BEAUMONT, Texas – Despite the fact that Lamar University still has a handful of teams competing, LU hosted its annual Cardinal Choice Awards presented by Christus Health Monday evening. The event took place at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. More than 400 student-athletes, coaches, administrators and dignitaries arrived to honor the accomplishments of the 2025 athletic season.
 
The annual banquet, which was revitalized for the 2018-10 academic year, recognizes accomplishments of the LU student-athletes for their work in competition arena, classroom and community.
 
2025-26 Award Winners:
Female Freshmen of the Year: Isabella Flores, Softball
Male Freshman of the Year: LaDamion McDowell, Football
Small Team GPA Award: Men's Golf
Large Team GPA Award: Volleyball
Red Cup Award: Softball – nearly 800 hours of community service
Female Individual Performance of the Year: Kamryn Wilson, scores career-high 29 points against Stephen F. Austin.
Male Individual Performance of the Year: Ben Woodard, Hits two 50+ plus yards field goals, including game winner against UTRGV to be named National Player of the Week
Best Team Moment of the Year: Football qualifies for NCAA FCS Playoffs
Babe Didrikson Zaharias Award: Ashton Rainey, Cross Country
Female Newcomer of the Year: Lauren Smith, Soccer
Male Newcomer of the Year: Beau Durbin, Baseball
Female Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year: Gracee Hess, Softball
Male Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year: Anthony Oliver, Track & Field
Female Comeback Athlete of the Year: Roxy Thompson, Softball
Male Comeback Athlete of the Year: Tanner Carlisle, Baseball
Mary Gray Presidential Awards: Montana Di Leo, Women's Golf
John Gray Presidential Award: Truls Andersson, Men's Golf
Female Student-Athlete of the Year, presented by CHRISTUS Health: Mariam Buenanueva Saleme, Track & Field
Male Student-Athletes of the Year, presented by CHRISTUS Health: Chris Olivier, Baseball