SAN DIEGO - The fifth annual Sea Lions Athletic Merit Awards (SLAM) closed out the 2020-21 athletic year for PLNU. Nearly 250 coaches, staff, and student-athletes came out dressed in their best evening wear to walk the red carpet at the Liberty Station Conference Center on Friday, June 4.
 
The SLAM Awards were created as a celebration of academic, athletic and community excellence achieved throughout the academic year by our student-athletes, and is slated to be an annual event to give closure to the school year. The event featured 19 awards and Fox 5's Raoul Martinez served as the emcee.
 
Below is a list of all awards and winners. Click here to see the photo gallery.
 
Team Service Award – Women's Basketball
This award is dedicated to the team with the greatest engagement in community service, ministry or missions.

The student-athletes on the Women's Basketball team stood out among their peers in their efforts to connect with the community, especially in this year of COVID. Midway through the 2019-20 season, the team welcomed Angel as an honorary member and captain. Angel often joined the Sea Lions on the bench, cheering on her teammates and giving impassioned halftime speeches. This year the women have stayed connected with Angel through the Kid Korrespondent's series and just recently threw her a surprise birthday party in Golden Gym, to let her know she always has a home and teammates here at PLNU. Other nominees: All teams


Male Freshman of the Year – Luke Haupt (men's basketball)
This award is dedicated to the best overall performance throughout the season by a male freshman

Luke Haupt made an immediate impact on the Point Loma men's basketball team. In his very first contest wearing the Green & Gold, Haupt posted a double-double against NNU, a team that would go on to be nationally ranked the rest of the season. Haupt started all 11 games and was ranked third in the PacWest in steals and 10th in rebounding. He received votes for PacWest Defender of the Year honors and helped the Sea Lions lead the league in scoring. Other nominees: Brian Goracke, Evan Janson, Dylan Miller


Female Freshman of the Year – Nicola Kaminski (women's golf)
This award is dedicated to the best overall performance throughout the season by a female freshman

Nicola Kaminski put together one of the best seasons ever, not only for a freshman, but for any golfer that has ever worn the Green & Gold. Kaminski led the Sea Lions in scoring average and placed in the top 12 in her first five tournaments. Her consistency helped propel PLNU to four tournament wins. She also posted one of the best individual wins in program history when won the RJGA Palm Valley Classic with a comeback win in the second round. Other nominees: Ellie Turk, Thelma Sepulveda, Anessa Chirgwin, Kourtney Kessler


Team Performance of the Year – Women's Golf at PacWest Championships (5/5/21)
This award is dedicated to the best team performance in a single contest

With a shot at regionals and their first PacWest title in program history on the line, the Women's Golf team seized the opportunity to add their names to the record books. The women went out on the King's Course in Hawaii and fired a school-record 904 over the three round tournament to overcome a 10-stroke deficit on day one and win the tournament by 21 strokes. Alli Kim led Point Loma with a fifth place finish, but all five golfers contributed at least one counting score and all five finished in the top 13 on the leaderboard. This was the Sea Lions' fourth win in five tournaments and it matched the school-record for tournament titles in a single season. Other nominees: Baseball vs. Concordia (3/19/21), Men's Basketball vs. Northwest Nazarene (1/15/21), Men's Soccer vs. Concordia (2/17/21), Women's Basketball at Azusa Pacific (2/5/21), Women's Tennis vs. Biola (2/20/21)

Female Athlete Performance of the Year – Nicola Kaminski (women's golf)
This award is dedicated to the best overall performance in a single contest by a female student-athlete

Nicola Kaminski put together one of the most outstanding and remarkable comebacks by an individual in the history of the women's golf program to capture the 2021 Female Athlete Performance of the Year. The freshman was tied for 12th after the opening round at the RJGA Palm Valley Classic but she shaved six strokes off her score with a 68 in the final round to jump over 11 other golfers and capture the individual title with a 2-under 142. In the process, she defeated 13 nationally ranked golfers, including three that were ranked in the top 5! Other nominees: Anessa Chirgwin at PacWest Championships (5/1/21), Kourtney Kessler vs. Concordia (2/17/21), Claire Smith at Biola (3/17/21), Ellie Turk at Azusa Pacific (2/5/21)

Male Athlete Performance of the Year – Kaden Anderson at Azusa Pacific (2/27/21)
This award is dedicated to the best overall performance in a single contest by a male student-athlete

