2023-24 Celtic Award winners announced for Walk of Fame celebration

REGISTER: WALK OF FAME | CU ON THE GREEN | VOLLEYBALL HOME GAME

PITTSBURGH --- The Carlow University Department of Athletics is excited to announce the 2023-24 Celtic Award winners.

The athletes will have their names engraved in stone and added to the Walk of Fame next to St. Joseph Athletic & Fitness Center Friday, Sept. 29. The induction ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. inside the Rosemary Heyl Theater in Antonian Hall followed by the unveiling of the stones on the Walk of Fame.

Family and friends are welcome to attend and should register online at the links above. Alumni weekend will continue as we welcome guests on the green outside the gym immediately following the unveiling of the stones.

Below are the 2023-24 winners and more about the individual awards.

The Outstanding Student-Athlete Award
Clara Niglio | Softball | Senior | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Nursing

This award is presented to the student who best exemplifies a "student-athlete." This student achieves in the classroom while achieving in competition. This Celtic represents the balance between academic and athletic achievement, with the emphasis on academic achievement. Grade point averages, academic honors (such as Dean's List and Honor Roll) and contributions to the team are factors for this award.

"Clara exemplifies student-athlete to the highest degree. She transferred to Carlow because of our academic reputation as a great nursing school, where she graduated with over a 3.5 GPA in the rigorous nursing program. Clara always balanced her academics with softball preparation. She was always a presence in the circle, pitching over 300 innings in her career. She additionally was an offensive threat as well providing many clutch hits during her four years. She concluded her career at the 2024 USCAA Small College World Series where she went 2-2 in the circle with a 3.00 ERA with 15 strikeouts and four walks over 18.2 innings. At the plate she was 9 for 17 with a .529 batting average with three doubles, a triple, two walks and seven RBI to help lead the No. 9-seeded Celtics to a fourth-place finish."

--- Glenn Zinsmeister, Softball Head Coach

The Outstanding Senior Athlete Award
Karissa Miller | Tennis | Senior | Allison Park, Pa. | Human Biology

This award is presented to the student-athlete who has participated in a sport for four years at Carlow and made significant contributions to that team each year. This student also stood out as a senior in statistical categories and in a leadership role. The student's athletic career at Carlow concluded with a successful, achieving senior season. Career and senior year statistics are factors for this award.

"Karissa participated on the tennis team all four years at Carlow University and led the team for three consecutive years as our number one singles and doubles player. Karissa also led our team as captain for two consecutive years – demonstrating strength on the courts during warmups and drills; demonstrating leadership on the courts before and during matches; and demonstrating punctuality. She was always the first to arrive at practice and matches and the last to leave. She consistently showed up and put forth every bit of energy that she had into practice and matches. We always would ask her if she ever had a day where she was tired because she made tennis, school, work and roller skating seem flawless.

Karissa was not only a high performer on the courts, but she excelled in the classroom. She majored in biology, with the plan to attend medical school after graduation. That is exactly what she did – she was early accepted into LECOM and moved to the Bradenton, Fla. campus in July 2024 where she is studying to become a surgeon. As coaches, these are the sort of athletes you feel beyond privileged to have on your team. We were lucky to have her and wish her the best of luck in everything she will accomplish."

--- Gina Lovaglio, Tennis Head Coach

The Spirit Award
Rylie Blair | Women's Basketball | Senior | New Concord, Ohio | Behavioral Neuroscience/Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

This award is presented to the student who makes intangible contributions to the team. The student's actions in and out of competition display commitment, dedication, determination and team spirit. This student represents everything positive about intercollegiate athletics. Overall attitude, leadership, team-building skills and commitment to success are factors.

"Rylie exemplifies the very essence of spirit through her unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership and infectious positivity. In every aspect of her athletic journey, Rylie displayed a relentless dedication to her team and sport. Whether she was on the court or off, her determination and passion shone through, inspiring her teammates to reach new heights. Rylie's remarkable work ethic and resilience served as a beacon of motivation for all those around her.

What truly set Rylie apart was her remarkable team spirit and genuine camaraderie. She consistently went above and beyond to uplift her teammates, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone felt valued and empowered. Rylie's ability to unite individuals toward a common goal is a testament to her exceptional leadership and team-building skills.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Rylie's positive attitude and unwavering commitment to success made her a true asset to our athletic community. She embodies the values of sportsmanship, integrity and perseverance, serving as a true teammate for her peers both on and off the court. In summary, Rylie Blair embodies everything the Spirit Award represents. Her dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to success make her a deserving candidate for this prestigious honor. Rylie's impact extends far beyond her athletic achievements, leaving a legacy of inspiration and excellence within our program."

--- David Gordon, Women's Basketball Head Coach