INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Indianapolis Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted its inaugural SAAC awards on Wednesday evening, honoring 12 athletes in a variety of categories from inside Nicoson Hall.
 
Winners were selected from a nomination pool between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. 
 
Prior to the awards, UIndy President Dr. Tanuja Singh and interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. D. Scott Gines welcomed the student-athletes to the event and praised their energy. UIndy women's soccer student-athlete Rochelle Maxson and baseball student-athlete Caleb Vaughn served as the emcees for the evening.
 
A variety of people and departments were recognized, including Athletic Communications, Coaches, Graduate Assistants, Sports Medicine, and Strength and Conditioning, as well graduating student-athletes with 4.0 GPAs and the class of 2024.
 
The event ran from 6:45-7:45 for a "entrée hour," with the awards ceremony running from 8-9 p.m. The list of winners can be found below in order of presentation.
 
Top Female Athlete: Zoe Pentecost, Track & Field
Top Male Newcomer: Maverick Conaway, Golf
Top Female Individual Performance: Hallie Montgomery, Track & Field
Top Male Athlete: Gavin Sukup, Football
Top Female Newcomer: Kirabo Namutebi, Swim & Dive
Top Male Individual Performance: Cedric Buessing, Swim & Dive*
Female Mental Attitude: Mariah Judy, Cross Country
Male Moment of the Year: Derek Blubaugh, Wrestling
Female Moment of the Year: Jada Haines, Basketball**
Male Mental Attitude: Joey Bertrand, Lacrosse
Female Team of the Year: Softball
Male Team of the Year: Basketball
 
* Brother and fellow Swimming & Diving student-athlete Silas Buessing accepted the award as Cedric was out of town qualifying for the Olympics.
** Women's Basketball assistant coach Ashley Yu accepted the award on Jada's behalf.

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