LEWISTON, Maine – The Bates College Department of Athletics gathered once again to celebrate an unforgettable year of Bobcat achievement, as the 2025-26 season was honored Tuesday, May 5 at the third annual CATSBYS Awards.
Hosted in Merrill Gymnasium, the evening welcomed student-athletes, coaches, staff, and members of the Bates community for a lively dessert reception filled with celebration, connection, and school spirit. Guests walked the red carpet, posed for photos, and enjoyed an evening dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments and moments that defined the year in Bates athletics.
Director of Athletics,
Stacey Bunting welcomed the audience with opening remarks before introducing this year's masters of ceremony:
Jacob Kodjababian '26 (Men's Lacrosse) and
Sophie Spolter '26 (Women's Lacrosse).
The celebration also featured a stirring rendition of Queen's
Somebody to Love performed by the Bates College Crosstones, adding to the energy and atmosphere of the night.
The awards ceremony would then commence with the following awards presented at the CATSBYS:
LEWISTON STRONG AWARD
Presented by Charlie Cariello '28 (Baseball) and Juno Rogers '28 (Women's Track & Field), the Lewiston Strong Award is presented to one Bobcat from a women's team, and one from a men's program, that prioritizes service and engagement, both on campus and in the Lewiston-Auburn community.
Winner (Women's)
Sarah Jane Gavin '26 (Women's Lacrosse)
Other Nominees: Ruby Hill '27 (Women's Soccer), Margaret Voisin '28 (Women's Nordic Skiing)
Winner (Men's)
David Omasombo '26 (Men's Basketball)
Other Nominees: Carmel Crunk '28 (Football), Roan Hopkins '27 (Men's Lacrosse)
TEAM BOBCAT AWARD
Presented by Theo Sardain '26 (Men's Tennis) and Malina Young '28 (Volleyball), the Team Bobcat Award is presented to a student-athlete from both a women's and men's program that influences others to succeed. This individual drives their teammates, does the little things to be successful, motivates, leads by example, and possesses that "it" factor.
Winner (Men's)
Benjamin Wolking '27 (Men's Swimming & Diving)
Other Nominees: Luke Desmaison '26 (Men's Rowing), Johnny Nunez '26 (Men's Lacrosse)
Winner (Women's)
Moriah Scharn '26 (Women's Track & Field)
Other Nominees: Caroline Keating '26 (Women's Lacrosse), Isabella Saul '26 (Women's Tennis)
MOMENT OF THE YEAR
Presented by Lane Fousheé '26 (Men's Soccer) and Olivia Smith '26 (Women's Rowing), the Moment of the Year highlights an individual moment from a game, match, or competition occurring over the last calendar year.
Winner (Women's)
Mya Hicks '27 (Game-tying three-pointer to force overtime as Women's Basketball went on to defeat #6 Smith, 74-70, in the second round of the NCAA DIII Championship Tournament)
Other Nominees: Sarah Palmer '27 (Winning the NESCAC crown, and breaking her own team record, in the 200-yard breaststroke), Women's Tennis (The Bobcats held on to defeat Trinity, 4-3, in a match capped by a tense 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory from Lia Swire '29 at No. 4 singles)
Winner (Men's)
Men's Swimming (Max Cory '26, Tim Johnson '27, Nate Oppenheim '28, and Marrich Somridhivej '26 team to shatter the NCAA DII record in the 400-yard medley relay and secure the first national relay title in program history)
Other Nominees: Men's Track & Field (Jackson Monz '26, Nate Roberts '28, Cam Stathos '25, and Ross Tejeda '26 joined forces to win the 2025 NESCAC Championship in the 4x800 relay, smashing the conference record in the process), Sean O'Leary '28 (The sophomore's incredible behind-the-back pass, resulting in a Babacar Pouye '27 lay-up in a win vs. Bowdoin, earns No. 8 on the ESPN SportsCenter Top-10 later that evening)
AWARD OF APPRECIATION
Presented by the "Voice of the Bobcats" Aaron Morse, the Department of Athletics celebrated Phyllis Graber Jensen, Director of Photography and Video for the Office of Communications and Marketing, who has announced that 2025-26 will be her final year at Bates as she heads into retirement.
