University of Richmond Athletics
Spiders Shine at 2026 SPIDYs Awards
04/13/2026 | General, Spider Performance
Doogan, Merklinger Headline Night Honoring Richmond Athletics Excellence
Richmond, Va. — A year defined by championships, record-breaking performances, and program-defining leadership took center stage Monday night as the University of Richmond hosted the 2026 SPIDYs Awards inside the Robins Center, honoring the top student-athletes, coaches, and staff across Spider Athletics.
In the evening's signature moment, Maggie Doogan (Women's Basketball) and Max Merklinger (Men's Lacrosse) were named 2026 Spider Athletes of the Year following historic seasons that elevated their programs to new heights.
Doogan capped one of the most decorated careers in program history, becoming a back-to-back Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 2025 and 2026 — the first repeat winner in conference history since 1989–90 and the only player in Richmond history to accomplish the feat. She delivered a record-setting 48-point performance in a triple-overtime win over Davidson, the highest single-game scoring total in NCAA Division I during the 2025–26 season, and finished her career with more than 2,000 points, ranking second all-time in program history. A consistent national award contender, Doogan appeared on multiple watch lists and earned weekly honors throughout the year.
Merklinger led the Spiders to their most successful season to date, serving as team captain while helping guide Richmond to an Atlantic 10 regular season title, a conference tournament championship, and the program's first NCAA Tournament victory. He finished his senior season with 48 points and earned First Team All-Atlantic 10, Atlantic 10 Midfielder of the Year, and Honorable Mention All-America honors.
Head coach Dan Chemotti (Men's Lacrosse) was also recognized as SAAC Head Coach of the Year after guiding the historic season that featured the program's breakthrough NCAA Tournament win.
Throughout the night, additional awards were presented recognizing excellence across leadership, academics, service, and performance.
Outstanding Civic Engagement Award:
Logan Jackson (Soccer), recognized for consistent involvement in community initiatives and leadership in representing Spider Athletics through service.
Outstanding Leadership Award:
Rachel Ullstrom (Women's Basketball) and Jordan Allen (Football), honored for leading by example, elevating team culture, and consistently raising performance standards.
Donnie Earl Lindsey Jr. First-Year Spirit Award:
Sam Rathmanner (Men's Tennis) and Abby Lee (Women's Tennis), recognized for making immediate impacts through energy, competitiveness, and a strong team-first mindset.
Iron Spidy Award:
Joe Sheridan (Men's Lacrosse) and Katie Chignell (Swimming & Diving), honored for resilience, toughness, and consistency throughout the season.
Academic Excellence Awards:
Academic Top GPA Awards recognized student-athletes across class years for outstanding academic achievement while balancing athletic demands. The Presidential Citation Award, the department's highest academic honor for seniors, was earned by Joe Sheridan (Men's Lacrosse) and Phoebe Rubio (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field).
Academic Top GPA Award Recipients:
Freshmen: Estella Bruneau (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field), Olivia Eusanio (Field Hockey), Shelby Manlove (Women's Lacrosse), Macray Marchione (Women's Soccer), Kaitlyn Martin (Swimming & Diving), Daniela O'Leary (Women's Tennis), Jason Raffel (Men's Cross Country), Alyson Stepp (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field), Lily Strebel (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field), Aaron Van Tuyle (Baseball)
Sophomores: Hallie Muniz (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field), Luke Spitzer (Men's Lacrosse)
Juniors: Grace Gannon (Women's Lacrosse), Rachel Vandersea (Swimming & Diving), Aidan Wooley (Men's Lacrosse)
Staff & Support Awards:
Elizabeth Reed (Dining Services) earned the SAAC Outstanding Service Award for exceptional behind-the-scenes impact. Sara Spencer (Associate Athletic Trainer) and RD Montgomery (Associate Director of Student-Athlete Success) were named SAAC Support Staff Members of the Year for their dedication and support. Billy Caldwell (Cross Country/Track & Field) was honored as SAAC Assistant Coach of the Year for mentorship and leadership.
Performance, Character & Breakthrough Awards:
The Spider Determination Award went to Kellan Heney (Baseball) and Bridget Lonsinger (Women's Lacrosse). Brady O'Brien (Baseball) earned Transfer of the Year, while Newcomer of the Year honors went to Emma Newman (Soccer) and Aiden Argabright (Men's Basketball). Gabrielle Cummings (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field) received the Be The Change Award for leadership in DEI and campus inclusion efforts.
The Swimming & Diving team earned the Spider Pride Award after capturing the 2026 Atlantic 10 Championship with a dominant performance and multiple medal finishes. Laura Thompson (Robins School of Business) was named Distinguished Faculty & Staff Award winner for mentorship and lasting impact on student-athletes.
SAAC Superlatives:
Best Duos: Michael Elko (Baseball) & Jackson Kraemer (Baseball); Abby Lee (Women's Tennis) & Amy Walsh (Women's Tennis)
Funniest Teammates: Jacob Fusco (Men's Lacrosse) & Jess McMeeking (Field Hockey)
Most Likely to Bring Home to Parents: Paxton Pritchard (Men's Tennis) & Molly Blanchard (Swimming & Diving)
Most Likely to Be in a Hall of Fame: Aidan O'Neil (Men's Lacrosse), Hallie Muniz (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field), Molly Wise (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field)
Most Likely to Be on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List: Brian Catanzarite (Football) & Maya Beasley (Women's Golf)
Most Likely to Star in a Reality TV Show: Carter Bruns (Cross Country) & Jemma Peterkin (Women's Lacrosse)
Best Gameday Hair: Otto Sewell (Men's Tennis) & Grace Wiggins (Field Hockey)
Watch Out World Award: Andy Condon (Cross Country) & Aniesha Scott (Women's Basketball)
"Grandma & Grandpa of the Team" Award: Rileigh Meyer (Women's Lacrosse) & Mauricio Rodriguez (Baseball)
Spider-Man Best Character Award: Bo Fowler (Football) & Emma Shields (Soccer)
Champions for Life Award: Hannah Lydic (Women's Golf) & Mike Walz (Men's Basketball)
