TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University athletics department, in conjunction with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), is proud to announce the winners of the 2023-24 Golden PAWS awards show.
The Golden PAWS event took place SECU Arena on May 13, hosted by ESPN anchor Max McGee. Towson president Dr. Mark Ginsberg and athletics director Dr.
Steve Eigenbrot addressed the crowd while Towson athletics department and SAAC representatives announced and handed out the awards, which were nominated and voted on by athletics director senior staff members, head coaches and SAAC representatives.
The Golden PAWS event was organized by a committee led by Senior Associate AD Katie Hine with several staff and student-athletes assisting. Towson student-athletes, coaches and staff gathered up for the annual awards ceremony.
Rookie of the Year
Description: A freshman (true or redshirt) that had an outstanding first season and positively impacted their team.
--Male:
Tyler Tejada, men's basketball
--Female:
Retoshia Halsell, gymnastics
Newcomer of the Year
Description: A transfer that had an outstanding first season at Towson and positively impacted their team.
--Male:
Carter Runyon, football
--Female:
Mya Spencer, tennis
Senior Career Achievement
Description: Recognizes a student-athlete for outstanding achievements through their four (or five) years at Towson.
--Male:
Brian Benzing, swimming |
Charles Thompson, men's basketball
--Female:
Nina Cajic, volleyball
Athlete of the Year
Description: Acknowledges the season-changing impact of one student-athlete this athletic year.
--Male:
Brian Benzing, swimming
--Female:
Isabella Minervini, gymnastics
Best Moment
Description: Recognizes a student-athlete or team for the best moment/play of the year.
--Male: Men's Lacrosse going undefeated in CAA regular season and tournament play
--Female: Women's Soccer winning first CAA title and competing in first NCAA Tournament
Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Description: Recognizes the top academic performer who is of senior academic standing at Towson.
--Male:
Julian Maycock, swimming
--Female:
Annie Keele, field hockey
Strength & Conditioning Award
Description: Recognizes the student-athlete with the greatest commitment to their strength & conditioning program.
--Male: Chris Watkins, football
--Female:
Maja Hansson, women's soccer
Comeback Award
Description: Recognizes the student-athlete who, despite injury, has demonstrated a commitment to the rehabilitation program to return to competition while showing positivity and perseverance.
--Male:
Luke Downs, men's lacrosse
--Female:
Elise Tisler, gymnastics
Community Service Award
Description: Recognizes a student-athlete who demonstrates a commitment to community service, involvement and general positivity in support of Towson University.
--Male: Jack Lawrence, baseball
--Female
Sarah Girot, gymnastics
Best Dressed
Description: A vote for the best dressed team at Golden Paws
--Male: baseball
--Female: track & field
Michele O'Connor Award
Description: Chosen exclusively by Towson SAAC, honoring a Towson athletics staff member who's efforts go above and beyond enhancing the student-athlete experience.
--Winner: Carl White, athletic training
Ted Zaleski Award
Description: Honoring the top student fan of the year to Towson Athletics
--Winner: The TU Sharks
Tiger Cup
Description: Given to the team which attended the most Towson athletic events this season.
--Winner: Women's Golf
