Lion Athletics hosted the Lion Choice Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of student-athletes across campus and initiation into Chi Alpha Sigma, an honors society for student-athletes.
The awards recognized not only athletic performance but also academic achievements and campus involvement.
Justin Dumas, a senior kinesiology major and linebacker for Southeastern Louisiana University’s football team, received both the 2025-26 Highest Graduating Senior (male) award and the Heart of a Lion award.
“I’m feeling really blessed to accept these awards. I hope the impact I leave with my teammates is just to trust God, even in the good times and bad throughout their journeys,” Dumas said.
The 2025-26 Highest Graduating Senior (female) awards went to soccer midfielder Mia Martin, softball infielder Maria Detillier and track and field sprinter Miriam Kauer.
After Martin was given the reward alongside Detillier and Kauer, she reflected on her experience as an athlete at Southeastern.
“I love this program. The culture here is amazing. Not just the program, but the whole student-athlete and athletic department. It’s awesome to be a part of something so special,” Martin said.
The men’s golf team received the 2025-26 Community Service Award. Head Coach Lawrence Allen praised his team’s commitment to service.
“I’m really proud of my guys and how much we give back to the community. Southeastern and our golf team are incredibly fortunate to have so much local support. These organizations give so much to people who need it, and it’s a privilege for us to play even a small part in helping out,” Allen said.
Senior indoor volleyball player Alexis Logarbo and senior offensive lineman Holden Karokowsky were given the Sandy Goodwin Award, presented annually in memory of longtime Southeastern Athletics supporter Sandy Goodwin.
This award is given to student-athletes who best embody the university’s “Bleed Green and Gold” spirit.
Later, Kendall Curran, the senior goalie for the Lady Lions soccer team, received the Heart of a Lion award for female athletes.
“I was so happy to receive this award. I think it really reflects what we have going forward with this team. We want to make sure we’re embodying what it means to be a Southeastern Lion,” Curran said.
Brilee Ford, junior softball player, earned the 2025 Play of the Year award for her performance against McNeese.
With the score tied in the SLC championship, Ford hit a line drive through right field to give her team the lead and secure the Southland Tournament championship, leading the Lady Lions to the Baton Rouge Regional.
Later that night, the 2025 Game of the Year award went to the softball team’s regional matchup against the Lady Tigers. With the game on the line, Maria Detillier made a decisive catch to seal the win – only the second such victory in program history.
