Buena Vista, VA - Led by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Southern Virginia University Athletics Department hosted the annual Knight Awards on Tuesday, April 29th in Knight Arena. The event recognized the success of student-athletes in the classroom and with their respective teams during competition.

All-Rookie, All-Knight, and Spirit of the Knight teams were formed by one representative from each team. Also recognized were the men's and women's teams with the highest collective GPA from the fall semester and graduating seniors were presented with a memento at the end of the night.

"I'm filled with gratitude looking back on this incredible year at Southern Virginia University. We reached new heights academically and athletically, but more importantly, we did it together—with Christ at the center. I'm truly optimistic about what's ahead," stated Athletic Director Josh Monsen.

The men's volleyball team came away with the top men's GPA, while track and field was announced with the top women's team GPA. During the fall semester, 29 student-athletes finished with a 4.0 and dozens received district and national recognition for their performance in the classroom. 

After the revealing of the women's All-Rookie Team, Mackenzie Mickelsen, a midfielder from lacrosse, was named Female Rookie of the Year. Mickelsen was named USA South Rookie of the Year and first team all-conference in the recently released postseason awards. She's scored 49 goals, 65 points, and collected 98 draw controls this season.

On the men's side, Alex Silvester was named Male Rookie of the Year. A standout performer in football and track and field, he was a key receiving target during the fall in Head Coach Joe DuPaix's second season back leading the football program and was the USA South Offensive Rookie of the Year. During the indoor and outdoor track seasons, Silvester broke an indoor school record in the pole vault and collected two podium finishes at conference championships.

After a remarkable All-American season, Sydney Bassett of the women's volleyball team was named Female Athlete of the Year. Bassett led the women's volleyball team to a third USA South Championship and was voted USA South Player of the Year. She was also named to an All-Region team and is the program's all-time leader in career kills.

Fresh off the first National Championship in school history during the NCAA era, Christian Sheaffer of men's volleyball was named Male Athlete of the Year. In addition to historic team success, Sheaffer was named CVC, Regional, and National Player of the Year. He's become one of the most decorated athletes in university history.

Representatives from the SAAC also took time to recognize the staff from Sports Performance, Athletic Training, Marketing, and Athletic Communications, groups who have great importance to the success of the athletics program.

Assistant Athletic Director Logan Davis, who oversees the SAAC, shared positive thoughts about the athletics year. "I feel that the student-athletes really showed up to support each other this year. Watching the fans stick around to socialize after events was a great testament to the culture we have on campus." 

SAAC President, Traejon Kingston, spoke on service in the athletics department and was followed by members of the athletic administration, Josh Monsen, and Logan Davis who introduced the Alumni Association to graduating seniors.

Finally, Bonnie H. Cordon, President of Southern Virginia University, expressed her excitement for this years accomplishments and future of the athletics program. She also recognized Deidra Dryden, current Vice President of Advancement and former Athletic Director, for her lasting dedication to the athletics program despite her shift in roles. 

In 2024-2025, Southern Virginia University athletic teams combined for 10 conference titles, 14 players of the year, dozens of all-conference awards, 8 coaches of the year, 4 NCAA tournament appearances, 4 all-americans, and 1 national championship. A year of magnificent achievements in Buena Vista.

For the most up-to-date information and details on Southern Virginia University athletics, visit knightathletics.com and follow @svuathletics on Instagram.