SAN DIEGO- SDSU Athletics brought the Aztec community together on Monday, April 21, for its fourth annual A.C.E. Awards at Montezuma Hall, honoring student-athletes for their accomplishments in academics, athletics, and leadership. The A.C.E. Awards, short for Aztecs Celebrating Excellence, recognize the dedication, resilience, and spirit that define what it means to be an Aztec.
The evening welcomed student-athletes, donors, campus partners, and athletic staff, united in celebration of a year marked by success and growth. Former SDSU wide receiver and proud Aztec for Life, Jemond Hazely, served as emcee.
“The A.C.E. Awards are a true celebration of the heart and hard work our student-athletes pour into every part of their lives. This event allows us to honor not just their athletic accomplishments, but their academic excellence, personal growth, and commitment to their futures beyond SDSU. It’s inspiring to see our Aztec community come together to recognize the incredible resilience, determination, and spirit that define what it means to be an Aztec,” said Danielle Kelly, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Support Services.
This year marked a standout period of academic achievement across SDSU Athletics. A total of 404 student-athletes were recognized as Scholar-Athletes, an honor awarded to those who earned a semester GPA of 3.2 or higher or maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Additionally, 51 student-athletes received the Malik Award, presented to those who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. Women’s golf and men’s soccer posted the highest team GPAs for 2024, with averages of 3.63 and 3.25, respectively.
Two special awards recognized student-athletes for personal and professional growth:
- The Aztecs Going Pro Resilience Award honors student-athletes who have demonstrated significant academic or personal improvement through resilience, dedication, and effort.
Recipients: Meredith Smithbaker (Swimming & Diving), Omar Serrano (Baseball) - The All-Aztecs Going Pro Award recognizes individuals who have exemplified personal growth, career development, and/or civic engagement throughout their collegiate careers.
Recipients: Valentina Lopez Arevalo (Swimming & Diving), Xavier Hamlett (Football)
“The A.C.E. Awards represent the blood, sweat, and tears our student-athletes pour into their development and craft in their respective arenas. We embrace the culmination of the academic and athletic calendar to bring everyone together for our biggest celebration of excellence. They’ve earned the right to let loose with their peers and our Aztec family,” said Brenden Hill, Assistant Athletic Director, Student-Athletes Development and NIL
In addition to honoring student-athletes, two SDSU staff members were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the student-athlete experience:
- Dr. James Kitchen Distinguished Service Award: Chip Pierce, Director of the SDSU Financial Aid Office
- Aztec Staff Distinguished Service Award: Scott Horvath, Assistant Athletic Director of Information Technology
The Aztec Awards also spotlighted individual excellence across several categories, with each team nominating a representative. Winners were selected by members of the leadership team and media relations.
- Newcomer of the Year: Veronica Sheffey (Women’s Basketball), Magoon Gwath (Men’s Basketball)
- Athlete of the Year: Justin Hastings (Men’s Golf), Shaquena Foote (Track & Field)
- Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Jenna Fee Feyerabend (Track & Field), Reid Fisher (Men’s Soccer)
Throughout the academic year, all 16 athletic teams competed for the Aztec Cup, awarded to the team that earns the most points through community service, support of fellow athletes, and participation in Aztecs Going Pro activities.
2025 Winner: Lacrosse
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) also presented its annual superlative awards, which are voted on by student-athletes:
- Most Team Spirit: Mikey Welsh (Football), Grace Uribe (Softball)
- FAC Rat Award: Thokbor Majak (Men’s Basketball), Christiana Williams (Swimming & Diving)
- Most Likely to Be Seen on a TV Show: Xavier Hamlett (Football), Natalie Hughes (Volleyball)
- Lasting Legacy: Trey White (Football), Hannah Waller (Track & Field)
- Best Shoe Game: Deshawn McCuin (Football), Tierney Schaible (Lacrosse)
- Most Comedic: Isaac Araiza (Baseball), Angie Yellen (Softball)
In addition to the awards, the evening included spirited games such as trivia and a crowd-favorite "Head-to-Head Face-Off." In this on-stage competition, 16 student-athletes faced off in a bracket-style showdown, with teammates and friends cheering them on until one winner remained.
The 2025 A.C.E. Awards ceremony was a night to remember, celebrating academic excellence, athletic achievement, and the powerful sense of community that defines SDSU Athletics.