Conley Burns made a splash in volleyball, averaging 3.31 kills and 2.27 digs per set. Her performance this season was remarkable, setting records for first-year players at Clarkson. She even tallied 29 kills in a single match, a feat not seen in the Liberty League since 2019.
In hockey, Kate Manness stood out as an ECAC First-Team All-Star. With 26 assists, she ranked third in the conference and made a strong impression as a first-year player.
Karli Scherpf had an impressive start in lacrosse, ranking third on her team in goals with 26. She led in draw controls and made significant contributions across different statistics.
The 2026 Clarkson Female Rookie of the Year Award was awarded to Kate Manness, whose achievements on the ice included being a finalist for the ECAC Defender of the Year.
Similarly, the Male Rookie of the Year Award recognizes a standout male athlete. Nate Abernethy made waves in basketball, starting all 25 games and averaging 14.2 points. He scored in double figures 18 times, making him a key player for his team.
Evan Paneras claimed the 2026 Male Rookie of the Year award thanks to his extraordinary performance in swimming. He set a new school record in the 100 butterfly this season and continued to excel, finishing strong at the Liberty League Championships.
Scholar Athlete awards celebrate student-athletes excelling academically while also shining in sports. Nominees like Maeve Bartell, with her impressive GPA and contributions to lacrosse, stood out. Bartell won the Female Scholar Athlete of the Year for her outstanding performance in both her sport and academics.
On the male side, Jacob Shirley received the Male Scholar Athlete of the Year award with a perfect 4.0 GPA and exceptional pitching stats in baseball.
The Female Athlete of the Year award honored Sara Manness from hockey, who not only made waves locally but also excelled nationally. Her impressive stats included ranking sixth in the country in points.
The Male Athlete of the Year was co-awarded to Braeden Burns and Griffin Emerson, both of whom showcased incredible talent and dedication throughout the season.
Lastly, the Ed Sayer Memorial Award, which recognizes compassion and teamwork, went to Carter Kladstrup from soccer. He exemplified what it means to be a leader, putting the team ahead of individual accolades.
These athletes from Clarkson University have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also set admirable standards in sportsmanship and academics, demonstrating a commitment to excellence. For more on Clarkson Athletics, check out their official page here.
