CWU’s annual Welly Awards were held this past week where 20 athletes were recognized for their work this past season. The student-athletes dressed up for the formal awards ceremony that took place out in front of Barge Hall on May 29. 

Sophomore guard of the women’s basketball team Rylee Leishman spoke highly of the environment and togetherness at the Wellys.

“It is really special to see all the athletes come together after everyone’s accomplishments throughout the season. You can definitely feel the sense of community during the Wellys because everyone is so excited for each other and it is just a great atmosphere,” Leishman said.

Leishman earned herself an award at the ceremony for Outstanding Comeback Player of the Year. Leishman was rewarded with the honor following breaking her wrist five games into the season and coming back to play just under two months later. 

“Some struggles I went through to come back from my injury was the fact that I thought once the break healed that I would be completely fine and pain free. However, that wasn’t the case which was hard for me to overcome because I really thought the pain and range of motion wouldn’t affect me,” Leishman said. “With the help of our athletic training staff I was able to regain most of my range of motion, and make a padded sleeve so I could play and not hurt as bad when it got hit.”

Junior guard of the men’s basketball team Xavier Kamalu-Vargas was awarded the Men’s Team Spirit Award. Kamalu-Vargas brought energy to the team on and off the floor this season earning him this award. 

“The environment is great. I get to be with all the athletes here at CWU and they bring nothing but great vibes,” Kamalu-Vargas said. “Team spirit means a lot to me. I take this with pride and feel the respect of the other athletes. What my biggest thing is with this award is this, ‘You do not have to be a star, to make an impact.’” 

Fifth-year libero Hanna Stires won the award for female Outstanding Team Leader of the Year. Stires helped lead the team to a GNAC Championship. “The feeling of being recognized as a leader is something I will never take lightly. These girls who I have had the privilege to play with made it incredibly rewarding to get the chance to lead our team to a GNAC Championship. The trust they have given me this year is something I will forever cherish and remember,” Stires said.

“With this being my last year attending the Wellys I can say it is always a fun event I look forward to. It is always fun getting to celebrate all of the athletes amazing accomplishments throughout the year,” Stires said. “It has been an honor to have been able to represent Mario [Andaya] and Central Athletics for an incredible five years and I am truly blessed to have spent my time with some inspiring teammates and friends along the way. I can’t wait to cheer the team on next year as they have been putting in the time and effort this off season and I am excited to see where their hard work will take them.”

The Female Athletes of the Year went to none other than the 2025 National College Athletic Association Division II (NCAA DII) Triple Jump and High Jump National Champion Emy Ntekpere. She would also be recognized with Female Athlete Performance of the Year. The men’s counterpart award went to the 2025 Rudy Scholz Award winner for the best collegiate rugby player of the year in Oscar Treacy.

With CWU Athletics season coming to an end on a high note with Ntekpere’s National Championship, CWU athletes will spend their summers preparing their bodies come time for next fall. 

Athletes of the Year: Emy Ntekpere & Oscar Treacy

Breakout Athlete of the Year: Alexandria Ma’ae & Cavin Holden

Comeback Athlete of the Year: Rylee Leishman & Marcus Cook

Newcomer of the Year: Kayliegh-Shay Chang & Brandham Ponce

Individual Performance of the Year: Emy Ntekpere & Mitch Brizee

Individual Play of the Year: Sunny Huerta & Benji Ward

Student-Athlete of the Year: Reese Schimmel & Tyler Flanagan

Outstanding Team Leader: Hannah Stires & Tanner Volk

Outstanding Team Spirit: Livy Sander & Xavier Kamalu-Vargas

Unsung hero of the Year: Josh Boast & Danika Galbraith