Brandywine Athletics Celebrates 2024-25 At 37th-Annual Awards Banquet

MEDIA, Pa. -- Penn State Brandywine Athletics honored its student-athletes, teams and coaches during the department's 37th-annual all-sports banquet on Tuesday night.

 

More than half of Brandywine's student-athletes from all 12 varsity sports received academic and athletic honors following the department's first year as a member of NCAA Division III and the United East Conference. 

 

Among the accomplishments highlighted were Brandywine's first United East postseason victory (men's soccer), first United East championship (softball) and first conference rookie of the year (Emma McElroy, softball). The men's tennis team was also honored for accumulating the department's top team GPA during the academic year at 3.70.

 

The evening wrapped up with the presentations of Brandywine's four major awards:

 

Joseph J. Quigley Student-Staff Award: Lexie Berry, volleyball

 

This award is given annually to a student-athlete who works or interns for the department. A four-year volleyball student-athlete, Berry also worked in the athletic department during all four of her years at Brandywine. She worked home gamedays for all sports and began giving tours to prospective athletes during her senior year.

 

Distinguished Leader Award: Hope Priemon, women's soccer

 

This award honors a student-athlete who is active as a leader among their team and in areas outside of athletics. Priemon is a rising senior who has served as a team captain of the women's soccer team for two years. She is a three-year starting midfielder and defender and was the team's leading scorer in 2024. 

 

Lloyd Vernon Heart of a Lion Award: Dillon Jones, men's basketball

 

The Heart of a Lion Award is given each year to an athlete that exemplifies pride in Brandywine, a strong work ethic, kindness and joy for life. Jones played four seasons of basketball at Brandywine received his degree in communications during commencement last weekend. In addition, Jones has served as the vice president of Brandywine's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for three years. 

 

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Sierra Diawara, women's basketball

 

This award is the highest academic honor given out at the banquet each year. A four-year women's basketball student-athlete who also ran cross country as a senior, Diawara received her degree in communications from Brandywine. During her career, Diawara has received national, regional and conference academic awards and was a Third Team All-United East standout in 2024-25.

 

Service to Athletics Award: Steve Byrne

 

The Service to Athletics Award is presented annually to a member of the campus community who goes above and beyond in service of the athletic department. Byrne has worked as a staff member at home volleyball and basketball games for more than a decade, serving as the official scorer for both sports.