Medal of Inspiration

The Medal of Inspiration is awarded to person(s) from the Atlantic East Conference who has persevered through extraordinary circumstances and whose determination, devotion, and passion are exemplary, revered among their peers, and worthy of special recognition.
 
Annually, full-member institutions may nominate candidates for this honor. The Athletic Directors from all Atlantic East Conference schools will review nominations and submit the final votes bestowing this medal upon only the most deserving candidates.
 
In any given year, there is neither a requirement that the Atlantic East Conference Medal of Inspiration be awarded, nor a limit as to the number of people who may receive the medal. However, no person shall be recognized with the award more than once.
 
Nominees for the Medal of Inspiration who are not selected for recognition may only be re-nominated or reconsidered if their reason for nomination has changed.
 
CRITERIA:
  • Presented to an individual or group
  • Demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles and serve as an inspiration to others
  • Used perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome a life-altering event
NOMINATION:
  • Nominations must be submitted by a full-time institutional administrator (AD, SWA, SID, FAR, Etc.) or Conference office staff member
  • There is no limit to the number of nominations permitted by each institution.
  • Institutions are not mandated to submit a nomination.
  • Nominations must be submitted through the online awards portal on the Conference website
  • Items to include in the nomination include, but are not limited to:
    • Name, year and sport
    • Academic major (and minor, if applicable) and cumulative grade point average
    • Athletic statistics (season and career)
    • Athletic honors and awards (including team success)
    • Other accomplishments, honors and awards (academic or other)
    • Statement on characteristics that set this student-athlete apart from others
    • Statement on why this student-athlete deserves to be considered for the award
    • Other relevant information
SELECTION PROCESS:
  • It is possible that the award may not be presented each year, and more than one selection can happen in a given year.
  • Athletic Directors will get two votes with their top vote receiving two points and their second vote receiving one point.

PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS:
2018-19: Clare McNulty, Marymount Women's Basketball / Joseph Gorman, Neumann Baseball
2019-20: Meagan Gagnon, Marymount Women's Lacrosse
2020-21: Lilli Foote, Marywood Women's Lacrosse / Alexis Howerin, Wesley Field Hockey
2021-22: Emily Peters, Marymount Women's Lacrosse / Jake Schuster, Marywood Baseball
2022-23: Ethan Emery, Cabrini, Men’s Soccer / Erin Nappi, Centenary, Sports Information / Justin Klemick, Immaculata, Baseball / Francesca Loiseau, Marymount, Women’s Tennis / Becca Zayle, Marywood, Softball
2023-24: Cabrini Student-Athletes and Staff