Kaden Anderson put together a career night on February 27 on the floor of Azusa Pacific University. The junior forward poured in 37 points on 14-of-20 shooting which included him going 6-of-7 from 3-point range. He scored 21 of his 37 points in the second half, while missing only one shot from the field. He also added five rebounds, four blocks and two steals en route to capturing that week's PacWest's Player of the Week award. The 37 points match the most ever for a Sea Lion at the NCAA level, and are tied for the highest total for any Point Loma student-athlete in the last 28 years. Other nominees: Nathan Garkow vs. Biola (3/26/21), Otto Kemp at Fresno Pacific (5/6/21), Seth Ketterer at Concordia (3/10/21), Parker Scalzo vs. Concordia (2/17/21)

Academic Success Award – Men's Tennis
This award is dedicated to the team that distinguished itself above the curve in the classroom

The men's tennis  team managed to earn one of the highest GPA across all eleven teams! These Sea Lions not only apply themselves in their sport, but use their discipline and commitment in academics too. With a cumulative grade point average of 3.64 and Fall 2020 GPA of 3.55, they are leading the way for PLNU Athletics. We are so very proud of what these Sea Lions have accomplished. Other nominees: All teams



Leadership Award – Jordan Clay (women's soccer) and Timmy Mooring (men's soccer)
This award is dedicated to the individual who distinguished him/herself as a team leader and is respected by their peers

As a member of the Women's Soccer team Jordan Clay has grown into a tremendous leader at PLNU. She served as President of the PLNU Student-Athlete Leadership Team and also alongside key university administrators and faculty as a member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee. Jordan's vision has been instrumental in keeping student-athletes engaged in the community and on campus throughout a challenging year. She led the charge in helping S.A.L.T. develop a partnership with Frontline Foods to raise money to feed health care workers during the height of the pandemic and consistently looked for new and creative ways to lead and keep student-athletes connected to the PLNU campus during a year when that was not an easy task. Jordan never shied away from a leadership challenge and found ways to get things done regardless of the circumstances.
 
Timmy Mooring is not only a leader on Point Loma's Men's Soccer team, he has led by example and shown himself to be a leader across campus as well. He literally grew up with PLNU's soccer field in his backyard and aspired his entire life to wear the green & gold. His consistency and willingness to take on any role and do whatever it takes for his team to succeed has endeared him to all of his fellow student-athletes. Day in and day out Timmy always shows up and because of that work ethic, he has earned the respect of his fellow student-athletes. Timmy has a knack for motivating and getting the best out of himself and others. Listing Nelson Mandela and Jane Goodall as two people he would most like to have dinner with, leadership is clearly something he values. Other nominees: Alli Kim, Cara Liggins, Tales Silva

Best Dressed Award – Izayah Alvarez (baseball) and Courtney Dyer (volleyball)
This award is dedicated to the male and female whose sense of style distinguishes them among their peers

Izayah Alvarez of the baseball team earned the Best Dressed Award for the men, and Courtney Dyer of the volleyball team picked up the honor for the women. Other nominees: Kennedi Byram, Angelique Friedrich, Emma Hinson, Summer Marshall,
 



Best Sense of Humor Award – Isabel Turk (women's basketball) and Jacob Eisenberg (men's soccer)
The Best Sense of Humor award goes to two individuals who always see the funny side in any situation, and find enjoyment in making others laugh.

Jacob Eisenberg of the baseball team earned the Best Sense of Humor Award for the men, and Isabel Turk of the women's basketball team picked up the honor for the women. Other nominees: Bryson Becker, Hunter Cook, Jarret Lindsay, Jasdeep Paintal, Amy Buffini, Cailey Olono, Faith Pearson, Christine Perez

 

Fan of the Year – Jai'lynn Parham
This award is dedicated to the individual who best exhibited the Sea Lion spirit by his/her support through cheering on PLNU at athletic contests

At Point Loma we pride ourselves on creating a fun and engaging game environment and Jail'Lynn Parham exemplifies what it means to be a PLNU fan, both this year and during her entire time at Point Loma. Jai'lynn helped foster a positive and fun game environment, and through her work on the Instagram story she was able to share with all the fans not at the games. It was a pleasure to have such a great fan to represent Point Loma in the stands, both home and away, and around campus every day of the week. Jail'lynn is always a boost for our teams on the fields and courts, whether traveling to the PacWest Basketball Championships and jumping out of her seat when Brock Mackenzie made his famous buzzer-beater or just stopping to say hello and chat with them walking around campus. We hope Jai'lynn inspires others to follow in her footsteps. We have been so glad to have your support. It does not go unnoticed. Other nominees: Generose Angarola, Trenton Hernandez, Kailee Kohorn, Dr. Bill Wood
 
Heart of a Sea Lion Award – Avery Avina (track & field) and Rachel Fong (women's soccer)
This award is dedicated to the individual who consistently displayed a positive outlook and unbridled support of his/her teammates

Throughout Avery Avina's journey here at PLNU she has day in and day out displayed everything any coach, teammate, professor, and classmate would want to see. Avery has consistently been a model representative for the university and the Sea Lions track & field team from the moment she set foot on campus. As one of the strongest leaders and teammates that we have ever had at PLNU, her actions have always been just as loud, or louder, than her words. It doesn't take long when you're around the Sea Lions track & field team to see how Avery's teammates look up to her and seek her advice, encouragement, and help in any situation.
 
