CANTON – On Thursday, the Malone University Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the annual Malone Sports Awards (MSAs)!

The winners are featured below. Fans can re-watch the awards show on YouTube.

TOP FEMALE ROOKIE

Awarded to one female student-athlete for their body of work during their first season in a Pioneer uniform.

ERIN KAUFMAN - WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

TOP MALE ROOKIE

Awarded to one male student-athlete for their body of work during their first season in a Pioneer uniform.

CHRISTIAN PICCOLOTTO - MEN'S SOCCER

BEST TEAM PERFORMANCE

Given to the team with the best single game or single event performance this season.

MEN'S SOCCER

2-0 WIN OVER THEN #21 WALSH UNIVERSITY (SEPTEMBER 29)

TOP FEMALE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE

Given to the female athlete who may have had a record-setting performance or one that was simply historic and awe-inspiring. 

ALEXIS HUTCHISON - WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

TOP MALE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE

Given to the male athlete who may have had a record-setting performance or one that was simply historic and awe-inspiring. 

HAYDEN SCHMIDT - MEN'S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

PIONEER LOYALTY AWARD

Given to an assistant coach, graduate assistant, manager or team volunteer who helps a team succeed behind the scenes. This person deserves recognition for their tireless work, long hours and loyalty to support the head coach and athletes.  They consistently go beyond the duties of their job description for the good of the team and university.

BRANDON MILLS - MEN'S GOLF - ASSISTANT COACH

TOP FEMALE BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE

Given to a female athlete that has raised their performance to a new level.  They significantly stepped up their game from one season to the next, and their positive growth had a major impact on their team.

MACY MCCAULEY - VOLLEYBALL

TOP MALE BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE

Given to a male athlete that has raised their performance to a new level.  They significantly stepped up their game from one season to the next, and their positive growth had a major impact on their team.

MAX GUCKER - CROSS COUNTRY

TOP FEMALE PERFORMER “MVP”

Recognizes a female student-athlete for their overall body of work on the field, court, track, diamond, course or pool during this past season.  It encompasses statistical achievement as well as consistency and presence for their given sport.  These student-athletes have garnered recognition for their accomplishments at the conference, region, and national levels.  They represent athletic excellence and stand out for their abilities and achievements

ALEXIS HUTCHISON - WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

TOP MALE PERFORMER “MVP”

Recognizes a male student-athlete for their overall body of work on the field, court, track, diamond, course or pool during this past season.  It encompasses statistical achievement as well as consistency and presence for their given sport.  These student-athletes have garnered recognition for their accomplishments at the conference, region, and national levels.  They represent athletic excellence and stand out for their abilities and achievements

CONNOR CURRY - MEN'S GOLF

MOST OUTSTANDING TEAM

Recognizes one team on campus for their overall body of work on the field, court, track, diamond, course or pool during this past season. 

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

PAUL DAVIDSON “FAN OF THE YEAR”

Paul Davidson was a Malone graduate, education professor and avid Malone basketball fan. For decades, Paul was a fixture at Malone home games. His involvement in the team went far beyond game day. He accompanied coaches on recruiting trips and watched road games from his home in North Canton. After games, it was Paul’s custom to call the head coach and offer elation in a win and encouragement in a loss.  He attended practices and open gyms. Always a giver, Paul generously donated to cross cultural trips to the Dominican Republic, recruiting trips and team meals. Paul has left a legacy of encouragement and faith to Malone Athletics.

KATHY GEOSITS & WINNIE KING

MISS PIONEER

This award is given to the one female athlete who best exemplifies the attributes of good character, integrity and sportsmanship.  They represent and live out Malone’s motto of “Christ’s Kingdom First” in all aspects of their lives...They can be described by the following:  Team first focus...Attitude...Role model...Sportsmanship...Integrity...Humility…

ALEXIS HUSCROFT - WOMEN'S SOCCER

MR. PIONEER

This award is given to the one male athlete who best exemplifies the attributes of good character, integrity and sportsmanship.  They represent and live out Malone’s motto of “Christ’s Kingdom First” in all aspects of their lives...They can be described by the following:  Team first focus...Attitude...Role model...Sportsmanship...Integrity...Humility…

TYSON GINGERICH - BASEBALL