The 2014 Saint Joseph's College Athletics Senior Awards Banquet was held at the Portland Regency on the evening of Monday, May 4th. The academic honors were given at the Saint Joseph's College Academic Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 24th.

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Female Student-Athlete of the Year:

Amber Dostie, Cross Country/Track & Field

Dostie earns Saint Joseph’s Female Student-Athlete and Athlete of the Year honors after recording perhaps the best running career in SJC women’s cross country and track & field history. An Elementary Education major, Dostie displayed great commitment to both her studies and her athletic endeavors as a three-sport athlete. As a senior, she successfully juggled the demands of student teaching while competing at a high level for the Monks’ cross country program in the fall.

Male Student-Athlete of the Year:

Alex Valenti, Baseball

Valenti, a two-year team captain for the Monks Baseball program, is a fine example of what an NCAA DIII student-athlete is all about. The senior pitcher enjoyed success on the diamond and in the classroom, having earned 2015 First Team All-Conference and GNAC Pitcher of the Year honors as a frontline starter for the Monks while excelling as a Business Major, collecting a pair of GNAC All-Academic honors and a CoSIDA Academic All-District award during his four years.

Female Athlete of the Year:

Amber Dostie, Cross Country/Track & Field

Dostie earns Saint Joseph’s Female Student-Athlete and Athlete of the Year honors after recording perhaps the best running career in SJC women’s cross country and track & field history. During her cross country career, Dostie competed in 27 total events - finishing as the top SJC runner in all but one - with eight victories and 15 top-10 performances overall. She posted sub-20 times in eight different races and left the program owning six of the top-10 times in the history of SJC Women’s Cross Country, a list that includes the top overall effort (18:30) and three of the best four performances all-time. As a top distance runner for the track team, Dostie owns the Monks’ indoor records for the 1000-Meter, 600-Meter and 400-Meter and the outdoor marks for the 5000-Meter, 1500-Meter, 800-Meter and 3000-Meter steeplechase.

Co-Male Athlete of the Year:          

Steve Simonds, Basketball

Simonds, a 2015 First Team All-GNAC and All-State selection, completed his senior season averaging 22.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 51.6% (190-368) from the field, 45.8% (98-214) from three-point range, and 87.7% (107-122) from the free throw line. The senior sharpshooter became the 38th member of the Monks' 1,000-Point Club earlier this season and is one of just two players in program history to register at least 500 points, 200 rebounds and 70 assists in a single season. Simonds closed out his career as the Monks' all-time leader in free-throw percentage (.871, 210-241) and is currently ranked third in three-pointers made (229) and three-point percentage (.416). He scored 1,243 points with 449 rebounds, 222 assists and 37 steals over four NCAA seasons.

Co-Male Athlete of the Year:          

Joe Coyne, Baseball

Coyne, a four-time First Team All-GNAC and 2015 GNAC Player of the Year honoree, capped his career with his finest season, batting .404 (61-151) with 31 runs, 17 doubles, two triples, three home runs, 36 RBI and six stolen bases while starting all 43 games (35 at catcher, eight at DH) as a senior. He became the fifth player in team history to reach the 200-hit mark with a single versus Johnson & Wales on April 16th and currently ranks among the Monks’ all-time leaders in at bats (626, 1st), hits (219, 2nd), doubles (52, 2nd) and RBI (121 (9th).

Father John Tokaz Award:     

Presented annually to the individual within the college community who has displayed extraordinary support of and assistance to the athletic department mission and to the Saint Joseph's College student-athletes.

George Warren, Facilities

George Warren helps lead the Grounds division of our Facilities Management Department here at SJC. He is a tireless worker who is always ready to help and has been particularly helpful in the day-to-day operations of our Athletic Department Field Maintenance Crew. George is always ready with a smile and a positive can-do attitude that makes him a pleasure to deal with. He is very adept at working with our student-workers as they go about their daily work. He takes a real interest in them as young men and women. George is proof that the right person can make big difference in the working environment of Saint Joseph's College. ~ Will Sanborn, Associate Athletic Director/Head Baseball Coach

Father John Tokaz Award:     

Presented annually to the individual within the college community who has displayed extraordinary support of and assistance to the athletic department mission and to the Saint Joseph's College student-athletes.

Kaela Murphy, Volleyball/Athletic Training Room

Kaela was a student athlete whose career was cut short by injury. Kaela spent her remaining two years giving back to the athletic department by working with athletes using her exercise science education in the performance lab and athletic training room. Also an involved member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Kaela has a great heart and is motivated to help others any way she can. ~ Tiffany Miller-Gagnon, Assistant Athletic Trainer/SWA

Chris Kiernan Award:

Presented annually to the student-athlete who has shown a consistent work ethic to develop as both a student and an athlete; who has displayed a strong commitment toward service of team and community and has proven a “never quit attitude” and the willingness to work through and overcome adversity.

Adam Gaulin, Swimming

Adam Gaulin came to SJC as a transfer and immediately bought into the approach and philosophy of SJC.  From being a stand out swimmer to being involved in SAAC to wanting to be involved in all things on campus. During the 2013-2014 school year, Adam's Army Reserve Unit, the 133rd, was called to active duty and deployed to Afghanistan. During his time serving our country, Adam never lost contact with the swim team or SJC.  His weekly and sometimes daily updates were awesome and showed a true connection to the SJC community. He maintained his role in SAAC while away, even participating in decisions from afar. Coming back to SJC for the 2014-2015 year proved difficult at times, but he truly never gave up.  He has worked hard in the pool and classroom, always giving 100% to get the job done. Adam exemplifies hard work and dedication and is always there to try and do the right thing. He bleeds royal and white and I feel Adam is very deserving of this award. ~ Rick Hayes, Head Swimming Coach

Neile Nelson Award:

Presented annually to the student-athlete who has set an example by displaying a high level of commitment to his/her team while performing a leadership role within the Saint Joseph's College campus community.

Sarah Assante, Basketball

A two-year captain for the SJC women’s basketball team, Assante was a leader on and off the court while serving as a contributing member of SAAC and a hard working member of the SJC Field Crew. A key player for the Monks all four seasons, she enjoyed her finest year as a senior, when she garnered All-Conference honors after averaging 8.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.2 steals while starting all 26 contests during the 2014-15 campaign. An outstanding individual with an infectious personality and ever-positive attitude, Assante is just the third Saint Joseph’s player to tally at least 500 points, 350 rebounds and 250 assists in their collegiate career.