Having captured the day in the life of the Bobcats with precision for decades, the Bobcats presented an award of appreciation with the inscription:
"With appreciation for your trailblazing spirit and unwavering passion for the Bobcats. From the heat of competition to the spirit of community, your lens has captured the heart of Bates Athletics and preserved our defining moments. With gratitude for a lasting legacy."
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Presented by Maya Lee '27 (Softball) and Dennis Welte '28 (Men's Squash), the Rookie of the Year is presented to Bates' top first-year student-athlete who is a steady, consistent presence; a demonstrator of outstanding ability; and possesses high personal motivation and drive.
Winner (Men's)
Chris Bianco '29 (Men's Soccer)
Other Nominees: Henry McCann '29 (Men's Lacrosse), Jamari Robinson '29 (Men's Basketball)
Winner (Women's)
Hannah Pawlowski '29 (Women's Track & Field)
Other Nominees: Virginia Avery '29 (Women's Lacrosse), Claire Gaetani '29 (Women's Basketball)
GAME OF THE YEAR
Presented by Benji Richards '27 (Men's Rowing) and Liana Rosman '26 (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Winner (Women's)
Basketball (Rallied from down 18 to defeat No. 6 Smith in overtime, 74-70, in NCAA III Championship Second Round)
Other Nominees: Field Hockey (Largest come-from-behind victory in at least 40 years when they rallied from down three goals to defeat No. 13 Bowdoin 4-3 in overtime) Volleyball (comeback win as the Bobcats' defeat the Polar Bears for the first time since 2017 and in Brunswick for the first time since 2005)
Winner (Men's)
Football (Celebrating the 150th anniversary since the first game in program history, the Bobcats open the season with a 26-23, 2 OT victory vs. Amherst)
Other Nominees: Men's Lacrosse (The Bobcats defeat No. 6 Wesleyan, 13-11 ... the program's first road win over the Cardinals since 2016); Men's Soccer (Defeated defending national champion and No 13 Amherst, 3-0, the Bobcats' first road win over the Mammoths since 1992)
MILTON L. LINDHOLM SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARDS
Presented by Dr. Joanne K. Roberts, Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty/Professor of Economics, the Milton L. Lindholm Scholar Athlete Awards have been given annually since 1976 to the senior men's team and senior women's team athletes with the highest grade point averages. The awards honor Milton L. Lindholm, Class of 1935, who served as Bates Dean of Admissions for 32 years.
This year's recipients include: Dylan Roberts (3.96-Football), Gianna Ferrara (3.97-Women's Track & Field), Bella Lomet (3.96-Volleyball), and Grace Yonchak (3.96-Women's Lacrosse).
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Presented by Scarlett Hine '28 (Women's Squash) and Ryan Rozich '27 (Football), the Most Valuable Player must have at least sophomore standing and may either be highly versatile or demonstrate excellence in one sport. The MVP must be a steady, consistent athlete; display good sportsmanship; have high personal motivation and drive; and maintain an attitude and character that represents the ideals of Bates College.
WINNER (Men's)
Marrich Somridhivej '26 (Men's Swimming and Diving)
Other Nominees: Babacar Pouye '27 (Men's Basketball), Gibby Sullivan '26 (Baseball)
WINNER (Women's)
Elsa Daulerio '26 (Women's Basketball)
Other Nominees: Haley Dwight '27 (Field Hockey), Sarah Palmer '27 (Women's Swimming and Diving)
PRESIDENT'S CUP
Presented by President Garry W. Jenkins, the President's Cup is to be presented annually to the athletic program that has excelled in athletic competition, in the classroom, and in the community, while exemplifying leadership, dedication, values, and concern for their fellow Bobcats.
WINNER
Men's Swimming and Diving
Men's Golf senior captain, Henry Ehrlich, presented the 2026 Senior Reflection.
