The JAXPYS - Student-Athlete Awards Banquet
The JU Department of Athletics sponsors an annual awards ceremony in the spring. Individual awards (MVP, All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, and historic milestones) will be recognized at the awards ceremony. Other awards given include:
The Outstanding Team GPA Award:
The Team GPA Award is presented to the team who has recorded the highest GPA among the 19 sports during the Academic Year.
The John Sessions Spirit Award:
The John Sessions Spirit Award symbolizes everything that Mr. Sessions stood for in life. This award is given to the JU Athletics team that most exemplifies what it means to be team players. Through their support of other athletic related events (i.e. various competitions) and overall team morale on campus, this award is presented to the team that continues to inspire the Athletic Department as whole. This inspiration may come in the form of unwavering school spirit, the team's ability to overcome adversity, and overall work ethic and commitment to the 19 sports, 1 team, 1 goal vision of the JU Athletics Department.
The Dolphin C.U.R.E Award:
The C.U.R.E Award is presented to the JU Athletics team that not only believes in but thoroughly represents what it means to be of service to all mankind. With a focus on Community Uplift through Research & Education, this philanthropic award is given to the team who best represents JU Athletics in the community.
The D.B. Milne Sportsmanship Award:
The Douglas B. Milne Award symbolizes the highest standard of sportsmanship. The award is presented to the JU Athletics team who has demonstrated excellence in athletics, academics, leadership and sportsmanship. Each year's recipient will exemplify true sportsmanship as they consistently do it the right way and give their all for the love of the game!
The Win the Day Award:
The Win the Day Award is presented to a student-athlete who has experienced some sort of adversity during their time at Jacksonville University. The focus of this award is to honor the recipient who has overcome their respective adverse experience simply by remaining a positive ambassador to their program, and ultimately to the department.
The Iron Phin Award
The Iron Fin Award is awarded to a male and female student-athlete who have exemplified hard work, perseverance, and the ability to raise the bar in the weight room. Nominations for this award come directly from the Strength and Conditioning Department.
The Athletics Communications’ Action Shot of the Year Award:
The Athletics Communications’ Action Shot of the Year Award is presented to the student-athlete with the most capturing, game-ready, and spirited photo of the year. Nominations for this award come directly from the Athletics Communications Department.
The Nellie Award:
The Nellie Award is JU Athletics' own version of the traditional Unsung Hero award, with a "fin-like" spin. The Nellie Award is presented to a male and female student-athlete who in some unique and significant way contributed to his/her team or the Jacksonville University community as a whole. It is broad in its reach and by design meant to recognize those not usually recognized through traditional awards criteria. The recipients must have contributed behind the scenes with their skill, time, and effort towards furthering the vision, mission and strategy of JU Athletics and/or their respective teams.
The New Fin Award: (Freshmen & 1st Yr. Transfers with at least 2.5 cum GPA to date)
The New Fin Award is JU Athletics' own Rookie of the Year Award. The recipients of this award have shown exemplary progress and success during their first year. This award is presented to first year student-athletes (freshmen and transfers) who have excelled academically and athletically while in their first year as a JU Dolphin.
The Debbie & Fred Pruitt Athlete of the Year Award: (Juniors and Seniors ONLY)
The Athlete of the Year Award is presented to the most outstanding male and female student-athlete at Jacksonville University. Recipients of this award have successfully demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, a team work mentality, coach-ability, sportsmanship, and have received recognition(s) by their respective conference or organizations for athletic achievement. Due to their superior athletic abilities, the recipients of this award have increased the support and fan base of not only their programs, but also the Athletic Department as a whole.
The Brady Award: (Juniors and Seniors with at least a 3.0 cum GPA to date)
Named in honor of former University President Dr. James Brady, the Brady Award is presented to JU Athletics' student-athlete leaders of the year of have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA to date. The award is presented to the male and female student-athlete that goes above and beyond in all areas of competition, demonstrates a successful balance between academic achievement, student organization and intercollegiate athletic participation. The recipients of this award consistently demonstrate outstanding leadership by example throughout their development as a JU student-athlete.
The AD Award: (Seniors ONLY with at least a 3.5 cum GPA to date)
In culmination of the JAXSPYS, The Athletics Director Award is presented by Athletic Director, Alex Ricker-Gilbert, to the senior student-athlete who has a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA. This honoree exemplifies what it means to be a Jacksonville University student-athlete. Through their work ethic and positive attitude, this prestigious award is earned by the student-athlete who has demonstrated a successful academic, athletic, social, and professional image throughout their tenure at Jacksonville University. In receiving the night's highest honor, the student-athlete encompasses not only the requirements set forth by the aforementioned awards, but also profoundly represents the entire athletic body across the Jacksonville University campus. The AD Award is handpicked by the Athletic Director, Alex Ricker-Gilbert!
Green, White, and Gold Awards- Student-Athlete Scholar Recognition
The accomplishments of Jacksonville University’s student-athletes will never go unnoticed. The Athletics Department prides themselves in winning championships on and off the field. With the Green, White, and Gold Awards, student-athletes are recognized for their outstanding achievements in the classroom and going above and beyond of the department’s expectations to achieve success within their academics. There are 3 different tiers for this recognition; Green (3.0 and above), White (3.5 and above), Gold (4.0).
Green
Each academic year, all student-athletes who receive a semester GPA of a 3.0 or higher will be honored by the department, during a home athletic event, to honor those specific student-athletes for their hard work.
White
Student-Athletes who receive an academic year GPA of a 3.5 or higher will also be recognized at a major athletics event to honor their achievements. They will be presented a certificate of honor and appreciation, signed by the Athletic Director.
Gold
Those student-athletes who excel immensely in the classroom and receive an academic year GPA of a 4.0 will receive a letter from the President of the University, President Tim Cost as well a banquet in honor of this highest accolade. The banquet will vary by year, but may include anything from a dinner, breakfast, or lunch provided to them by the Athletics Department.
