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 2025 graduates at Texas Live in the annual athletics banquet, Mav Madness.
 
With about 400 attendees, Mav Madness featured a series of annual awards in recognition of UTA's championships, accomplishments and much more. Descriptions of each award and the recipient(s)' biographies are included below.
 
Each of UTA's teams and head coaches were recognized throughout the evening, with women's volleyball being highlighted for winning the Western Athletic Conference Championships for the regular season and conference tournament earlier this year.
 
Richard Haifley began with opening remarks which led into a brief video montage highlighting all seasons for UTA's respective sports.
 
Haifley continued with his monologue before announcing award winners and nominees. Director of Athletics Jon Fagg concluded the evening with closing remarks.
 
In addition to the award winners/nominees, both tennis teams swept the Team Highest GPA honors with the women posting a 3.58, and the men registering a 3.42 cumulative mark.
 
MAVERICK STAR AWARD – KOI LOVE (Women's Basketball) 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 nine-time WAC Newcomer of the Week honoree, which were the most earned by a single player in WAC history, Love helped lead the Lady Mavs to the WNIT and earn a first-round win. Off the court, Love stepped into a leadership role through her participation in SAAC and team CAMPUS.
 
BIG AL'S COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – RACHEL HARTLEY (Track & Field/Cross Country) & JAN STALS VAN ROOYEN (Men's Golf) 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.
 
Hartley: A SAAC member and part of Team STUDENT-ATHLETE with over 60 hours of community service at Mission Arlington, Cook Children's Hospital, Miracle League and Cards for Cubs, where she helped pen letters of support to foster children.
 
Van Rooyen: Van Rooyen is a member of Team APPLE, which works to promote healthy and responsible choices and alcohol education. The freshman served at Fresh Check, giving students mental health and self-care help, served during athletic competitions, the Salvation Army, Miracle League and helped fellow freshmen move in before the Fall semester.
 
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
Koi Love – Basketball
Emilie Hoelscher – Softball
Ana Paula Jimenez – Tennis
Winnie Kipsang – Track & Field/Cross Country
Brianna Ford – Volleyball
 
Male Nominees
Tyce Armstrong – Baseball
Brandyn Talbot – Basketball
Pedro Sasso – Tennis
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
Nitisha Manikandesh – Golf
Nicole Hill – Softball
Ioana Dumitrescu – Tennis
Mikeya Washington – Track & Field
Jalie Tritt – Volleyball
 
Male Nominees
Caylon Dygert – Baseball
Troy Hupstead – Basketball
Andres Medus – Tennis
Brady Shadrick – Track & Field  
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