Erie Celebrates Student Athletes

The Erie Community College Athletics Department celebrated the college's year in sports at an end of year awards ceremony on Wednesday at North Campus.  

The highlight of the evening included naming the Male and Female Athletes of the Year.  The 2023-24 Lawrence C. Spring Male Athlete of the Year is Grayson Giddings.  A sophomore from Syracuse, NY, Giddings is a member of the Kats baseball team. A leader both on and off the field, he currently is batting .324 with 44 RBI's and 57 runs in 52 regular season games while leading the Kats to the playoffs. 

The Female Athlete of the Year is Molly McKinnon.  The sophomore volleyball player from Williamsville was her team's leader all season. She was named the WNYAC Player of the Year as well as to the All-Conference team. She also earned first team All Region honors at the Region III Championships.  

Declan Stiles was announced as The Helen R. Cornell Award recipient.  This award is presented to the senior athlete with the highest academic average for the first three terms at Erie Community College.   

The Ralph J Galanti scholarship award honors a student-athlete who best exemplifies good sportsmanship, leadership and dedication to ECC’s athletic program.  The 2023-24 honoree is Waseem Ajeigbe, a sophomore from the men's basketball team.  

Swimmer Isabella DeMeao was recognized with the Grace M Galanti Athletic Achievement Award. It is given to the female student-athlete who best exemplifies the tradition of ECC Athletics and upholds the high standards of competitiveness, sportsmanship and enthusiasm.

In addition, the most valuable athlete from each sport was awarded.  The Following Players earned recognition in their sports. 

Football Offensive Player of the Year- Trent Johnson

Football Defensive Player of the Year- Matt Hilty

Hockey MVP- Connor Smith

Men’s Cross Country- Sam May

Women’s Cross Country- Sonya Krezmien

 Men’s Basketball- Khamani Montique

Women’s Basketball- Mia Special

Volleyball- Molly McKinnon

Men’s Bowling Team- Declan Stiles

Women’s Bowling Team- Megan Walker

Women’s Softball- Anna Cervino

Men’s Swimming & Diving- Alec Sedki

Women's Swimming & Diving- Isabella DeMeo

Men's Soccer MVP- Mustafa Abdullah

Photo: Waseem Ajeigbe- Ralph J Galanti Scholarship recipient, Isabella DeMeo- Grace M. Galanti Scholarship recipient, Steve Mullen- SUNY Erie Athletic Director