On Wednesday, May 12, the CUNY Athletic Conference gathered at Baruch College for the culminating event of the 2009-10 academic year, the 24th Annual Michael Steuerman Scholar-Athlete Awards, saluting the best and brightest of the CUNYAC. Student-Athletes, coaches, administrators and friends are rewarded for their notable efforts on the field, in the classroom, in the office, in the community and beyond.
Four Scholar-Athletes of the Year were be recognized, along with 35 honorable mention scholar-athletes. In addition, the presentation of the CUNYAC Commissioner’s Cup, a salute to the year’s 26 (and counting) All-Americans and our special award, the ‘Friend of CUNY’ will all be unveiled.
Our featured award winners honor a male and a female Scholar-Athlete of the Year on the senior and community college levels, whose athletic and academic success were deemed to be above and beyond by the selection committee. Given the extraordinary accomplishments of all of the honorable mentions, it is a credit to our selected winners to stand at the top of this group of exemplary students.
The big winners this year are Stacey Geoghegan (BMCC, Swimming), Evgeniya Kim (Hunter, Tennis), Aleksandr Kopach (KCC, Track) and Justin Wong (Baruch, Swimming). Read on for their amazing stories!
2010 Senior College Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year
evgeniya kim • Hunter College
Evgeniya Kim is champion of social justice. She is a champion on the court, as the most accomplished women’s tennis player in the 25 year-history of the CUNY Athletic Conference. Evgeniya is also a champion in the classroom with a 3.70 grade point average at Hunter with a full merit scholarship to CUNY’s Macauley Honors College. A double major in Political Science and English, she is determined to make a difference in the world of international affairs, specializing in human rights and is already making strides in the field. Her former doubles partner Monica Calungcagin described Evgeniya as “an extremely busy girl, who gives you her undivided attention.”
Named the CUNYAC Player of the Year four times and the Tournament Most Valuable Player thrice, Evgeniya has led the Hawks to four consecutive Conference Regular Season and Tournament titles. The resident of Flushing, Queens has played first singles (61-6 career) and first doubles (54-15) for Hunter and never lost a match to a CUNYAC opponent in singles, going 19-0 during the year and 8-0 in the Championships. In doubles she held an 18-1 mark in Conference matches and was 8-1 en route to the Hawks’ four titles, where she led the team to the NCAA Championships every season and this year is no different. Hunter will actually begin their quest for a National Championship this weekend in the NCAA Division III Regionals (details to be determined at press time). In Evgeniya’s first two seasons, the team won its first round match, before falling in the second round of the NCAA’s. Last spring they were eliminated in the first round.
On the court, Evgeniya plays hard, knows how to win and always has a game plan,” said Hunter head coach David Eddy. “And for someone so talented, she is very coachable. As a teammate, she is always supportive and does her best to teach the game to the younger members of the team. An excellent student, who is very involved with her church, she maintains a great, personable and upbeat personality!”
“Her experiences as a Korean-born Uzbek, who moved to the United States to escape the exclusionary policies of her country, have framed her fascination with human rights,” said her Honors College Advisor Adrienne FitzGerald. “Evgeniya is constantly exploring governance and political movements in different countries. This year, she secured a very competitive internship at the Open Society’s Central Eurasia Project and has been conducting research on labor migration, economic rights and the abuse of human rights in the region.”
“A whirlwind organizer, who feels most comfortable in motion,” continued FitzGerald. “An athlete of unusual ability, with a profound concern for others and a sharp analytic mind, Evgeniya has begun to consider how sports might be used in the service social and economic development. Evgeniya is an organic leader who builds networks out of a deep affinity for people and her desire to live in a tolerant and peaceful world.”
2010 Senior College Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year
justin wong • Baruch College
The list of accomplishments for Justin Wong as a four-year swimmer at Baruch College is so long, a printer could run out of paper trying to list them all. Just as sizeable is the list of his academic and community service activities. Put them together and it’s easy to see why he has been chosen to receive the 2009-10 CUNYAC Men’s Scholar-Athlete Award.
