2024-25 Celtic Award winners announced for Walk of Fame celebration

PITTSBURGH --- The Carlow University Department of Athletics is excited to announce the 2024-25 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. 26. The induction ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. inside the St. Joseph Athletic & Fitness Center gymnasium followed by the unveiling of the stones on the Walk of Fame. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Below are the 2024-25 winners and more about the individual awards.

The Outstanding Student-Athlete Award

Molly Wagner | Track & Field | Grad | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Forensic Psychology

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.

"Molly is a true competitor – battling back from injuries and being a true leader and one of the captains of our team. She is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the University if not the most decorated one where she has won multiple USCAA National Championships, United East Conference championships and over a dozen conference and USCAA Athlete of the Week honors. She is everything Carlow wants to represent their athletics. Her work ethic and drive are second to none, and she will be missed and will be a success in anything she chooses to do."

--- Chad Walsh, Track & Field Head Coach

The Outstanding Senior Athlete Award

Sydney Carr | Women's Basketball | Senior | Pittsburgh, Pa. | 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.

"Over the course of her four-year career with the women's basketball program, Sydney embodied what it means to be a student-athlete – demonstrating excellence, consistency and leadership both on and off the court.

Sydney made significant contributions to the team every season she competed. From her first year through her senior campaign, she has grown into one of the most reliable and impactful players in our program. Statistically, she has consistently ranked among the team leaders in scoring, rebounding and defensive metrics. Her ability to perform under pressure, make timely plays and serve as the team's emotional anchor elevated the level of play around her.

As a senior, Sydney reached the peak of her collegiate career. She led the team in key statistical categories including points per game, total rebounds and minutes played. Beyond the numbers, her leadership was evident daily – in practices, in the locker room and during games. She served as a captain and role model for younger players, helping to establish a culture of accountability, resilience and unity. Her work ethic, determination and competitive spirit set the tone for a successful and memorable final season.

Sydney Carr's dedication to Carlow basketball over four years has been unwavering. Her senior season was a culmination of that hard work and passion, marked by both personal and team achievements. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership, commitment and excellence.

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

Riley Comforti | Men's Basketball | Senior | Scottdale, Pa. | Biology: Cardiovascular Perfusion

"During his time on the team, he has always been the most impactful player even after returning from an injury. Statistically, he led the conference in field goal percentage as a senior as well as leading the team in multiple categories (rebounds/points).

Academically, Riley was in the Cardiovascular Perfusion program. While leading in athletics, he was committed to his program. This past year, he was able to juggle working in the hospital with basketball. Due to his heavy call schedule, this led to him missing almost half the practices, but he showed his dedication to academics while continuing to make the biggest impact with the team when he was around. This was not an easy task, and we could see the intense effort of trying to do both. He received multiple USCAA academic awards as well as USCAA All-American Honorable Mention honors."

--- Jacob St. George, Men's Basketball Head Coach

The Spirit Award

Laci Schwirian | Cross Country/Track & Field | Junior | Elizabeth, Pa. | Nursing

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.

"Laci has a 3.5 GPA and has competed in cross country and track & field her entire collegiate career. She is a nursing student and works as a nursing assistant while managing school and athletics. Laci exemplifies leadership and has helped with incoming first-year athletes in cross country and has been the unofficial captain of the women's team. She is kind to everyone and makes her peers feel welcome in every sport. She has met recruits and has been very generous with her time in helping assist me with duties for the cross country team. She is a very well-rounded young woman and is generally outstanding!"

--- Ashley Barr, Cross Country Head Coach