Southwest Minnesota State University celebrated its student-athletes at the annual Mustang Athletic Awards Ceremony on April 27, recognizing achievements from the 2025-26 academic year. Key awards included the Female Athlete of the Year for Leah Jones (volleyball) and Male Athlete of the Year for Jakob Braaten (men's basketball). Overall, 93 seniors and 132 scholar athletes were honored for their excellence in both athletics and academics. Additional accolades included the Grit, Leadership, and Newcomer Awards, highlighting outstanding performances and contributions.

By the Numbers
  • 93 senior student-athletes recognized
  • 132 scholar student-athletes honored
  • 14 NSIC Myles Brand award winners
  • 8 Mustang medalists awarded
Yes, But

The event faced challenges with attendance due to scheduling conflicts among student-athletes, impacting the visibility of some award winners. However, the spirit remained high, showcasing the dedicated efforts of participants and organizers.

State of Play
  • Sponsorship from the SMSU Alumni Association is critical for the event's success.
  • Eddie Garcia, a football student-athlete, served as the keynote speaker, emphasizing leadership among peers.
What's Next

Future ceremonies aim to enhance student participation by adjusting scheduling and venues to ensure all athletes can attend and be recognized. Enhanced collaboration with alumni and the broader community is also anticipated.

Bottom Line

The Mustang Athletic Awards Ceremony is pivotal in celebrating student-athletes' hard work and achievements, emphasizing the importance of balancing athletic and academic excellence. Continued efforts to engage all athletes could further amplify the event's impact.