“No matter what task is placed before Justin, regardless of size or importance, he will complete them all with the same degree of respect and precision,” said Charles Lampasso, Baruch’s Director of Aquatics and head coach for both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams. “Justin has a number of strengths to offer, including, but not limited to, his diligence, work ethic and honesty. He has an aptitude unlike many others academically, athletically and socially.”
As a Finance and Investments major, with a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies of New York City, Wong, a senior, has a 3.740 GPA. He has been on the Dean’s List the past three years and is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the Business Honor Society. As a volunteer, he has been a mentor for incoming freshman as part of New York City Outward Bound, worked with Beautify New York City, and participated in Light the Night Walk, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society charity event, and the CUNY-American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
As a collegiate athlete, Wong, who began competitive swimming in third grade and was on the swim team at James Madison High School, has been setting records and racking up medals since he was a freshman. In his first season at Baruch, he won the CUNY Championships 200 individual medley, placed high in both the ECAC Division III and Metropolitan Championships, As a sophomore, he set a school record in the 200 Breaststroke and was part of three school-record setting relay teams. As a junior, along with setting Baruch records in the 100 and 200 Breaststroke and 200 Freestyle Relay, he won the the impressive interdisciplinary 400 IM at the CUNY Championships and led four relay teams to top finishes as well.
This past season, Wong again set individual school records in the 100 and 200 Breaststroke, placed high in a variety of individual and relay team races at the CUNY Championships, along with top finishes at both the ECAC and Met Championship meets.
“Baruch’s swim team became my family from the instant I joined,” said Wong. “As team captain (the past two years), I worked harder than ever before to lead my team to a championship victory. Winning the first CUNYAC Championship for our swim program gave me the greatest sense of achievement I have ever felt in my swimming career.”
Wong takes just as much pride in his penchant for volunteerism. “It’s nice to give back,” he said. “As CUNY students, we should show we care about our community. A lot of people need help.”
2010 Community College Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year
stacey geoghegan
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Imagine this: Graduating from Port Richmond High School in 1998, going to work right away and starting to raise a family which, 11 years later, includes four children. And then, enrolling in college and joining the swim team. All that would be daunting enough to just try for any mother of four, with the demands all that entails, but to excel both academically and athletically is downright remarkable.
Meet Stacey Geoghegan, a nursing major at Borough of Manhattan Community College, who makes the word “multitasking” seem insufficient for what she has done so far.
A Dean’s List student, she has a GPA of 3.75. As captain of the Panthers swim team, she has racked up a gym bag full of CUNYAC and NJCAA honors. She won the 2009 CUNY Swim Championships 50 and 100 Freestyle events. She captured the silver in the 2010 CUNY 200 Free, and bronze medals in both the 50 and 1,650 free, a rare combination. She was second in both the 50 and 100 free, and third in the 200 free, at the 2009 NJCAA Regionals; and, most recently this past season, second in both the 100 and 200 freestyle competition, and third in the 50 free at the 2010 NJCAA National Championships.
“Working, and then raising a family, were my first priorities coming out of high school,” said Geoghegan, who swam freestyle and individual medley for three years at Port Richmond. “But, after 11 years, I figured it was time to go back to school. For one, it’s a good example for my kids. And, I’ll be the first person in my family to get a college degree.”
Day care availability was among the prime factors for Geoghegan in choosing to enroll at BMCC. “Living close to the school, and the fact they have day care, were a big consideration,” she said. “The kids loved the day care program.” While on campus, Geoghegan saw an article about the college swim team and approached BMCC coach Andy Escobar. “He gave me a chance and I’m very grateful. This was something for me, not my family,” said Geoghegan.
“She was a walk-on, and wasn’t sure she could swim competitively,” said Escobar. “She had been out of school for a long time. But she worked hard. She has a good attitude, no matter how hard the workouts. She is always positive. She’s a leader.” Attaining national caliber times, though, was no easy task. “Her schedule was really full,” said Escobar. “In the pool three hours a day, five days a week; taking her kids to school, picking them up, taking them to activities; studying for classes and exams. In the beginning, I didn’t think she’d make it. But, she never missed a day. She juggled school life, family life and swimming.”
