Sweet Briar Athletics/Riding Awards

CRYSLER AWARD | COACH'S AWARD | ATHLETE OF THE YEAR | RIDER OF THE YEAR | THE WHITEMAN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD | ROOKE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR | ROOKIE RIDER OF THE YEAR | CLASS OF 1977 SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD | JEAN PSCHIRRER FIRST-YEAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR | SUSAN LEHMAN COURAGE AWARD | ROBERT BARLOW FACULTY/STAFF AWARD
 
CRYSLER AWARD (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
Ana Patino Tennis 2025
Isabela Guilarte Tennis 2024
Ruth de Souza Tennis 2023
Annika Kuleba Golf 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

Considered the most prestigious of Sweet Briar College Athletic Awards, the Crysler Award has been given since 1979. It was named after its first recipient, Cannie Crysler Shafer '78, a three-sport, four-year varsity athlete at Sweet Briar. The award honors an outstanding four-year varsity athlete/rider who has demonstrated continuous commitment, sportsmanship and achievement in sport.
 
COACH'S AWARD (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
Jillian Lewis Soccer/Swimming 2025
Avery Jones Field Hockey/Tennis 2024
Allison Wandling Tennis 2023
Britt Larson-Jackson Equestrian, NCEA 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

Given to a graduating athlete who participated in Vixen Varsity Athletics for a minimum of three years and has demonstrated 1. Significant athletic achievement in their career. 2. Represented Vixen Athletics with integrity in the Sweet Briar Community. 3. Dedication to the advancement of the program. Must be voted 2/3-vote by the department.
 
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
Amani Narang Golf 2025
Carolina Wilson Cross Country/Track & Field 2024
Amani Narang Golf 2023
Allison Wandling Tennis 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

The Athlete of the Year is a varsity athlete from any class who has had an outstanding year in their sport(s). Nominees must be varsity athletes from any class who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their sport. Performance and sportsmanship will be the criteria for this award
 
RIDER OF THE YEAR (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
Isabelle Mesiarik Equestrian, NCEA 2025
Emmy Longest Equestrian, IHSA/NCEA 2024
Katherine Atherton Equestrian, NCEA 2023
Katherine Atherton Equestrian, NCEA 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

The Rider of the Year is an IHSA/NCEA from any class that has had an outstanding year. Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their sport. Performance and sportsmanship will be the criteria for this award
 
THE WHITEMAN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
Maggie Minton Tennis 2025
Lara Jost Field Hockey 2024
Ingrid Kalwitz Blanco Field Hockey 2023
Avery Jones Field Hockey/Tennis 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

The Whiteman Award was presented by the late President Harold Whiteman and Mrs. Whiteman, both long-time supporters of sports at Sweet Briar. Nominees should be selected with a high scholastic average (3.3+), sportsmanship and outstanding achievement in sport. Nominees must have completed two semesters at Sweet Briar College.
 
ROOKIE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
Abi Sawyers Softball 2025
Ambyre Taylor Softball 2024
Kaylie Hudson Softball 2023
Acadia ElzHowe Swimming 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

The Rookie Athlete of the Year is a true first-year varsity athlete who has had an outstanding year in their sport(s). Nominees must be varsity athletes who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their sport. Performance and sportsmanship are the criteria for this award. 
 
ROOKIE RIDER OF THE YEAR (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
Ariana Schneider Equestrian, IHSA 2025
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Wyette Felton Equestrian, NCEA 2023
Paige Kennedy Equestrian, IHSA/NCEA 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

The Rookie Rider of the Year is a true first-year varsity rider who has had an outstanding year in their sport. Nominees must be varsity riders who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their sport. Performance and sportsmanship are the criteria for this award. 
 
CLASS OF 1977 SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
Ciara Nauful Softball 2025
Renée Taylor Lacrosse/Soccer 2024
Abby Lindsey Field Hockey 2023
Peyton Murphy Swimming 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

The Class of 1977 Sportsmanship Award has been given since 1979 and is presented to a student-athlete selected with regard to their sportsmanship, team spirit and commitment to varsity sports at Sweet Briar.
 
JEAN PSCHIRRER FIRST-YEAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
Yadira Castrejon Soccer 2025
Alexis Diaz Soccer 2024
Victoria Schofield Lacrosse/Soccer 2023
Amani Narang  Golf 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

Presented by the 1984 Spring Tennis Team in honor of Jean Pschirrer, a first-year tennis player who died on the court while warming up for a varsity match. The recipient must be a first-year varsity athlete who demonstrates dedication, motivation, sportsmanship and true love of their sport.
 
SUSAN LEHMAN COURAGE AWARD (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Sport Year
--- --- ---
--- --- ---
Naomi Dachis Equestrian, NCEA 2023
Emily Wrenn Tennis 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

Presented to athletes who have demonstrated courage above and beyond the usual rigors of training and competition. It recognizes athletes who have made a courageous comeback after suffering a setback such as an injury, illness, academic difficulties or personal tragedy.

The award honors Susan Lehman, chaplain of Sweet Briar College from 1985-2001, a dedicated supporter of scholar-athletes at the College, and a daily example of personal courage. The award will be presented when circumstances warrant it to an athlete or athletes selected by members of the Department of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation. Must be voted 2/3-vote by the department.
 
ROBERT BARLOW FACULTY/STAFF AWARD (FOUR MOST RECENT)
Name Year
Dr. Nicholas Kinney 2025
Ms. Martha Campbell 2024
Dr. Bryan Kuhr 2023
Dr. Michelle Gervasio 2022
FULL LIST OF HONOREES

The award is voted on by the student-athletes and is presented to a faculty or staff member for their outstanding service, support and devotion to athletics at Sweet Briar.