SAN FRANCISCO – SF State's Department of Athletics conducted its annual SF State Student-Athletes Awards Banquet presented by Northwestern Mutual on Tuesday evening on campus at The Annex.  The Gators presented nine awards during the festivities, which also included a slideshow presentation and video highlights from the 2015-16 season.
 
Jamil Sheared, SF State Game Day Coordinator, served as the host of this year's awards banquet while SF State Director of Athletics Charles Guthrie welcomed the student-athletes, coaches and staff along with distinguished guests.  These guests included SF State First Lady Mrs. Wong, Vice President for University Advancement Robert Nava and George and Judy Marcus.  Also in attendance were representatives from Northwestern Mutual. 
 
Among the honors handed out was the Arete Award, which is given to a student-athlete who has earned a 3.0 or higher grade point average at SF State, completed an average of 12 units per semester, performed community service and also had an outstanding career in his/her respective sport.  SF State junior thrower Alex Jones was this year's Arete Award recipient. 
 
The Male Athlete of the Year award was presented to men's cross country runner Benji Preciado while the Female Athlete of the Year recipient was volleyball player Jaclyn Clark.
 
The Newcomer Athlete of the Year Awards went to men's basketball junior transfer Warren Jackson and women's track and field thrower Nicole Uikilifi.
 
The Freshman Athlete of the Year Awards were presented to wrestler Fern Giron and women's basketball player Kiara Ginwright. 
 
The CCAA Dr. Hal Charnofsky Awards are presented to student-athletes who participate in a CCAA-sponsored sport and have distinguished themselves in the classroom and in the field of competition. This year's SF State recipients were Coley Apsay (men's basketball) and Jennifer Lewis (softball).
 
During the banquet, the Gators announced the 2016-17 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee which includes: Jackie Foley (President), Emmanuel Serrano (Vice President), Madison Collins (Secretary), Kelsey Wetzstein (Treasurer) and Alex Konstantino (Social Media Representative). The Gator track and field team also was presented with the 2015-16 Gator Cup.
 
Then at the end of the evening, SF State First Lady Mrs. Phyllis Wong along with Dr. Trevor Getz (SF State's Faculty Athletic Representative) presented the graduating SF State Gator student-athletes with their student-athlete sashes.
 
Baseball:
Team MVP: Bryce Brooks
Coaches Award: Peter Reyes
Most Inspirational: Myles Franklin
Captain Award: Ryan Burke
 
Men's Basketball:
MVP: Floyd Wormley
Most Improved: Nick Calcaterra
Gator Basketball Award: Justice Howard
 
Men's Cross Country:
John Moreno Award: Benji Preciado
Golden Gator Award: Logan Smith
 
Men's Soccer:
Team MVP:  Max Talbert
MVP Offense:  Ashley Watson
Top Newcomer:  Emmanuel Jimenez
 
Track and Field:
MVP Track: Janelle Bandayrel
MVP Field: Nicole Uikilifi
Calafia Award: Adriana Calva
 
Softball:
Most inspirational – Jenny Obbema
Play of the year – Chelsea Brent
Defensive player of the year – Marisa Andrade
CHOMP Athlete – Jennifer Lewis

Volleyball:
MVP: Jaclyn Clark
Coaches Award: Jessica Nicerio
Newcomer Award: Taylor Brownlee
 
Women's Basketball:
MVP: Tatsiana Dashkevich
Most Improved: Felicia Villarruel
Coaches Award: Naila Washington
Freshman Award: Kiara Ginwright
 
Women's Cross Country:
Golden Gator Award: Nicole Novales
MVP: Adriana Calva
 
Women's Soccer:
MVP Offense: Vanessa Penuna
MVP Defense: Laura Shea
Golden Gator: Paige Yeider
Most Inspirational: Karin Nordin
 
Wrestling:
MVP: Sam Alnassiri
Most Inspirational: Parker Sha
Most Improved: Tavis Ino
Paul B. Jensen Memorial Coaches Endeavor: Josh Weinberg
Baby Gator: Fern Giron