BU Honors Department's Best at Virtual Awards Show
May 3, 2021 | General
BOSTON - The Boston University Department of Athletics honored its student-athletes and their accomplishments on Sunday evening during the virtual presentation of the BU Athletics Awards Show. Major awards were handed out in addition to the Athlete Choice Awards in collaboration with BU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Senior Veronica Kriss of the women's track & field and cross country team was selected as the department's Woman of the Year. Kriss has been a leader not only for her team but for the entire athletic department. As a competitor, she has helped lead women's cross country to new heights, improving from seventh at the Patriot League Championship in 2017 to back-to-back champions in her final two years. But more importantly, Kriss has worked tirelessly to help level the playing field for all BU athletes and contribute to the overall improvement of the BU Athletics community in her role as president of BU Athlete Ally. Through her work at Athlete Ally, Kriss has organized two successful Pride Week campaigns and helped other universities start their own chapters.
Mikajah Hayes of the women's track & field team was one of two John B. Simpson Award winners on the basis of enthusiastic senior leadership. A captain who was universally considered the heart and soul of her team, Hayes led by example on and off the track and inspired those around her to be better. In addition to being the ultimate teammate, Hayes was heavily involved in several community service initiatives, including when she spearheaded a voter registration initiative within the BU department of athletics as well as throughout the City of Boston. Hayes also serves as the vice president of the BU Student-Athletes of Color organization and sits on the executive board of the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity.
The other female John B. Simpson Award winner was senior Lily Burchell of the women's tennis team. Burchell, a two-time captain, is the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and also sits on the Athletic Director's Student Advisory Board. A recipient of the Scarlet Key award in the fall, she has been an outstanding representative of her squad both on and off the court. This past weekend, a day after reaching the 100-win milestone, she clinched the final point in her squad's first Patriot League championship victory since 2017 at Navy in a thrilling 4-3 decision.
George Abunaw of the men's soccer team was the male recipient of the John B. Simpson Award. Abunaw's energy and enthusiasm were contagious on and off the field. The consummate teammate, Abunaw's positive attitude helped him overcome injuries throughout his collegiate career and also helped his teammates transition with a new coaching staff. He also served as the social media coordinator for SAAC this year and helped on the production side with athletic department broadcasts.
A selfless teammate who has dedicated her time to making a positive impact throughout our department and the BU campus, senior Shannon Ma of the field hockey team won the Paul Lewis Student-Athlete Service Award. Ma has been involved with SAAC, including this year as secretary, BU Student-Athletes of Color and the Social Justice & Inclusion Committee in addition to several community service initiatives. Her efforts have truly helped to promote an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment through BU Athletics. Ma was also a Scarlet Key recipient this past fall.
Senior Ali DuBois of the softball team is the Mildred Barnes Award winner as the top female athlete of the year for the second straight year. DuBois has dominated opposing hitters in 2021 so far, going 21-0 with a minuscule 0.73 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 125 innings pitched to lead her team to a third straight conference regular season title. Opponents have hit just .158 against DuBois, who has claimed five of her program-record 14 conference Pitcher of the Week awards this season. She recorded her 30th career shutout on Sunday, which is one short of the Patriot League record and third all-time in BU softball history. The two-time PL tournament champion also ranks No. 2 all-time in both record books at 81 career victories.
David Bogatin of the men's tennis team is the E. Ray Speare Award winner as the top male scholar-athlete in the senior class after earning a 3.60 GPA in the Questrom School of Business. Bogatin was outstanding on the court throughout his BU career, leading BU in wins each of his four years as a Terrier. In 2019, Bogatin was a First Team All-Patriot League honoree, and in 2021, he won a pair of Patriot League Player of the Week honors. Academically, Bogatin earned a spot on the 2019 Academic All-Patriot League Team. He is also a two-time member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
Corinne Schroeder of the women's ice hockey team received the Gretchen Schuyler Award as the top female scholar-athlete in the senior class after earning a 3.74 GPA in Sargent College. Schroeder set a number of program records over the past four seasons and will graduate as the program's all-time leader in save percentage (.929) and goals-against average (1.98). Her junior year was the highlight of her four seasons, as she set single-season standards with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage. Schroeder was a two-time Hockey East All-Star and earned a spot on this year's National Goaltender of the Year Award Watch List. Academically, Schroeder was a two-time AHCA All-American Scholar and three-time Hockey East All-Academic selection.
Field hockey head coach Sally Starr won the Bruce Lehane Coaching Award. Since arriving at BU 40 years ago, Starr has established and maintained one of the best field hockey programs in the nation. Though beyond the numerous conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances is a tight-knit culture that Starr built decades ago as she aimed for her student-athletes to build life-long friendships while forever remaining attached to the program. Her ongoing legacy shines through BUFHA, as it's affectionately known, along with the successes off and on the field of her 200-plus alumnae.
The golf team received the Team GPA Award for the second straight year after combining for an impressive 3.70 GPA this year. It didn't matter where the Terriers were learning from, as they excelled in the virtual classroom from their homes across the globe. Despite not arriving on campus until March, the Terriers achieved an outstanding GPA while often attending class at early hours in the morning or late hours at night depending on the time zone. They did this all while still preparing for a golf season in which they won four of the six events they entered.
Given on behalf of Boston University's Department of Athletics, the Joseph P. Mercurio Campus Community Recognition Award honors an individual whose support over the past year has proven invaluable and limitless. This year, the recipient was Bill Murray from Campus Planning & Operations. Murray, who the manager of Boston University's plumbing services, has played a crucial role in the success of the Athletic Department's operations. Murray, who is retiring this year, is also part of the commencement preparation team at Nickerson Field each May.
Athlete Choice Awards
Unsung Hero - Male: Jonas Harper (Men's Basketball), Female: Megan Hickey (Women's Lacrosse)
Rookie of the Year - Male: Matthew Mason (Men's Track & Field and Cross Country), Female: Thalia Steenssens (Field Hockey)
Breakout Athlete of the Year - Male: Suhkmail Mathon (Men's Basketball), Female: Catharine Griskowitz (lightweight rowing)
Play of the Year - Christian Quadrino's goal against Army West Point.
Moment of the Year - Women's cross country captures the Patriot League title behind performance of Andrea Claeson
Teammate of the Year - Male: Andrew Martin (Men's Lacrosse), Female: Sydney Lee (Women's Swimming & Diving)