Rachel Fong is one of a kind and has made her team, the athletic department and the university a better place since arriving here three years ago. She's enthusiastic about everything she does and about all the people in her life. Rachel's enthusiasm always rubs off on those around her. They know when they are with her they are supported and cared for in deep and meaningful ways. Rachel is known for her ability to inspire and embrace those around her through her humor and genuine passion for people. She has been an amazing asset to the Sea Lions Women's Soccer team and is strong without being the loudest in the room, although she often is. Other nominees: Jack Murphy, Ben Okhotin, Carly Raley
 
Comeback Player of the Year – Rachael Schlect (volleyball)
This award is dedicated to the individual who sustained a major injury or illness and positively impacted his or her team's success

This previous PacWest Freshman of the Year overcame a gruesome knee injury during the 2019 offseason which required major surgery. Rachael Schlect battled her way back to join her teammates during the modified spring season after nearly two years off the court. While she was out Schlect remained committed to the rehab process and to her teammates. She fought her way back to the court this year and played in every match, leading the team in kills per set and placing second in aces. Other nominees: Faith Pearson

Female Athletes of the Year – Lauren O'Malley (women's soccer)
This award is dedicated to the best overall performance for a season by a female student-athlete

For three straight seasons, Lauren O'Malley has been the anchor on the backline for the Sea Lion women's soccer team but even in a shortened season, 2020-21 might have been her most impressive year. The central defender was named the PacWest's Preseason Player of the Year, a rarity for a defender. She started every match, making it 42 straight starts in her career. She helped the Sea Lions post shutouts in three of its four matches and allowed just one goal on the season. For her efforts she was named the PacWest Defender of the Year, but most impressively she has never lost a PacWest match in her three seasons wearing the Green and Gold! Other nominees: Anessa Chirgwin, Alli Kim, Cara Liggins, Claire Smith

Male Athlete of Year – Kaden Anderson (men's basketball)
This award is dedicated to the best overall performance for a season by a male student-athlete

Every basketball team in the PacWest and the West Region knows the name Kaden Anderson. They gameplan around him, and still, he delivers for the Sea Lions every night. The forward was named a preseason All-American and he lived up to the billing during his junior campaign. He averaged 19.0 points and over eight rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the field, 50% from 3-point range and over 85% at the free throw line. He posted four double-doubles in 11 contests and was twice named the PacWest Player of the Week, which included his 37-point outburst at Azusa Pacific. He helped lead the Sea Lions into the NCAA West Regional for the third time in his career, and he capped off the season with his first All-American selection. Other nominees: Tyler Davis, Otto Kemp, Brock Mackenzie, Parker Scalzo

Sea Lion of the Year – Cara Liggins (women's basketball)
This award is dedicated to the all-around individual who displayed the highest level of academic success, athletic performance, spiritual leadership, and community service

Cara Liggins has been the model of consistency, perseverance and hard-work during her four years as a Sea Lion. She has started every game since she put on the Point Loma uniform and has racked up over 14-hundred points and eight hundred rebounds in her career to move into the top 8 in the PLNU history books in both categories. She is also seventh all-time in career 3-pointers and has been named to the All-PacWest team each of the past three seasons. However, even more impressive than her work on the court has been her work in the classroom and the community. Liggins earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a 3.94 GPA in just three years and was named the Fermanian School of Business Student of the Year. She is currently pursuing her MBA, and will earn her second master's degree next year. Liggins also had a leading role with the Team Impact program as the women's basketball team welcomed Angel as an honorary team captain. These achievements have been noticed beyond the campus of PLNU as well, as Liggins has twice been selected to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team and was named the 2019-20 PacWest Women's Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year. Other nominees: Makenna Herrero, Alli Kim, Brock Mackenzie, Samantha Neilson, Tales Silva

Team of the Year – Women's Golf
This award is dedicated to the team that achieved the highest level of athletic success in its season

The Women's Golf team had the best season in program history and rewrote nearly all the record books in the process. They started hot out the gates winning their first three tournaments. They opened the year with a one-stroke win at the Eagle Invitational and then came out victorious at the Bay Area Invitational and the RJGA Palm Valley Classic. The Sea Lions closed out the year by winning the PacWest Golf Championship by 21 strokes and earning the Sea Lions' best-ever finish at the NCAA Super Regional. Other nominees: All teams
 

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