As she finishes her nursing education at a four-year CUNY school, will Geoghegan continue swimming competitively? “No,” she said. “But, I will be there to help and watch my kids. They are all into swimming.”
2010 Community College Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year
aleksandr kopach
Kingsborough Community College
Like many other junior college students, Aleksandr Kopach didn’t begin his post-secondary education immediately following high school. For him, there was a stint in the military before leaving the service and enrolling at Kingsborough.
“I spent four years in the U.S. Army,” said the 2009-10 CUNY Community College Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. “I always ran in the Army, but not in terms of track. I went to Kingsborough to get an education. That they had a track team was a plus. I always liked being part of a team.”
A biology and pre-med major, Kopach has excelled both in and out of the classroom at KCC. A Dean’s List and Kingsborough Honors Program student, he has a GPA of 3.95. He’s service oriented, tutoring student-athletes at KCC and serving as an aide for biology students, addition to volunteer work at Coney Island Hospital.
As a runner, Kopach competes in all three seasons: cross country in the fall, indoor track and field in the winter, and outdoor track and field in the spring. In 2009, he won the CUNYAC Community College Men’s Cross Country individual championship. Further, he’s helped KCC capture the 2009 CUNYAC men’s outdoor team title and the 2010 indoor team championship. Originally a sprinter, he’s switched to middle distance with a personal best of 1:57 in the 800 meters, the distance at which he finished 11th nationally in last season’s NJCAA Division III Championships.
“At first, I was a sprinter but my coach put me in the 800’s to help score some points for the team,” said Kopach. “I was surprised when I did so well.” In addition to running the 800 individually, where he had the fourth best time in the country in mid-season this spring, Kopach is part of two relay squads, the 4x400 and 4x800. At last glance, KCC had posted the fastest NJCAA Division III time for the 4x400.
“Aleksandr is a very disciplined athlete and student,” said KCC track coach Dave Loobie. “He’s an exceptionally hard worker. On trips to different meets, he always has his head buried in his school books.”
When he joined the team at KCC, Kopach was entirely new to the sport, which makes what he’s achieved even more impressive. “He had not run track before college, so what he has accomplished in a short time is remarkable,” said Loobie. “His will, in terms of working hard, has really paid off.”
Beyond KCC, Kopach intends to continue at Stony Brook University as a bio-chem/pre-med major. Once again, the fact that Stony Brook has a track team is a plus. “Oh yes, I’m hoping to continue running track, too,” he said.
2010 CUNYAC Honorable Mention Scholar-Athletes
Muhammad Abdul-Karim • Medgar Evers • Psychology
Participated two years on the basketball and cross country teams at John Jay before transferring to MEC two years ago, where he continued to play hoops for the Cougars. Maintaining a 3.58 GPA, while playing ball and holding a full-time job.
Jose Arroyo Jr. • Kingsborough • Physical Education
A 6'0 guard on KCC's back-to-back CUNYAC/Con Edison Men's Basketball Championship teams, he was a CUNYAC First Team All-Star, scoring 14.3 points, which was second on the team. Also averaged 3.4 rebounds and three assists.
Kelsey Ash • Lehman • Social Work
A two-year member of the Lightning women’s basketball team, a shooting guard with over 100 assists and 100 three-pointers made in her career while carrying a 3.74 GPA off the court and performing plenty of volunteer work.
Alpha Barry • Hostos • Civil Engineering Service
Named to the NJCAA Region XV Men's Soccer Sportsmanship team, he dedicates his time to volunteering at orientations, school registrations, and homecoming. Also a strong believer in community service with an outstanding 3.85 GPA.
Shawn Baumann • Brooklyn • Physical Education
Outside of his 3.57 grade point average, he has been a motivational leader for the Bulldogs men's volleyball and cross country teams the last two years. He's also a volunteer firefighter when he's not working as a game aide at BC.
Adam Birnbaum • Staten Island • Economics
A three-year member of the soccer team, who has never been carded in a game and was on the department's search committee for their most recent coach. Besides owning a 3.90 GPA, he works at an after school program with young children and at a summer camp.
