Student-Athletes honored at inaugural Lions' Choice Awards

MARS HILL, N.C. - Awards were presented, traditions were established and memories were made inside Moore Auditorium on Tuesday evening during the inaugural Lions' Choice Awards.

The hour-long event saw 12 awards presented and recognized 60 senior athletes for their dedication and contributions to Mars Hill athletics. The night, put together by the Mars Hill University athletic department and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) celebrated achievement and success by all of the student-athletes that don the blue and gold.

The crowd was also entertained by a rousing performance from the Mars Hill University West African Percussion Ensemble.

Below is a list of the award winners from the historic evening:

Team Highest GPA: Volleyball
"Make It Yours" Team Award (Community Service and Engagement): Baseball
Female Newcomer of the Year: Olivia Hokanson (Women's Lacrosse)
Male Newcomer of the Year: Angel Regalado (Men's Swimming)
Faculty/Staff Supporter of the Year: Dr. Craig Goforth
Female Highest GPA: Lauren Hochstetler (Volleyball)
Male Highest GPA: Cody Hylton (Men's Basketball)
Adidas/First Team Performance of the Year: Bennett Wilson (Men's Basketball; 35 points on Senior Day vs. Catawba)
Female Athlete of the Year: Kathryn Boland (Women's Swimming)
Male Athlete of the Year: Keshaun Taylor (Football)
Woman of the Year: Lauren Hochstetler (Volleyball)
Man of the Year: Zac Brown (Baseball)

To view video clips and photos from the event on the Lions Instagram page, please click here.

If you were unable to attend the event, or want to relive the evening, please click this link and look for the Lions' Choice Awards under the "On Demand" tab.

Highlight Video from the 2017-18 season: