overcome injuries to regain her spot in the line-up.
 
BIG AL'S COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – IONA DUMITRESCU (Women's Tennis) & SCOTT FRAZIER (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.
 
Dumitrescu: A three-time award winner, Dumitrescu also claimed the honor in 2022 and 2023. 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.
 
Frazier: A member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and volunteered with several UTA Hazing Prevention events, Card for Cubs letter writing campaign for foster children; the Arlington Sports Expo and Miracle League Foundation and the annual canned food drive.
 
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
Avery Brittingham – Basketball
Hannah Choi – Golf
Bruna Casasampere – Tennis
Abigail Flores – Track & Field
Alli Wells – Volleyball
Camille Corona – Softball
 
Male Nominees
Shemar Wilson – Basketball
Daniel Cronje – Golf
Pedro Sasso – Tennis
Tyson Pointer – Baseball
Randon Gray – Track & Field
 
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
Taliyah Clark – Basketball
Madison Le – Golf
Nika Novikova – Tennis
Simona Cabella – Track & Field
Mollie Blank – Volleyball
Gracie Bumpurs – Softball
 
Male Nominees
Aaron Cash – Basketball
Arran Kanth – Golf
Brady Shadrick – Track & Field
Zach Norris – Baseball
Dante Teramo – Tennis  
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