Vincennes University Athletics 2025 Willie Awards Banquet recap

May 6, 2025

The Vincennes University Athletic Department hosted the annual Willie Awards Athletic Awards Banquet last week at the Robert E. Green Activities Center.

"The Willie Awards are to celebrate the outstanding achievements and extraordinary individuals who have made this year so special across all VU Athletics," VU Director of Athletics John Meeks said. "It's about more than trophies and titles, it's a celebration of effort, leadership, sportsmanship and the countless behind the scenes sacrifices that often go unnoticed like late night study sessions after long road trips, early mornings in the weight room and the continuous drive to be better every day."

"The Willie Awards represent more than just athletic performance," Meeks added. "They recognize the heart, integrity and dedication it takes to succeed in the classroom, serve the community and lead with character."

The evening began with Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson presenting he President's Male and Female Academic Excellence Awards to recognize and honor sophomore student athletes who have demonstrated the highest record of academic achievement while balancing the rigorous demands of collegiate athletics at VU.

Baseball sophomore Bryce Gross (Bridgeport, Ill.) was recognized as the Male Academic Excellence Award winner, holding a 3.958 cumulative GPA and graduating with a degree in General Studies.

The Female Academic Excellence Award winner was Volleyball sophomore Grace Flexter (Oblong, Ill.) who is currently holding a 3.975 cumulative GPA and is finishing her Associate's Degree in Nursing and plans to return to VU to pursue her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.

The evening continued with a photo slide show presented of some of the best Athletics photos from the 2024-25 season and a video presentation of some of the best video highlights from another incredible year of VU Athletics.

Photo slide show, highlights video, as well as full photo gallery of the Awards Banquet, Awards Banquet Program and photo gallery of photos taken by guests in attendance are all linked below.

VU Director of Athletics John Meeks then took a moment to recognize the eight current and former Vincennes University Coaches who were awarded the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award, recognizing the achievements and proud legacy of coaches.

Coaches recognized from Vincennes University include Hall of Fame former Baseball Coach Jerry Blemker, Hall of Fame former Women's Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Harry Meeks, former Volleyball Coach Tina Miller, Hall of Fame former Men's Basketball Coach Dan Sparks, Hall of Fame former Bowling Coach Gary Sparks as well as current VU Hall of Fame Golf Coach Dennis Chattin, Hall of Fame Men's Basketball Coach Todd Franklin and Volleyball Coach Gary Sien.

VU Director of Athletics John Meeks then recognized the members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, serving as the collective voice of the student-athletes. These athletes wok closely with coaches, advisors and administration to promote academic success, enhance the student-athlete experience and support community involvement.

Members of the 2024-25 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee include freshman Wyatt Burris (Farmland, Ind.), sophomore Yancey Edlin (Pekin, Ind.), sophomores Bryan Akanmu (Paris, France) and Lebron Thomas (Bishopville, S.C.), freshmen Delora Pricop (Satu Mare, Romania) and Ahmya Thomas (Phoenix, Ariz.), freshman Colton Martin (Breese, Ill.), sophomore Dakota Waskom (Louisville, Ky.), sophomores Caden Hostetler (LaGrange, Ind.), Tanner Spence (Carmi, Ill.), Malik Ferdinand (Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Olamipo Ladipo (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Adi Fuller (Evansville, Ind.), Jasmyn Self (Casey, Ill.), Sophia Salvi (Sao Paulo, Brazil), freshman Allie Black (Lynn, Ind.), sophomore Alex Nealis (Olney, Ill.), freshman Brock Naile (Trico, Ill.) and sophomores Grace Flexter and Allison Czyzewski (Louisville, Ill.).

The Award recognitions continued with the Muditā Unsung Hero Award presented to someone who exemplifies selflessness, resilience and uplifting leadership.

The 2025 Muditā Unsung Hero Award was awarded to sophomore Timmy Hill from the VU Cheer Team.

The next award was the Community Champion Award, awarded to the team that has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to giving back. Actively identifying areas within the community where support is most needed and genuine desire to uplift others, bridge communities and serve as role models.

The 2025 Community Champion Award was awarded to the Vincennes University Men's Basketball team and VU Hall of Fame Men's Basketball Coach Todd Franklin.

Next VU Director of Athletics wanted to highlight two individuals whose dedication to supporting Vincennes University Athletics spans more than 60 years.

The 2025 VU Fan of the Year Award was awarded to Gus and 1954 VU Homecoming Queen Elizabeth LaMarche.

Meeks also noted that starting next year, the Fan of the Year Award will carry their namesake to honor their legacy of support and to inspire future generations of fans to follow in their footsteps.

Meeks also took a moment to recognize Director of the VU Student Success Center Gaye Walthall with the Lasting Legacy Award for her unwavering commitment to the academic success and personal development of countless student athletes across multiple sports.

The Award recognitions continued with the Noel Carie Male Athlete of the Year Award, named after 1956 Men's Basketball All-American Noel Carie and is awarded to the exceptional individual athlete whose impact reaches far beyond their sport.

The 2025 Noel Carie Male Athlete of the Year Award winner was Malik Ferdinand from the VU Track and Field team, who holds VU school records in both Indoor and Outdoor events and is also excelling academically with a 3.947 GPA as a Kinesiology major.

Next was the Natalia Bartnovskaya Female Athlete of the Year Award, named after NJCAA Track and Field Hall of Fame.

VU Volleyball sophomore Isadora Dias (Rio Grande de Norte, Brazil) was named the Natalia Bartnovskaya Female Athlete of the Year, finishing her sophomore season as Region 24 Player of the Year and NJCAA All-American, while also earning Academic All-American honors and earning a spot on the Dean's List multiple times.

The Award recognitions concluded with the Harry Meeks Athletic Director's Cup named after Hall of Fame former Women's Basketball Coach and Athletic Director and winningest coach in VU Basketball history Harry Meeks.

The Harry Meek's Athletic Director's Cup exists as the VU Athletic Department's highest honor.

The 2025 Harry Meeks Athletic Director's Cup winner has proven that winning goes beyond the scoreboard, it includes character, academic commitment and a dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

The 2025 Harry Meeks Athletic Director's Cup was awarded to the Region 24 Champion Vincennes University Volleyball team and Head Coach Gary Sien.

The night concluded with the presentation of Athletic Stoles to the graduating VU student-athletes by Professor of Social Work, Psychology and Sociology Jennifer Hensley.

The Willie Awards are a yearly awards banquet held by the Vincennes University Athletic Department that represent more than just athletic performance. They recognize the heart, integrity and dedication it takes to succeed in the classroom, serve in the community and lead with character.

The Awards Banquet is to reflect on another incredible year of Trailblazer athletics and take the opportunity to celebrate not only the winners but every individual who wore the Trailblazer uniform, coached from the sidelines or stood beside our athletes every step of the way.