Sep 17, 2022; Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers holder Cam Guess (92) holds the ball for kicker Ben Sauls (90) as Western Michigan Bronco Keni-H Lovely (18) attempts to block the ball in the first quarter at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kimberly Moss-Imagn Images Kimberly Moss-Imagn Images

Pitt Announces 2025 Choice Awards Winners

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Panthers on SI
By Kevin Sinclair | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 5:00 PM ET

The annual Choice Awards were held by the Pitt Panthers on Monday night. Inside the Panthers On SI breaks down the winners of each category.

Top Overall Academic Teams of the Year

• Winners: Men's Soccer, Women's Cross Country

This award is given to both the male and female team with the highest combined GPA through spring and fall semesters.

Bridge Builder Award

• Winner: Lacrosse

The sport showing strong contributions to the community.

Heart of a Panther Award

Winner: Gracie Kalhoun, Pitt Women's Lacrosse

The student-athlete with the strongest involvement within the community.

The Heart of a Panther Award is presented to the student-athlete who best embodies the spirit of service through the Pitt Promise and is involved in the community beyond what is expected.

Your 2025 winner is Gracie Kahoun from @Pitt_WLAX! pic.twitter.com/gCWVcWCbz1
— Pitt Panthers (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) April 15, 2025

Gold Standard Teammates of the Year

Baseball: Jayden Melendez
Men's Basketball: Papa Amadou Kante
Football: Brandon George
Gymnastics: Jah’Liyah Bedminster
Women's Basketball: Khadija Faye
Lacrosse: Jill French
Men's Soccer: Jackson Gilman
Women's Soccer: Olivia Lee
Men's Track & Field/Cross Country: Quinton Gatons
Women's Track and Field/Cross Country: Sydney Nowicki
Women's Swimming and Diving: Jess Vega
Volleyball: Emmy Klika
Wrestling: Mac Stout
Softball: Tieley Vaughn
Cheer: Angelina Brown
Dance: Emma Racunas

It was a wonderful night celebrating Pitt Panther success!

Congratulations to all of the winners

Read more: https://t.co/hCFElHNwwf pic.twitter.com/3RgPc5YlTK
— Pitt Panthers (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) April 15, 2025

Gold Standard Administrator of the Year

Baseball: Gunnar Geyer
Men's Basketball: Mike Farabaugh
Football: E.J. Borghetti
Gymnastics: Shawn Mueller
Women's Basketball: Kiera Molloy
Lacrosse: Riley Newell
Men's Soccer: Joe Wellwood
Women's Soccer: Mandy Matson
Men's Track and Field/Cross Country: Colby Wilson
Women's Track and Field/Cross Country: Darryl Weston
Men's Swimming and Diving: Casey McAlpine
Women's Swimming and Diving: Dom Gallo
Volleyball: Christina "Tilly" Sheets
Wrestling: Chris Byland
Softball: Devin Young
Cheer: Katie Stumpp
Dance: Katie Stumpp

James Conner Comeback of the Year

Winner: Rashad Battle

The James Conner Comeback of the Year Award was created to remember the extraordinary spirit and determination of @JamesConner_, who returned to action one year after being sidelined with a serious illness.

Your 2025 recipient is Rashad Battle from @Pitt_FB! pic.twitter.com/F3MAZOuIkO
— Pitt Panthers (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) April 15, 2025