Danielle Bonici • John Jay • Criminal Justice
A four-year captain and all-star on the softball team with near .400 career batting average is already regarded as one of the best players in school history. A CUNY Scholar-Athlete of the Month, she has a 3.42 GPA and was school SAAC President this year.
Darin Boodram • Hunter • Sociology
A four-year fencer (foil) for the Hawks, was the school's SAAC President this year and was the only DIII fencer to attend a recent NCAA Leadership Conference. The team captain also does Peer Advisement at the HC Student Center.
Janina Browne • Lehman • Economics
Two-year captain of the Lightning’s Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams, was a CUNYAC Champion in the Weight Throw in 2009 and 2010, and CUNYAC Indoor All-Star this year.
Sherine Crawford • Medgar Evers • Biology
Graduated Summa Cum Laude (3.81 GPA) after playing women’s tennis for the Cougars the last three seasons. Playing #1 singles, this past season was named a honorable mention all-star.
Kalea Davis • Baruch • Corporate Communications
A three-time All-CUNYAC selection and the 2010 CUNYAC Tournament MVP for the dominant Baruch women's basketball program. Scored her 1,000 point and grabbed her 1,000 rebound this season. She is an NCAA record holder with 18 straight double-doubles.
Raymie Fernandez • CCNY • Childhood Education
Hitting second in the lineup, the senior catcher led the Baseball team in RBI's this season with an average near .300 going into the CUNYAC Championship. A two-time CUNYAC All-Star, he moved from the 2nd team in 2009 to the 1st team in 2010.
Brian Flynn-Kocourek • Queensborough • Business Economics
A 6'4" sophomore first baseman for the Tigers baseball team, he's batting .333 during this current season, as QCC captured another CUNYAC Championship at MCU Park. A team leader, he also works as a tutor at QCC.
Charlina Gallegos • York • Biology
The Cardinals’ setter on the women’s volleyball team for four seasons, and the team Captain this past year when she recorded her 1,000th career assist. A Biology major with a 3.3 GPA.
Floriana Garo • CCNY • International Studies
CUNYAC Player of the Year and Tournament MVP in 2009, she led the Beavers to the CUNYAC Title and an NCAA berth. Was also the Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2007 and was named CUNYAC Player of the Week 15 times in her record-breaking CCNY career.
Ryan Hennesssey • Staten Island • Business Management
Ranks 20th all-time at CSI with 1,141 points in men's basketball, including well over 200 three pointers in four seasons. A two-year team captain, he led the Dolphins off the court as well . Coaches youth league basketball and tutors at the College.
Katherine Higuera-McCoy • John Jay • Justice Studies
A four-year reserve on the women’s volleyball team, she registered 175 digs during the 2009 season. Holds an impressive 3.63 GPA and works in a New York Cares homeless shelter.
Andreas Kalpaxis • Hunter • History
Led the Hawks to the CUNYAC men's soccer title in 2008, was team captain in 2009 while being named a CUNYAC all-star three times. A strong defender, has helped lead the team to an 18-12-4 CUNYAC mark in his four seasons in the backfield (five goals scored).
Karolina Koguc • Hunter • Biochemistry/ Special Honors
A former CUNYAC Women's Volleyball Rookie of the Year, she finished in the top 15 in all of the major statistical categories for the historic Hawks' program. Carrying an amazing 3.87 GPA, she helped lead Hunter to two CUNYAC Regular Season and two CUNYAC Tournament titles.
Timothy Mann • Brooklyn • Exercise Science
Finished in the top five at the CUNYAC Cross Country Championships each of the last three seasons. Won 2009 CUNYAC Sportsmanship Award from the coaches; A former Marine boasting a 3.73 GPA, he has become a tremendous influence on younger runners.
Vaughn Mason • John Jay • Criminology
A two-time CUNYAC All-Star with 1,283 career points (6th all-time at JJC); Mason averaged a double-double with 19.2 points and 10.1 rebounds this past year, earning him ECAC & D3Hoops.com honors as well. Was a starter on John Jay's 2008 1st-Ever CUNYAC Champion squad.
