ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell seniors
Lauren Holt,
Andrew Johnson,
Ketki Ketkar and
Cooper Noard took home the Charles H. Moore Outstanding Senior Varsity Athlete Award during the school's annual Senior Toast on Monday.
Aishwarya Khubchandani,
Sarah MacEachern,
DJ Nix and
Aman Sharma earned the Ronald P. Lynch Senior Spirit Award, given to student-athletes whose leadership on and off the field model the ideals of the Big Red athletics department.
Matt Dooley,
Riley Gerardo,
Sam Latona and
Caitlin Tully were recognized with the Mario St. George Boiardi '04 Leadership Award for embodying leadership, athleticism and a strong work ethic, while
Abraham Ailemen,
Noah Cummings,
Jane McNally and
Emily Pape shared the Kraig H. Kayser MBA '84 Big Red Athletics Inspiration Award, given when a student-athlete's accomplishments on and off the field inspire not only his or her teammates and coaches, but also his or her fellow classmates, professors and the entire Cornell University family.
Charles H. Moore Outstanding Varsity Athlete
Lauren Holt, Softball
One of the most dominant power hitters in Ivy League history, Holt was a four-time All-Ivy League selection, including Ivy League Player of the Year as a senior. She concluded her career with 46 home runs, second-most in both Cornell and Ivy League history, while her 165 RBI rank third at Cornell and fourth in Ivy history. A consistent offensive force, she also finished second all-time at Cornell in both slugging percentage (.744) and on-base percentage (.453), placing among the top 10 in Ivy League history in each category. Holt delivered one of the greatest single seasons in conference history as a senior, setting an Ivy League single-season record with 19 home runs and 137 total bases and had Cornell records of 66 RBI (second in Ivy history) and 30 walks (eighth in Ivy history), while posting a .474 batting average (No. 5 in Ivy history). She ranked among the top 25 nationally in multiple categories, including batting average, home runs per game, on-base percentage, RBI per game and slugging percentage. She was a standout from her freshman season, when she led the Ivy League in home runs and earned second-team All-Ivy honors. She also captured second-team accolades as a sophomore in 2024 and was honorable mention in 2025 before capturing first-team accolades in her final campaign, when she also earned first-team all-region accolades.
Andrew Johnson, Men's Soccer
Johnson earned three All-Ivy League selections, including first-team honors twice, while anchoring defenses during one of the most successful stretches in Cornell men's soccer history. A two-time United Soccer Coaches first-team All-Northeast Region selection, he was a four-year starter who appeared in 69 career games, starting every contest, and helped the Big Red compile a 49-16-8 record (.726) with three NCAA Tournament appearances, winning first round games each time. Renowned for his durability and consistency, Johnson averaged nearly 86 minutes per match and played the full 90 in 57 contests. Despite his primary defensive role, he recorded five career goals and one assist, with four of his five goals standing as game-winners. Following his junior season, he was selected 47th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by Charlotte FC, but deferred a professional contract to complete his degree.
Ketki Ketkar, Women's Fencing
Ketkar was one of the most decorated fencers in program history, earning three first-team All-America honors and advancing to the NCAA semifinals twice, highlighted by a third-place national finish. A four-time All-Ivy League selection, including three first-team honors, she captured the 2026 Ivy League title and consistently ranked among the conference's elite competitors. Ketkar claimed a regional championship in 2024 and placed second in 2026, qualifying for the NCAA Championships three times. She compiled an outstanding 208-72 career record, demonstrating sustained excellence across dual meets, conference competition, and postseason play. Cornell finished a program-best ninth at NCAAs in 2026 and had a four-year dual meet record of 113-43.
Cooper Noard, Men's Basketball
Noard was one of the Ivy League's most efficient and prolific scorers, earning NABC first-team All-District and second-team All-Ivy League honors as a senior while leading the conference in scoring at 18.2 points per game. A team captain and key figure in one of the most successful stretches in program history, he shot .500 from the field, .376 from 3-point range and .903 from the free-throw line in his final season, ranking among the league leaders in efficiency while pacing the Ancient Eight in scoring. Noard reached double figures in 27 games, including every contest against Division I competition, with 10 games of 20 or more points. He concluded his career with 1,187 points, ranking 17th on Cornell's all-time scoring list, while his 228 3-pointers stand fifth in school history. A steady scorer throughout his career, the three-year starter averaged 13.2 points per game as a junior while leading the Ivy League in 3-point percentage (.418), and developed into one of the conference's most dangerous perimeter threats. Cornell made four consecutive Ivy League Tournament appearances, with a spot in the finals in 2025, and sported a 72-43 record in his four seasons.
