The 2025 Mart Heinen Awards Banquet was held at Quincy University on April 30 in Pepsi Arena. The event was a celebration of and tribute to the outstanding performances and contributions of not just student-athletes, but coaches and faculty members as well. The whole event was carefully planned by the hardworking Mart Heinen Booster Club in association with the QU athletic department, making it a night to remember for everyone present.

The student-athletes were honored and awarded with a series of highly regarded awards, among which was the highly esteemed H.A.W.K. Award. This award not only highlights exceptional athletic ability but also recognizes academic achievement, coupled with a strong commitment to embracing the fundamental values of the university. Every individual team or coach chooses a worthy recipient for this esteemed award.

“It’s cool to see athletes get honored for all of their hard work they put in all year tonight, it’s really special,” Zack Kopsea said.

Some of its major awards that were given included the Team GPA Award for academic excellence, the Chuck Brady Newcomer of the Year for excellence in rookie performances, Comeback Player of the Year for showing great perseverance, and the St. Francis/St. Clare Award is given in memory of Greg Haake. The awards also included the Brother Clete Van Ackeren Award and the Athlete of the Year Award, given in memory of Coach Jack Mackenzie’s legacy. The Mart Heinen Career Achievement Award and Mart Heinen Coach of the Year Award were also given in commemoration of deserving persons’ achievements and contributions.

“I have never won an award while being in college, so it’s very exciting for me, and I am thankful for my coaches,” H.A.W.K. award-winning Chantal Tiesinga said.

The Female and Male Athlete of the Year Awards recognized the two athletes who performed at the highest level in their respective sports during the 2024–2025 school year. The Female Athlete of the Year award went to Trinity Pendergrass of the women’s wrestling team. The Male Athlete of the Year went to two deserving recipients in Wyatt Walsh of men’s swimming and Sabian Russell, also from wrestling.

Another key award recipients were the coaches of the year award, which went to women’s wrestling coach Jeff Haley, and on the men’s side, Jason Killday.

It’s nice to see that the people who make QU Athletics so special get recognized, and to be happy for them as the night goes on,” Nolan May said.

The team GPA award was awarded to Women’s Volleyball and Men’s Golf, which both teams also had a student athlete win an award. Glenn Sutton won Comeback Player of the Year, and Emma Wijnbergen won the Mart Heinen Career Achievement Award.

The banquet also acknowledged faculty contributions, with the Faculty Excellence Award in honor of John and Barb Schleppenbach presented to a dedicated faculty member who supported QU student-athletes throughout the year.