Kayla McCusker • Queensborough • Psychology
Captain of the softball team this season, the top pitcher on the Tigers was named First Team All-Region as a freshman and is having an even better season as a sophomore on the mound and at the plate.
Danielle McLaughlin • Staten Island • Science Letters & Society
Broke school three-point single season record with 72 (in 25 games) this season, scoring 13.4 points a game. The Vice-President of the Dolphins’ SAAC Committee during both her seasons at CSI, she holds a stellar 3.75 GPA.
Tara Meiners • Staten Island • Science, Letters & Society
One of CSI’s all-time best swimmers, she has exemplified excellence at each turn. Holds seven CSI swim records and has won 67 medals at various championship events in her four years. She’s the Founder & President of the CSI Peace Club, a social action club and has a 3.64 GPA.
Deyquan Nesbit • Hostos • Business Management
In his first season with the Caimans. he led the men's basketball team in scoring (13.4 points), assists and steals. Named a First Team All-Star by CUNYAC and an All-Region Second Team selection. Has a 3.68 GPA, was CUNYAC / HSS Scholar-Athlete of the Month last December.
Alexandra Nkrumah • York • Economics
One of the most gifted CUNYAC athletes on the field, earning Track & Field Athlete of the Year accolades three times (Outdoor 2008 & 2009; Indoor 2009); named MVP of the Indoor & Outdoor Championship Meets five times and led the Cardinals to four CUNYAC titles. Also sports a 3.41 GPA.
Olexandra Ovsiy • Brooklyn • Chemistry
The 2008 CUNYAC Rookie of the Year in women’s tennis, she enjoyed a 17-7 career singles record, playing at the top three spots in the lineup. Was named a CUNYAC All-Star this past season, a chemistry major with a 3.47 GPA.
Jessica Penaherrera-Kang • Baruch • International Marketing
A record-breaking two-sport athlete, has led the Bearcats to the school’s first-ever title in both cross country and women’s swimming. Has won 15 gold medals and one MVP award at her four CUNYAC Swimming Championships and has two silver medal finishes at the Cross Country Champs. A dynamic leader and motivator, also holds a 3.5 GPA.
Rynae Rasley • CCNY • Studio Art
A two-year hoopster for CCNY, she averaged career-highs of 9.6 points and 3.9 assists a game this year for the Beavers, while maintaing a 3.67 GPA.
Priscilla Ramirez • Brooklyn • Sport Management
A first-year graduate student with a 3.58 GPA, she was named All-CUNYAC twice in women’s basketball and HSS Scholar-Athlete of the Month two times as well. Last season she averaged 14 points a game and led the Bulldogs to a school record 19 wins.
Johanky Reyes • Bronx • Math
A two-year member of the Broncos women's volleyball team, which has won back-to-back CUNYAC Championships. Also works for the CUNY Language Immersion program.
Modou Seck • BMCC • Business Administration
A co-captain for the BMCC men's soccer team this season, he was named to the All-Region First Team, as the Panthers advanced to he CUNYAC Championship game after winning the title two years ago. Has a 3.76 GPA, while also coaching youth soccer in Harlem.
Andrew Smith • Baruch • Entrepreneurship & Small Business
Two-time CUNYAC Champion in Men's Tennis and starter in the NCAA Championships the last two years. A team captain this year, he boasts over 30 career victories for Bearcats (as of press time). Holding a 3.57 GPA, he is a Neidorf Accounting Scholarship Winner at Baruch.
Joceny Theresias • John Jay • Public Administration
A role player for the Bloodhounds men's soccer team for four seasons, Theresias is a native of Haiti, and became the first person in his family to attend and graduate from college.
Fuat Yapar • Kingsborough • Business Administration
Despite standing only 6'4", he has played center for the two-time CUNYAC / Con Edison Basketball champion Wave teams, averaging 11 points and five rebounds a game this season, as KCC won the title on their home court. Yapar holds a 3.66 GPA.
CUNYAC Also presented awards to the 2009-10 All-Americans.
Here is the link to the entire list
-- CUNYAthletics.com --