“You Keep Showing Up”: CSM Honors Student Athletes for Success On and Off the Field

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated its 127 student athletes and their achievements during the annual athletics banquet on Wednesday, April 29.

The special night of recognition honors the hard work student athletes put in each day to find success in their sport and in the classroom.

CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson opened the event acknowledging their commitment to building success, noting the positive impact their dedication has on the college community.

“You have chosen a demanding path,” Dr. Wilson said. “You keep showing up. and that is one of the most important lessons athletics teaches us: success is built by what we are willing to do consistently, even when no one is watching.”

Athletic staff and coaches recognized outstanding success through the honors of Male Athlete of the Year, Female Athlete of the Year, Scholar Athlete of the Year, and Wings of the Hawk awards, as well as awards for each of the eight teams. 

Team Awards

Women’s Soccer

• Offensive MVP: Abby May

• Defensive MVP: Baylee Copsey

Men’s Soccer: 

• Offensive MVP: Matthew Knapp

• Defensive MVP: Josky Densie

Volleyball:

• Rookie of the Year: Amelie Lancioni

• Coaches Award: Mia DeCarlo

Women’s Basketball:

• MVP: Amoni Taylor

• Coaches Award: Cailyn Samuel

 Men’s Basketball: 

• MVP: Shamir Taylor
• Coaches Award: Donnie Stafford

  Golf: 

• MVP: Luke Deters

• Spirit of the Team: Koen Cryster

Softball: 

• Offensive MVP: Carrie Hayden

• Defensive MVP: Miranda Twigg

• MVP: Brooke Colliflower

 Baseball

• Hawk Award: Mason McReynolds

• Hawk Award: Gabriel Rodriguez

As coaches took the podium to announce award winners, many spoke on a common theme of resilience.

Women’s Basketball Head Coach Davon Muhammad said the team’s 9-15 record is a 900 percent improvement from its first year, and he’s proud how they took on every challenge they faced.

“We understood that winning doesn’t happen overnight,” Muhammad said. “It comes from doing the right things every single day. What I’m most proud of is that we were in a fight all the way until our final game, and that says a lot about the heart of this group.”

Softball Head Coach Keith Sanderson noted several memorable moments throughout the season, including multiple comeback wins and a storybook ending, seventh inning grand slam.

“This was the most resilient group I have ever coached,” Sanderson said. “This group of young ladies have proven themselves in the classroom and on the ballfield. They have helped build this program into a consistent playoff caliber powerhouse.”

Assistant Athletic Director Jack McDowell presented the men’s soccer awards. The team finished 4-9-4 with four team members earning recognition from the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MD JUCO).

“This group showed resilience, growth, and pride in representing the College of Southern Maryland,” McDowell said. 

The athletic staff also honored several individuals for their program support and the impact they make beyond their time in the game.

Special Awards

Male Athlete of the Year:

• Shamir Taylor

Female Athlete of the Year:

• Sara Allwine

Scholar Athlete of the Year:

• Zion Abdullah

Wings of the Hawk:

• TJ Reim
• Laurie Cangelosi

Iron Hawk

• James Hans

Male Athlete of the Year recipient Shamir Taylor was a dominant basketball player, who averaged 26 points per game and received two regional Player of the Month awards. Head Athletic Trainer Rebecca Temple presented the award, recognizing his impact on the game.

“Statistics along don’t define him, what truly separates him is his mindset,” Temple said. “The ability to lead without hesitation, the discipline to improve every day, and the resilience to push through adversity and keep going.”

Soccer player Sara Allwine received the Female Athlete of the Year following an outstanding season. She was named to the MD JUCO First Team, All Region 20 First Team, as well as Second Team All-American. Abby Norris, athletics/fitness specialist, presented Allwine with the award and congratulated her on this accomplishment.

“Beyond the numbers, it’s her work ethic, resilience, and commitment to her teammates that truly set her apart,” Norris said. “She inspires those around her, elevates her team, and leaves it all on the field every single game.”

Zion Abdullah received the Scholar Athlete of the Year award, recognized for his dedication on the soccer field and in the classroom. Director of Athletics and Fitness Gabrielle Smallwood praised his consistent contributions to the team and his academic success.

“Zion’s hard work and performance earned him well-deserved recognition and respect from his teammates, coaches, and competitors alike,” Smallwood said. “He leads by example, with humility, determination, and a quiet confidence that elevates those around him.”

Temple presented the Iron Hawk award to James Hans, describing it as one of the most meaningful awards to receive. Temple cited the immense effort and hours spent in the gym to continue improving, his response to adversity, and relentless dedication.

“What makes this athlete so special isn’t just the time he put in, it’s how he responded when things got difficult,” Temple said. “He is a reminder to all of us that success isn’t defined by how you start but by the effort you give and the resilience you show along the way.”

The Wings of the Hawk award honors individuals who made an extra effort to support CSM athletics and may not be directly involved with the programs, often providing services behind the scenes.

Student Life Coordinator TJ Reim has served as a mentor to the men’s soccer team. McDowell presented the award, saying, “[TJ] goes above and beyond for the student athletes he works with, supporting them not only in athletics, but in their growth and development as individuals.”

Laurie Cangelosi, Learning Support Services program manager, is recognized for outstanding support of athletes’ academics, including performance tracking and finding meaningful solutions to strengthening the program.

“[Laurie] provides invaluable behind-the-scenes support that directly strengthens our student-athletes’ success in the classroom,” McDowell said. “She provides guidance, advocacy and encouragement when it is needed most.”