Mansfield Athletics has announced the winners of the 2025-26 Creed Awards, honoring four outstanding student-athletes who embody the pillars of the university's creed: character, scholarship, culture, and service. Jack Gartner (Sprint Football) earned the Character award, Emma Wonsick (Softball) received the Scholarship award for her academic excellence, Ibrahim Sheriff (Track and Field) was recognized for Culture, and Sarah Sherman (Softball) was awarded for Service, making her the first two-time recipient. The selections are made by the athletic staff and a committee based on nominations. This initiative highlights the university's commitment to integrity, learning, diversity, and community engagement.

By the Numbers
  • Emma Wonsick maintains a perfect 4.00 GPA while pursuing a degree in Biology.
  • Sarah Sherman becomes the first Mountie to win the Service award twice.
Yes, But

While the Creed Awards celebrate exemplary individuals, some may question the selection process and transparency in how nominees are chosen, which could foster an environment of competition rather than community among athletes.

State of Play
  • The award program was established in 2020 and continues to recognize student-athletes annually.
  • Nominations come from athletic staff, with winners chosen by a committee to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate.
What's Next

Future iterations of the Creed Awards may expand to include additional categories or criteria, fostering broader participation among athletes and encouraging a greater commitment to the university's values.

Bottom Line

The 2025-26 Creed Awards underscore the importance of character, scholarship, culture, and service in shaping well-rounded student-athletes, reinforcing that these values are paramount to achieving success in both sports and personal development.