MILWAUKEE, Wis. – On Thursday, May 7, Alverno Athletics hosted its annual Awards Ceremony, "The Blazys", in the conference center on the campus of Alverno College.

The evening began with welcoming remarks from first-year Director of Athletics Antonio Rivas and Alverno College President Christy L. Brown, JD, as well as an invocation from Alverno College Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gina M. Rosetti. The event was emceed by Athletic Communications Specialist Caleb Philips and Senior Woman Administrator and Head Cross Country Coach, Dom Hudson.  The ceremony began with a team award for each Alverno team this year, along with the six departmental awards, and concluded with a recognition of this year's seniors as they received their athletic stole.

Individual Team Awards –
Each team selects a Most Improved, an Inferno Award Winner, and their Most Valuable. The Inferno award is open to interpretation for each team, but it is classified as someone who is a truly excellent ambassador and representative of their team and Alverno Athletics. The most improved goes to someone who has shown the most growth within their team, while the most valuable goes to the most valuable student-athlete on their team this past season. 

Cross Country
Most Improved – Lylah Wise
Inferno Award – Rosie Robles
Most Valuable Runner – Kate Peabody

Golf
Most Improved – Yazmin Fernandez-Chavez
Inferno Award – Haley Marini
Most Valuable Player – Michelle Hess

Volleyball
Most Improved – Makiyah Buck & Brooklynne Hereford
Inferno Award – Breann Flannery
Most Valuable Player – Sharisty Kooch

Softball
Most Improved – Kate Peabody
Inferno Award – Alyssa Hubli
Most Valuable Player – Nadya Hudson

Faculty Scholar Athlete Award – Giselle Moreno, Softball
This award is presented to a student-athlete in her final season of competition who plans to graduate within the year. It recognizes the very best of what it means to be a scholar-athlete, placing a strong emphasis on academic excellence while also honoring contributions beyond the classroom.

To be considered, nominees must have demonstrated consistent academic success throughout their time at Alverno, along with meaningful service to the college or the broader community. Candidates are selected through a collaborative process, with faculty members providing letters of recommendation, and the final recipient chosen by the Faculty Athletics Representative, along with the Athletic Department's administrative staff.

Most Supportive Faculty/Staff Member – Dr. Gina M. Rosetti, Vice President of Academic Affairs
This award is presented to a faculty or staff member who consistently goes above and beyond in their support of Alverno Athletics. Whether it's showing up to games, advocating for our student-athletes, or championing the success of our programs, this individual plays a vital role in strengthening the connection between athletics and the campus community.

Virginia Wagner Award – Morgan Whitten, Cross Country
This award recognizes a student-athlete who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership, and community service, while making a meaningful impact on the Alverno College campus. It is named in honor of Virginia Wagner, who served as Director of Compliance and Risk Services and previously as Associate Vice President for Student Services. She was also one of the original champions of Alverno's athletics program, and in recognition of her lasting contributions, was inducted as a charter member of the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

Sister Margaret Mary Martin Award – Giselle Moreno, Softball
Named after Sister Margaret Mary herself, a pioneer in women's athletics, this award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the growth and advancement of Alverno Athletics. Sister Margaret Mary served as Chair of the Physical Education Department at Alverno College from 1938 to 1971 and dedicated her life to education and sport, earning master's degrees in both History and Physical Education. This award, presented at the discretion of the Director of Athletics, reflects the lasting legacy of leadership, excellence, and commitment.

Newcomer of the Year – Mary Needham, Volleyball
This award is given to a student-athlete competing in their freshman season at Alverno and is recognized as the top newcomer to collegiate action among Alverno student-athletes.

Student-Athlete of the Year – Nadya Hudson, Softball
This award is given to the highest-performing Alverno student-athlete this academic year.  

Seniors:
Emily Anguiano, Softball (South El Monte, California)
Hailie Eschbach, Softball & Cross Country (Kenosha, Wisconsin)
Breann Flannery, Volleyball (Argyle, Wisconsin)
Makynna Gilbert, Soccer (Burlington, Wisconsin)
Michelle Hess, Golf (Aurora, Illinois)
Sharisty Kooch, Volleyball (Terrebonne, Oregon)
Jenna Kornwolf, Golf (Greenfield, Wisconsin)
Katie Kornwolf, Golf (Greenfield, Wisconsin)
Haley Marini, Golf (Friendship, Wisconsin)
Giselle Moreno, Softball (Chicago, Illinois)
Kate Peabody, Cross Country & Softball (Sycamore, Illinois)
Rosie Robles, Cross Country (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Morgan Whitten, Cross Country (Columbus, Mississippi)
Lylah Wise, Cross Country (Kingman, Arizona)