2026 Holy Cross College Athletic Awards Banquet
Thursday April 30th, we gathered to celebrate a truly special year of Holy Cross College Athletics. While we take time to recognize individual achievements, this evening is ultimately about something greater—the commitment, resilience, and character displayed by all of our student-athletes. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you for the way you represent Holy Cross both in competition and in the classroom.
The Brother James E. Kozak Award for Athletic Appreciation honors a faculty or staff member whose life and work reflect the Holy Cross values of zeal, family spirit, humility, and service through unwavering support of our student-athletes and athletic programs.
This year's award is presented to Marc Martin Sr. Since joining Holy Cross in 2007, Marc has been a constant and uplifting presence within Saints Athletics. His passion for sports, his encouragement of our teams, and the genuine relationships he has built with student-athletes have left a lasting mark on our community. One of Marc's greatest joys is seeing former athletes return to campus—a true testament to the meaningful connections he has fostered over the years. We are proud to honor Marc Martin Sr. for his dedication and impact.
The Scholar-Athlete Award recognizes a student-athlete who excels academically while remaining fully committed to their athletic and team responsibilities. This award reflects the Holy Cross belief that intellectual rigor and athletic discipline together shape individuals of purpose and excellence.
This year's recipient is Audrey Tallent of Women's Basketball. A senior and four-year member of the program, Audrey has maintained an impressive 3.5 cumulative GPA as a Philosophy major. Her dedication in the classroom has earned her acceptance into the prestigious McKinney School of Law at Indiana University, where she will continue her journey toward becoming a lawyer. Audrey exemplifies what it means to succeed at the highest level both academically and athletically.
The St. Pier Giorgio Frassati Award is presented to a student-athlete who leads through selfless service—supporting teammates, mentoring others, and contributing to the greater good of both team and community. Rooted in the Holy Cross commitment to servant leadership, this award recognizes Christ-centered leadership lived out through action.
This year's recipient is Matias Rocha of Men's Soccer. Matias exemplifies servant leadership through his commitment to faith and service. He has mentored young Brazilian students at the Cathedral School of St. Matthew, providing translation and academic support, and continues to give back through Life Work Ministry. His involvement includes helping organize a fundraising banquet and coaching in the PD1 Futsal Program, where he provides free training while promoting teamwork, discipline, and faith. Matias lives out the mission of Holy Cross in a powerful and meaningful way.
The Men's and Women's Athlete of the Year Awards represent the highest honor bestowed upon a Holy Cross student-athlete. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional athletic performance, dedication to their sport, and the ability to compete and succeed at the highest level while representing the Saints with pride.
The Men's Athlete of the Year nominees include Donovan Waleskowski from Men's Basketball, Tristian Alfaro from Men's Soccer, and Oscar Wai from Men's Tennis.
This year's recipient is Oscar Wai. Oscar has put together an extraordinary season while competing at the highest level of collegiate tennis. Ranked #5 nationally, he has established himself as one of the premier student-athletes in the country. A three-time All-American, Oscar continues to lead the nationally ranked #5 Saints from the #1 position, setting the standard through excellence, consistency, and competitive success. His performance, leadership, and commitment to his craft make him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
The Women's Athlete of the Year nominees include Allie Caldwell from Women's Basketball, Erika Perez Garcia from Women's Soccer, and Viktoria Savvidou from Women's Tennis.
This year's recipient is Viktoria Savvidou. Viktoria has delivered an outstanding season while competing among the nation's best. Ranked #19 nationally in singles and #12 in doubles, she has proven herself as one of the top competitors in the country. A three-time All-American, she has represented the Saints with excellence, determination, and success throughout the year. Her achievements and consistency at an elite level make her a deserving Women's Athlete of the Year.
As we celebrate these award recipients, we are reminded that their accomplishments reflect the values shared across all of our programs. To every student-athlete—thank you for your dedication, your passion, and the pride you bring to Holy Cross College.
Go Saints!