SAN DIEGO - San Diego State Athletics hosted its fifth annual A.C.E. Awards on Monday, April 20, bringing together the Aztec community and honor Aztecs 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. This tradition allows all of the Aztec community to come together and celebrate one another.
“Events like the A.C.E Awards remind us that success at SDSU goes far beyond competition,” SDSU’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support Services Danielle Kelly said. “Our incredible student-athletes continue to raise the bar in the classroom, in their sport, and in the community. It is inspiring to celebrate their holistic development, who they are, and what they represent.”
This year marked a standout period of academic achievement across SDSU Athletics. A total of 439 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, 49 student-athletes received the Malik Award, presented to those who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. Swimming & diving and men’s soccer posted the highest team GPAs for 2025, with averages of 3.61 and 3.31, 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: Alyssa Schiller (Swimming & Diving), Joe Borjon (Football) - The All-Aztecs Going Pro Award recognizes individuals who have exemplified personal growth, career development, and/or civic engagement throughout their collegiate careers.
Recipients: Katie Senn (Women’s Soccer), Lorenzo Hernandez (Men’s Soccer)
“It’s an honor and a privilege to help steward our annual ACE awards,” Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development and NIL Brenden Hill said. “The end of year celebration is a moment in time that brings staff, student-athletes, coaches, and campus partners together as we recognize and reflect on all we have accomplished as a collective. I’m extremely proud of the role AGP plays in the event.”
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: SDSU Admissions
- Aztec Staff Distinguished Service Award: Alex Strunk, Health Educator and Associate Athletic Trainer
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 athletic communications..
- Newcomer of the Year: Isabella Gomez (Swimming & Diving), Tae Simmons (Men’s Basketball)
- Athlete of the Year: Nala Williams (Women’s Basketball), Chris Johnson (Football)
- Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Jo-Yee Chan (Women’s Tennis), Aidan Russell (Baseball)
Throughout the academic year, all 17 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.
2025-26 Winner: Water Polo
“It was amazing being a part of putting together this ceremony that celebrated my fellow student athletes and SDSU Athletics Department. It allows people to recognize and celebrate how resilient and passionate we are about our sports, SDSU, and our community!” Katie Senn, SAAC President
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) also presented its annual superlative awards, which are voted on by student-athletes:
- Most Team Spirit: Jordan Dobin (Lacrosse), Latrell Davis (Men’s Basketball)
- #BiggerThanUs: Katie Senn (Women’s Soccer), Tyler Kowack (Men’s Golf)
- Most Likely to Be Seen on a TV Show: Sophia Bruzzone (Lacrosse), Miles Byrd (Men’s Basketball)
- Most Comedic: Meja Palmer (Swimming & Diving), Dawson Santana (Baseball)
The 2026 A.C.E. Awards was a night to remember, celebrating academic excellence, athletic achievement, and the powerful sense of community that defines SDSU Athletics.