Mario St. George Boiardi '04 Leadership Award
Matt Dooley, Men's Lacrosse
Dooley embodied the leadership, competitiveness, and work ethic that define Cornell men's lacrosse, serving as a four-year contributor and defensive leader for the Big Red. A second-team All-Ivy League selection as a senior, he played in 56 career games with 48 starts, establishing himself as one of the team's most dependable and physical defenders while setting the tone through toughness, grit, and enthusiasm. His most memorable on-field moment came in dramatic fashion when he scored the game-winning goal with 1.6 seconds remaining to defeat Princeton on the road in 2024, earning Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week honors. Beyond competition, Dooley was known as a connector within the locker room and across campus, combining humor, kindness, and authenticity with a relentless commitment to his teammates. A standout student in the Dyson School with a 3.75 GPA, he participated in Big Red Readers, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and Big Red Leaders to Leaders (L2L), while also earning induction into the Cornell Red Key Honor Society. Through his leadership, humility, and service, Dooley consistently represented the values and spirit of Cornell Athletics.
Riley Gerardo, Equestrian
Gerardo was one of the top riders in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, earning a berth to the IHSA National Championship and capturing the prestigious Cacchione Cup title at Zone Championships as a junior. She was Cacchione Cup runner-up as a senior. A consistent high-point performer, she recorded top-eight national finishes in both Open Fences and Open Flat while also placing among the top team contributors at Zones. Over the course of her career, Gerardo excelled across both disciplines, earning regional championships in Open Flat and Open Fences as a senior and posting numerous first-place finishes throughout the regular season, including multiple wins at Ivy Show competitions and across regional events. She placed at IHSA Nationals as a sophomore and steadily progressed through the levels, ultimately establishing herself as one of the program's most accomplished riders. Cornell won the Ivy Show each year and claimed three regional team titles.
Sam Latona, Men's Soccer
Latona embodied the ideals of leadership, resilience, and work ethic throughout his Cornell career, serving as a senior captain and helping lead the Big Red to a top-25 national ranking and an NCAA Tournament Round of 32 appearance. His path was defined by perseverance after suffering a serious knee dislocation prior to arriving on campus, followed by years of demanding rehabilitation and a temporary step away from the program to focus on his mental health. Despite those challenges, Latona remained deeply connected to his teammates and program, ultimately returning late in his junior season before appearing in 18 matches as a senior. A Classics major in the College of Arts and Sciences with a 3.9 GPA, he excelled academically while serving as a trusted mentor and culture-setter within the program. Known for his humility, positivity, and genuine care for others, Latona led not through words alone, but through daily example, consistency, and an infectious commitment to those around him, leaving a lasting impact on Cornell men's soccer.
Caitlin Tully, Women's Lacrosse
Tully exemplifies the spirit of the Mario St. George Boiardi '04 Leadership Award through her unwavering commitment to leadership, athletic excellence, and a tireless work ethic. A two-year captain, a 2026 First Team All-Ivy selection, and a 2025 Second Team All-Ivy defender, she has been a steady, intelligent, and resilient presence, guiding her team with consistency and purpose. Caitlin leads by example, always going the extra mile in preparation, performance, and support of her teammates. She is a trusted mentor to younger athletes, embodying the principles of the "21 Lessons" and fostering a culture of accountability and unity. As a member the 400 Club, Leader's to Leaders, and Cornell's Red Key Society, she has further demonstrated her commitment to service, academic achievement, and building meaningful connections within the Ithaca community. Her impact extends far beyond her individual achievements, making her an essential pillar of our lacrosse program's success.
Ronald P. Lynch Senior Spirit Award
Sarah MacEachern, Women's Ice Hockey
MacEachern embodied the spirit of Cornell women's ice hockey through resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates and community. A senior captain and gold medalist with Hockey Canada at the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championships, she persevered through significant adversity after injuries sidelined her for the majority of two seasons, remaining a steady and influential presence within the program throughout her career. Beyond the rink, MacEachern worked in Cornell's strength and conditioning center while also founding T.R.E.N.D. Camp Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing awareness of women's health and personal development through projects and youth training camps for girls and young women. Her impact extended far beyond the scoresheet, earning the 2023 True Sport Award as well as the team's William F. Fuerst Jr. '39 Cornell Big Red Player of the Year honor, presented to the player who best represents Cornell women's hockey on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community. In 71 career games, MacEachern contributed as both a competitor and culture-setter, consistently leading with positivity, accountability, and care for those around her, leaving a lasting mark on the Big Red program.
Aishwarya Khubchandani, Women's Squash
Khubchandani was a three-time CSA second-team All-American and one of the program's most consistent contributors across the top of the lineup. A second-team All-Ivy League selection as a junior, she competed primarily in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions throughout her career, compiling multiple double-digit win seasons and earning a reputation for steady play against elite competition. She posted an 11-10 record as a sophomore while earning All-America honors at the CSA Individual National Championships and followed with a 10-win campaign as a junior, including an 8-8 dual match mark and a Second Team All-Ivy selection. As a freshman, she made an immediate impact with an 11-5 record and captured the Holleran West title at the CSA Individual National Championship. Khubchandani closed her career as a finalist for the CSA Betty Richey Award, recognizing excellence in performance, sportsmanship, and leadership.
