BEAUMONT, Texas – Despite the fact that a handful of teams are still competing, Lamar University held its annual Cardinal Choice Awards presented by CHRISTUS Health Monday evening at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. More than 400 student-athletes, coaches, administrators, dignitaries and corporate partners arrived to honor the highlights of the 2024-25 Lamar University athletics season.
 
The annual banquet, which was revitalized for the 2018-19 academic year, recognizes the accomplishments of the LU student-athletes for their work in the competition arena, classroom and community. From a Southland Conference Championship to thrilling last-second victories, there were many memories clad in the Lamar Red and White to reflect upon Monday. 
  
Below is a list of the 2024-25 Award Winners:
Female Freshmen of the Year: Cena Carlson, Soccer, and Maja Malinowska, Volleyball
Male Freshman of the Year: Kortez Winslow, Football
Small Team GPA Award: Women's Tennis
Large Team GPA Award: Women's Cross Country
Red Cup Award: Softball – nearly 1,300 hours of community service
Female Individual Performance of the Year: Sabria Dean, School record in games played and second player in LU history with 1,500 points, 300 assists and 200 steals
Male Individual Performance of the Year: Zak Skinner, Goes 4-for-7 with 2 home runs – one grand slam – a double, 9 RBIs and three runs scored in win over Tarleton State
Best Individual Moment of the Year: Andrew Holifield, hits buzzer-beater to defeat UT Rio Grande Valley
Best Team Moment of the Year: Football rallies to defeat rival McNeese with a touchdown pass on the final play of the game.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias Award: R'Mani Taylor, Women's Basketball
Female Newcomer of the Year: Inca Padfield, Cross Country
Male Newcomer of the Year: Damian Ruiz, Baseball
Female Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year: Taliah Hill, Women's Basketball
Male Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year: Kenson Tate, Men's Track & Field
Female Comeback Athlete of the Year: Kalie Amos, Softball
Male Comeback Athlete of the Year: Major Bowden, Football
Mary Gray Presidential Awards: Megan Do, Women's Tennis
John Gray Presidential Award: Coleson Abel, Baseball
Female Student-Athlete of the Year: Kayli Johnson, Women's Track & Field
Male Student-Athletes of the Year: Damian Ruiz, Baseball