Celebrating Good, Smart, and Talented Graduating Athletes

On Tuesday, May 5, St. John Fisher University Athletics recognized over 150 graduating student athletes during the annual senior athlete banquet. Coaches, athletes, and University staff and leadership shared a meal, reminisced about victories, and recognized the accomplishments on and off the field.

The graduating athletes were welcomed by Jen Granger, athletic director. 

“Today, we celebrate you – the senior-athletes of the Class of 2026. Your hard work, dedication, talent, and commitment have led you to this week and these special moments,” she said. “Just as you did in competition, enjoy this win. You made it, and we are so proud.”

President Rooney, who was joined by several members of the University’s senior leadership, also shared remarks with the seniors.

“I am grateful to you for the impact you have made here at Fisher. We can only be as good as you help us to be, and you have done just that by representing yourself, your team, and our great University so well. Thank you for making Fisher better by your presence and by your competitive spirit in your respective sport,” said Rooney. 

Jose Perales, vice president for enrollment management, offered words of advice as the athletes close this chapter at Fisher. 

“I encourage you to hold on to all you learned as a member of Fisher Athletics and as members of your respective teams, and to hold on to the friendships you have made. They will stay with you, as they have for me, long after you leave Fisher, and they will be among the most impactful of your life,” he said. 

During the brunch, athletes received their graduation stoles and certificates, and six awards were presented. The Scholar-Athlete Awards are given to the student-athletes with the highest cumulative grade point averages. This year, three recipients were honored, all of whom boast 4.0 grade point averages, including Hanna Rademacher, accounting major on the cheerleading team; Bryant DePaull, athletic performance major with minors in psychology and ethics from the men’s track and field team; and Matt Slowinski, biology major with a minor in interdisciplinary studies from the men’s lacrosse team. 

The male and female senior athletes of the year are recognized for the marks they have made in their respective sport, their teams, and Fisher Athletics. 

Maddie Lowney, defender from the women’s lacrosse team, was recognized as the Female Athlete of the Year. As a top defensive player in the Empire 8 Conference, she broke the St. John Fisher and Empire 8 record for career caused turnovers this season, passing St. John Fisher Athletics Hall of Famer Laurie Quackenbush, who set the record back in 2008. Lowney also broke the program’s single-season record for caused turnovers this season, which she set just last year.

Brandon Kaplan, a thrower for the men’s track and field team, was honored as the Male Athlete of the Year. In his senior year, he qualified for indoor nationals, making him the program’s first All-American in the weight throw. Kaplan also shattered the school and meet record in the weight throw with a mark of 19.16 meters in the Empire 8 Indoor Championships in February. He is on track to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the hammer throw this spring, currently ranking sixth in Division III. This past weekend, Kaplan won his third consecutive Empire 8 title in the hammer throw.

To finish the morning, Games of the Year were presented to seniors and coaches. 

Women’s volleyball was recognized for their first NCAA Tournament victory since 1997 with a sweep of Wentworth. Senior Reilly Morrow had 36 assists, five service aces, and nine digs in that contest.

Women’s soccer was honored for their 1-0 win over Brockport in extra time to capture their first-ever Empire 8 Conference Championship. Senior Ryann Dauksza had the assist on the game-winning tally.

The Men’s Game of the Year recognized Football for their Courage Bowl XX victory over Brockport, their first Courage Bowl win since 2016. In that game, senior wide receiver Ethan Curtis had one of the best games of his collegiate career, catching eight passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, senior running back Deante Hall became the first Fisher player to rush for a touchdown in five straight games since 2017.