ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Athletics celebrated an amazing year in sports as they held the 11th annual Black and Gold Awards.
The Awards ceremony, held in the OU Credit Union O'rena, named over 26 individual and team winners for categories representing excellence and high standards set by Golden Grizzly student-athletes. From Best Athlete and Best Team to the Top Academic Team and Top Individual Academic Awards, numerous programs and their members were recognized for the highest marks and moments at Oakland the past year.
See the 2025 Black and Gold Award Winners Below:
2025 Black and Gold Winners
Community Service Individual - Gentry Brown (Volleyball), Sam Griffith (Baseball), Nora Molnar (Swim and Dive), Anika Prisby (Volleyball), Rachel Rossman (Volleyball)
Community Service Men's Team - Baseball
Community Service Women's Team - Volleyball
Top Women's Academic Team - Volleyball
Top Men's Academic Team - Men's Cross Country
Competition of the Year - Men's Soccer 3-1 victory over Michigan State
Golden Grizzlies Champions Club Future Leader (Male) - Hunter Pidek (Baseball)
Golden Grizzlies Champions Club Future Leader (Female) - Jordyn Shipps (Swim and Dive)
Most Improved Athlete - Lucas Fehn (Esports)
Black & Gold Spirit Award Team - Dance
Men's Newcomer of the Year - Tyler Donovan (Track/XC)
Women's Newcomer of the Year - Emilia Jarvinen (Tennis)
Men's Hollie L. Lepley Award - John Lauinger (Baseball)
Women's Hollie L. Lepley Award - Grace Nolan (Track/XC)
Top Play of the Year - DQ Cole and Isaiah Jones – Assist from Isaiah to DQ for the 3 against Detroit Mercy to send the game to overtime
Comeback of the Year - Women's Basketball's comeback win over IU Indy in First Round of the Horizon League Championship
Men's Performance of the Year - Charlie Brown, Harry Nicholson, Micah Scheffer, Jack Wike breaking a 21-year-old pool record in the 200-yard freestyle relay
Women's Performance of the Year - Ellie Chalifoux winning first place in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dive at Championships
Men's President Award - Alex Flowers (Men's Soccer)
Women's President Award - Emily Wichmann (Volleyball)
Men's Athlete of the Year - Romario Jackson (Track & Field)
Women's Athlete of the Year - Jordyn Shipps (Swim)
Team of the Year - Men's and Women's Swim and Dive
Tom Ford Inspirational Award - Gabe Baylon (Men's Soccer)
Muscle and Hustle Award (Male) - Alex Mansfield (Track & Field)
Muscle and Hustle Award (Female) - Anika Prisby (Volleyball)
