Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan Celebrates Excellence at Ninth Annual YPSI Awards Show
4/16/2025 9:00:00 PM | General
EMU Honors Top Achievements in Athletics, Academics, and Leadership
Photo Gallery | Watch the Show | Show Highlights.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — A night of celebration, inspiration, and Eagle pride took center stage as the Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics hosted its ninth annual YPSI Awards Show Wednesday evening, April 16, at the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
The highly anticipated event brought together student-athletes, coaches, university staff, and supporters for a spirited ceremony recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of EMU Athletics during the 2024-25 academic year. From record-breaking performances to inspirational comebacks and selfless leadership, the YPSI's spotlighted the very best of Eastern Michigan's 19 varsity programs.
Hosted by rowing's Emma Wyss and football's Bryce Llewellyn, the night featured skits, laughter, tributes, and most importantly, the celebration of perseverance, sportsmanship, and achievement both on and off the field. Eastern Michigan coaches nominated student-athletes for the awards and the list was narrowed down to four finalists in each category. The winners for every award were selected by voting from every EMU intercollegiate athletics team.
Among the most prestigious awards of the night, Da'Sean Nelson of men's basketball and Mackenzie Blackwell of lacrosse were named Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year, respectively, recognizing their standout seasons and lasting impact on their programs.
Women's Golf standout Riley Kim earned the title of Breakthrough Student-Athlete of the Year, while gymnast Gwen Cantu was honored as the Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year for her inspiring return to competition.
The coveted Team of the Year award went to the combined efforts of Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field, a testament to their dominance, dedication, and championship-level consistency throughout the year.
Football's Justin Jefferson received the Julie Lombardi Leadership & Eagle Spirit Award, symbolizing his commitment to leadership and community engagement.
The Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards were presented to Zach Mowchan (Football, 3.878 GPA in Finance) and Olivia Clarino (Swim & Dive, 4.0 GPA in Biochemistry), respectively, reflecting EMU's dedication to academic excellence.
Dr. Catherine Gammon (Exercise Science) was named Professor of the Year, and Gabe Schmidt, SASS Academic Coordinator, earned Support Staff of the Year honors.
Additional Winners and Highlights
Best Performance: Jalen Terry (Men's Basketball)
Eagle Cup Winner: Volleyball
Eagles U Achievement Award: Roya Khaleeli (Lacrosse)
Recognition of Service to EMU Athletics: Stephanie Rosales, Director of Athletic Counseling
Assistant Coach of the Year: Allison Lane (Lacrosse)
Coach of the Year: Katie Minasola (Gymnastics)
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — A night of celebration, inspiration, and Eagle pride took center stage as the Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics hosted its ninth annual YPSI Awards Show Wednesday evening, April 16, at the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
The highly anticipated event brought together student-athletes, coaches, university staff, and supporters for a spirited ceremony recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of EMU Athletics during the 2024-25 academic year. From record-breaking performances to inspirational comebacks and selfless leadership, the YPSI's spotlighted the very best of Eastern Michigan's 19 varsity programs.
Hosted by rowing's Emma Wyss and football's Bryce Llewellyn, the night featured skits, laughter, tributes, and most importantly, the celebration of perseverance, sportsmanship, and achievement both on and off the field. Eastern Michigan coaches nominated student-athletes for the awards and the list was narrowed down to four finalists in each category. The winners for every award were selected by voting from every EMU intercollegiate athletics team.
Among the most prestigious awards of the night, Da'Sean Nelson of men's basketball and Mackenzie Blackwell of lacrosse were named Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year, respectively, recognizing their standout seasons and lasting impact on their programs.
Women's Golf standout Riley Kim earned the title of Breakthrough Student-Athlete of the Year, while gymnast Gwen Cantu was honored as the Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year for her inspiring return to competition.
The coveted Team of the Year award went to the combined efforts of Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field, a testament to their dominance, dedication, and championship-level consistency throughout the year.
Football's Justin Jefferson received the Julie Lombardi Leadership & Eagle Spirit Award, symbolizing his commitment to leadership and community engagement.
The Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards were presented to Zach Mowchan (Football, 3.878 GPA in Finance) and Olivia Clarino (Swim & Dive, 4.0 GPA in Biochemistry), respectively, reflecting EMU's dedication to academic excellence.
Dr. Catherine Gammon (Exercise Science) was named Professor of the Year, and Gabe Schmidt, SASS Academic Coordinator, earned Support Staff of the Year honors.
Additional Winners and Highlights
Best Performance: Jalen Terry (Men's Basketball)
Eagle Cup Winner: Volleyball
Eagles U Achievement Award: Roya Khaleeli (Lacrosse)
Recognition of Service to EMU Athletics: Stephanie Rosales, Director of Athletic Counseling
Assistant Coach of the Year: Allison Lane (Lacrosse)
Coach of the Year: Katie Minasola (Gymnastics)
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