WALDORF, Md. — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) honored its student athletes at the annual athletics banquet on April 30, 2025, at the Jaycees Community Center in Waldorf. The event celebrated a year of remarkable achievements across eight athletic teams, recognizing individual and team successes with awards such as Male Athlete of the Year, Female Athlete of the Year, Scholar Athlete of the Year, and the Wings of the Hawk. Coaches and staff highlighted the dedication, leadership, and spirit of the 130 athletes who represent CSM with pride.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson addressed the athletes, emphasizing their impact on the college community. “We are proud to have eight athletic teams competing throughout the year, and each one contributes its own unique energy, passion, and spirit to the Hawk family,” Wilson said. “Tonight, we celebrate all 130 athletes who wear CSM on their jerseys and represent us with pride. From the field, to the court, to the course, you embody the values that make CSM proud.”
The awards, nominated by head coaches and voted on by the athletic staff, recognized standout performances across multiple sports. Yunior Pena earned Male Athlete of the Year, while Sara Allwine was named Female Athlete of the Year. Sofia Larsen received the Scholar Athlete of the Year award for her academic and athletic excellence. The Wings of the Hawk award, given to vital supporters outside the athletic program, was presented to Sgt. Brian Ball of CSM’s Department of Public Safety and Facilities Supervisor John Mitchell.
Team awards highlighted individual contributions. In women’s basketball, Raylin Lee received the Coaches Award, and Iyanna Harris was named Most Improved. Men’s golf honored Mason Chandler with the Hawk of Excellence and George Libby with the Sportsmanship Award. The softball team, boasting an 18-5-1 record and the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, saw Laci Johnson as Offensive MVP, Lexi Drayer as Defensive MVP, and Dakota Headley as MVP. Volleyball recognized Caleigh Bergling as MVP and Katy Swanson with the Coaches Award.
Men’s soccer awarded Wiktor Blachowicz as Defensive MVP and Bryce Wilcher as Offensive MVP. Women’s soccer, with a 10-5-1 record and a tie for first in the NJCAA Region 20 Division II conference, named Baylee Copsey Defensive Player of the Year and Abby May Offensive Player of the Year. Men’s basketball’s Andre Sheppard earned the Coaches Award, while baseball recognized Tyree Claxton and Rayden Deets with Hawk Awards.
Dr. Tracy Harris, vice president of the Division of Student Equity and Success, spoke on sports leadership, praising coaches, captains, and graduating seniors. “Leaders set the tone for the culture of the team,” Harris said. “A positive attitude, diligence, and commitment shape how your teammates compete and how they view their own roles.” She also noted the achievements of athletes transferring to other institutions.
Coaches reflected on their teams’ seasons. Women’s soccer coach Darrick Sesker called the season “nothing short of remarkable,” highlighting the team’s heart and grit. “This season wasn’t just about the wins or the stats,” Sesker said. “It was about identity – who we are, how we show up, and how we have each other’s backs.” Softball coach Keith Sanderson recalled a standout moment when the team scored 13 runs in the first inning of a Region 20 game, signaling their strength.
Golf coach Sean Bannon, a former CSM athlete, praised the men’s golf team’s 4-5 record and resilience. “The team competed hard all season, they never gave up,” Bannon said. “These men played three, four, sometimes five times a week together and became not only teammates, but friends.” Women’s basketball coach Davon Muhammad acknowledged a challenging season but celebrated the team’s unity. “We didn’t have the season we wanted with results on the court, but we are proud of the culture and family atmosphere we were able to build,” he said.
Assistant volleyball coach Romina Vacca reminded athletes of their unique opportunity. “You are a part of the 6 percent of high school athletes who get the opportunity to play college sports,” Vacca said. “Every opportunity you get to step on the court, the field, or weightroom is something you earned through your hard work, your sacrifice, and your belief in yourself.”
The banquet also inducted Dr. Jeffery Grote and the 1985-1986 Charles County Community College volleyball team into the CSM Hall of Fame, recognizing their lasting contributions. The Wings of the Hawk recipients, Ball and Mitchell, were lauded for their behind-the-scenes support. “Your leadership in public safety gives our athletes, our fans, and our entire community the confidence to show up,” fitness center manager Zach Roll said to Ball. To Mitchell, Roll added, “You keep our facilities running, not just for athletics, but for the entire campus.”
CSM’s athletic program continues to thrive, with teams demonstrating discipline, teamwork, and community pride. The banquet underscored the college’s commitment to fostering both athletic and personal growth, setting the stage for future successes.
Team Awards
Women’s Basketball Team Awards:
- Coaches Award: Raylin Lee
- Most Improved: Iyanna Harris
Men’s Golf:
- Hawk of Excellence: Mason Chandler
- Sportsmanship Award: George Libby
Softball:
- Offensive MVP: Laci Johnson
- Defensive MVP: Lexi Drayer
- MVP: Dakota Headley
Volleyball:
- MVP: Caleigh Bergling
- Coaches Award: Katy Swanson
Men’s Soccer:
- Defensive MVP: Wiktor Blachowicz
- Offensive MVP: Bryce Wilcher
Women’s Soccer:
- Defensive Player of the Year: Baylee Copsey
- Offensive Player of the Year: Abby May
Men’s Basketball:
- Coaches Award: Andre Sheppard
Baseball:
- Hawk Award: Tyree Claxton
- Hawk Award: Rayden Deets
Wings of the Hawks Award:
- Brian Ball
- John Mitchell
Male Athlete of Year:
- Yunior Pena
Female Athlete of the year:
- Sara Allwine
Scholar Athlete of the Year:
- Sofia Larsen
Hall of Fame Inductees:
- Dr. Jeffery Grote
- Charles County Community College 1985-1986 Volleyball Team
