Hudson Valley Community College Athletics Celebrates 2025-26 Year-End Award Winners

Hudson Valley Community College Athletics proudly recognized the outstanding achievements of its student-athletes, coaches, staff members, and campus supporters during the department's annual Year-End Awards celebration. The awards honor excellence in athletic performance, academic achievement, leadership, character, service, and commitment to the Viking community.

Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, Hudson Valley student-athletes continued to raise the standard of excellence across the department, capturing conference championships, regional titles, national honors, and academic recognition while representing the College with pride both on and off the field of play.

"On behalf of the entire athletic department, I want to congratulate all of this year's End of Year Award recipients," said Justin Hoyt, Director of Athletics. "Each of these individuals represents the very best of Hudson Valley Athletics through their hard work, leadership, character, commitment, and service to our student-athletes and programs. Their accomplishments are a reflection of the continued success of our department, both in competition and in the classroom, as well as the positive impact our coaches, staff, and student-athletes have on the College community. We are extremely proud of everything our teams and student-athletes accomplished this year, and these award winners played an important role in making this another outstanding year for HVCC Athletics."

President's Award

Presented to the student whose hard work, determination, hustle, and attitude have enabled them to make valuable contributions to their team, the athletic department, and the College.

Logan Norman (Baseball)

Norman delivered one of the most decorated seasons in recent Hudson Valley baseball history, earning All-Region First Team, All-Conference First Team, All-East Division Team, All-Glove Team, and Region 3 All-Tournament Team honors. The standout infielder batted .500 with 71 hits, 70 runs scored, 46 RBI, and 36 stolen bases while striking out only seven times in 173 plate appearances. His exceptional all-around play helped lead the Vikings to another successful season and earned him the opportunity to continue his academic and athletic career at St. Bonaventure University.

Gabriella Kholstinin (Volleyball)

Kholstinin capped off a historic career by becoming the first volleyball player in program history to earn NJCAA Division III Second Team All-American honors. The Mountain Valley Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-Region selection helped lead the Vikings to an undefeated regular season, the program's first conference championship since 1995, its first-ever Region 3 title, and its first appearance at the NJCAA National Championship Tournament. She also rewrote the program record book, establishing new marks for both single-season and career assists while becoming the first player in school history to surpass 1,000 career assists.

Otto Guenther Memorial Award

Presented to a male and female student-athlete who demonstrate the best combination of academic and athletic success.

Dominic Jones (Football)

Jones established himself as one of the nation's elite defensive players while excelling in the classroom. The NJCAA Division III Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-American led the nation with 101 total tackles and ranked second nationally with 19.5 tackles for loss. His success extended beyond football, as he was named SUNY Scholar Athlete of the Year for Football/Men's At-Large. Jones will continue his academic and athletic career at the University at Albany.

Ava Dwyer (Women's Track & Field)

Dwyer combined athletic excellence with academic achievement throughout an outstanding season. She earned Region 3 Women's Track Athlete of the Meet honors after winning conference championships in the 800-meter run and 3,000-meter steeplechase while helping the Vikings capture the 4x800-meter relay title. Dwyer also earned NJCAA Division III All-America honors in the steeplechase and maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, exemplifying the complete student-athlete experience.

Lester Higbee Award

Presented to the most outstanding female athlete.

Bryn Fitzmaurice (Women's Tennis)

Fitzmaurice led Hudson Valley women's tennis as the team's No. 1 singles player and played a pivotal role in one of the program's most successful seasons. She earned All-Conference and All-Region honors, was named Region 3 Athlete of the Week twice, and captured the South Jersey College Tennis Open title. Fitzmaurice helped guide the Vikings to a Region 3 Championship and NJCAA National Tournament appearance, where she advanced to the consolation final.

Thomas Cahill Award

Presented to the most outstanding male athlete.

Makai Gordon (Men's Track & Field)

Gordon enjoyed a historic season that culminated with national recognition as the NJCAA Division III National Men's Field Athlete of the Year. A three-time Region 3 Athlete of the Week and Hudson Valley Student-Athlete of the Month, Gordon claimed national championships in both the high jump and long jump at the NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He also earned Region 3 Men's Field Athlete of the Year honors after consistently establishing himself among the nation's top field athletes.

Dr. Andrew J. Matonak Character Award

Presented to a student for their commitment and contributions to their team while embracing the character and spirit of the College and athletic department.

Meaghan Casabonne (Women's Soccer/Softball)

Casabonne has been a dedicated and dependable member of Hudson Valley Athletics throughout her career. A two-year goalkeeper for the women's soccer program, she transitioned into a team manager role while continuing to support the team. She also joined the softball program this season and served as a student worker within the athletics department. Her willingness to contribute in multiple capacities and support those around her exemplifies the values of Viking Athletics.

Paul F. Bishop Coach of the Year Award

Presented to the coach who demonstrates outstanding leadership, professionalism, sportsmanship, and commitment to student-athletes.

Therese DeCan (Women's Volleyball)

DeCan guided the volleyball program through the most successful season in school history. The Vikings finished with a 26-2 overall record and a perfect 25-0 regular season mark while earning a national ranking and capturing the program's first Mountain Valley Conference Championship since 1995. Under her leadership, Hudson Valley also secured its first Region 3 title and first-ever appearance at the NJCAA National Championship Tournament, cementing a landmark season for the program.

Phil Brown Assistant Coach of the Year Award

Presented to an athletic department support staff member or assistant coach who has made significant contributions to student-athlete and departmental success.

Scott Quenneville (Men's Golf)

Quenneville played a vital role in one of the most successful seasons in recent men's golf history. Through his leadership and support, the Vikings captured a conference championship, finished second at the regional championship, and earned a berth to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament. His commitment to player development and competitive preparation helped elevate the program throughout the season.

Willie A. Hammett Award for Excellence in Student Service

Presented annually to a member of the campus community in recognition of dedicated and tireless service to student-athletes.

Ian LaChance (Associate Vice President for Student Affairs)

LaChance has been a steadfast advocate for Hudson Valley student-athletes and the athletics department. His support, leadership, and commitment to ensuring student-athlete voices are represented have had a meaningful impact across campus. Whether attending athletic events, supporting departmental initiatives, or advocating on behalf of students, LaChance has consistently demonstrated his dedication to Viking Athletics.

John L. Buono Award for Citizenship

Presented to a member of the Vikings community who has demonstrated a commitment to the College and student-athletes.

Zachary Yannone (Director of Event Services)

Yannone's dedication behind the scenes has been instrumental to the success of Hudson Valley Athletics. Through his leadership in event operations, facility coordination, and scheduling, he has helped ensure a positive experience for student-athletes, coaches, and visitors alike. His professionalism, reliability, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on the department and College community.

The 2025-26 academic year was marked by historic accomplishments across Hudson Valley Athletics, including conference championships, regional titles, national tournament appearances, All-American honors, and academic success. The Year-End Awards recognize the individuals whose dedication, leadership, and achievements helped make this one of the most memorable years in Viking Athletics history.

Hudson Valley Community College congratulates all award recipients and thanks them for their outstanding contributions to the continued success of Viking Athletics.