DJ Nix, Men's Basketball
Nix has been a defining presence within Cornell men's basketball, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike as a senior captain whose leadership is felt in every corner of the program. Over the course of his career, he evolved from a high-scoring focal point in high school into a selfless, team-first contributor, embracing the roles that drive winning but often go unseen. A consistent presence across four Ivy League Tournament teams and an NIT appearance, Nix made his greatest impact as an energy giver and connector—someone who keeps teammates engaged, steady, and confident through the daily demands of the season. Known for his ability to read people and bring others with him, he helped shape the culture of the program through positivity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to team success. Nix's leadership, spirit, and willingness to do whatever is needed have left a lasting imprint on Cornell Athletics. As a key member of SAAC, Nix hosted the Nellies in 2025.
Aman Sharma, Men's Tennis
Sharma distinguished himself as a leader whose impact extended across both Cornell Athletics and the Ivy League, serving as a senior captain of the Ivy champion men's tennis team and as Chair of the Ivy League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, where he represented student-athletes from all eight institutions in conference-wide governance and advocacy. A four-year contributor for the Big Red on the court, Sharma helped lead the Big Red to the second round of the NCAA Division I Championships in each of his four seasons while compiling a 43-31 career singles record and a 24-19 doubles mark. Equally accomplished in the classroom and campus community, he earned Academic All-Ivy honors in 2026, was a six-time Dean's List selection, an ITA Scholar-Athlete, a member of the Cornell 400 Club, and was inducted into the Ye Hosts Honorary Society. Known for his thoughtful leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to service, Sharma consistently represented the ideals and spirit of Cornell Athletics at the highest level.
Kraig H. Kayser MBA '84 Big Red Athletics Inspiration Award
Abraham Ailemen, Men's Track & Field
Ailemen has distinguished himself as a leader whose impact extends well beyond competition, combining resilience, purpose, and a commitment to building community across Cornell Athletics. A Posse Foundation Scholar and biological sciences major on the pre-med track, he helped transform Men of Color in Athletics from an idea into a lasting, structured organization—establishing leadership frameworks, alumni networks, and programming designed to serve student-athletes long after his graduation. Through initiatives ranging from professional development workshops to campus-wide service efforts supporting staff and peers, Ailemen consistently prioritized action over visibility, creating meaningful connections across teams and throughout the university. A long jumper whose career has been shaped by both injury and steady improvement, he remained a dependable presence within the program, contributing through leadership, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to team culture. Grounded in a belief that opportunity carries responsibility, Ailemen has approached every aspect of his Cornell experience with intention—building systems that last, elevating those around him, and leaving a lasting imprint on the Big Red community.
Noah Cummings, Men's Track & Field
Cummings has emerged as a leader defined by purpose, service, and a deep sense of responsibility to those who helped shape his path. A first-generation student-athlete from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, he has combined his development as a distance runner with a commitment to building community across Cornell Athletics. After overcoming injury that sidelined a full season, Cummings redefined his impact beyond performance, helping to build Men of Color in Athletics into a visible and service-driven organization that connects student-athletes across teams and backgrounds. Through initiatives supporting campus staff and peers, as well as his work expanding access to sport through youth programming with Run Your City, he has consistently translated leadership into action. Cummings has also extended that impact into professional spaces, mentoring others while preparing for a career in finance, with a full-time role at Morgan Stanley following graduation.
Jane McNally, Field Hockey
McNally has inspired the Cornell community through a rare blend of resilience, passion, and purpose, excelling both as a student-athlete and as a storyteller. A senior goalkeeper and assistant captain, she earned the starting role in her final season after years of perseverance, leading the Big Red with double-digit wins, multiple shutouts, and one of the top goals-against averages in the Ivy League. Off the field, McNally served as a four-year beat writer and sports editor for The Cornell Daily Sun, covering men's ice hockey through NCAA Tournament runs while balancing the full demands of Division I athletics. Her ability to succeed at the highest levels in two demanding arenas—competition and journalism—has made her a role model for teammates, peers, and the broader university community.
Emily Pape, Women's Basketball
Pape embodied the ideals of the Kraig H. Kayser MBA '84 Athletics Inspiration Award through her leadership, service, and lasting impact across Cornell Athletics and the broader university community. A standout performer on the court, she finished her career with more than 1,100 points, more than 600 rebounds, and 110 made 3-pointers, becoming the only player in program history to reach all three milestones while helping lead Cornell to one of the biggest upsets in Ivy League history and its best conference finish since 2021-22. Beyond basketball, Pape emerged as a transformational campus leader, founding Cornell Student-Athletes for Sustainability (CSAS) and helping drive environmental awareness initiatives throughout the athletic department. She also created and co-taught a course focused on sustainability in athletics, earning the Billie Jean King Leadership Award for her work. A dedicated member of SAAC and the Cornell Red Key Society, Pape consistently invested in service opportunities and community engagement, embodying integrity, loyalty, and a commitment to making those around her better both on and off the court.