Biola student-athletes hung up their uniforms and traded them for formal dresses and suits as they got ready for a night of recognition at the annual Biola Athletics Gala on Sunday, April 19 at 5:30p.m. 

The night began with student-athletes and coaches gathering together outside of Ethel Lee Auditorium, greeted with photo stations and food catering, during which they were able to spend time with their teammates and other student-athletes before heading into the ceremony. 

With popcorn in hand, student-athletes from all sports sat down, excitedly waiting to hear this year’s award winners. This end-of-the-year celebration brought many awards, old and new, and a time of reflection for the soon-to-be graduates. Dr. Bethany Miller started the ceremony with opening remarks and a prayer over the evening, demonstrating how Biola Athletics continuously shows how their foundation is rooted in Christ. 

TIME OF RECOGNITION

The first award of the night, Female and Male Newcomer of the Year, was presented by senior swim and track player Caleb Pook and senior softball player Ariana Banos. This award goes to the player who has made the biggest immediate impact in their first year competing at Biola. The Female Newcomer of the Year award was given to junior softball player Lillianna Garcia and the Male Newcomer of the Year award was given to freshman cross country runner Grant Miller. 

The following award presented was the Breakout Student-Athlete of the Year, which recognized a returning student athlete who has taken a significant step forward in their performance and impact over the past year, who demonstrated a commitment to growth and development every day. This award was handed to senior baseball player Jonny Tewinkle. 

Biola Athletics demonstrates a strong commitment to academics as well athletic ability, this year the cumulative average GPA of all Biola Athletics was 3.44. The next awards handed out were the Elite 17 Academic awards, which is to the 17 upperclassman student-athletes that had the highest cumulative GPA overall. 

In addition to recognizing students, the event was an opportunity to recognize the faculty members who show outstanding work throughout the year and deserve a time of recognition. This year the Outstanding Service award was given to Dr. David Kruse for his tremendous impact as team physician. 

The Female and Male Student-Athlete of the Year is an award many look forward to. This year’s winners of the beloved award went to sophomore track and field runner Eboselulu Omofoma and senior track and field runner Melt von Molendorff. This award recognizes players who demonstrate excellence in competition, leadership in their teams and a commitment to growth both inside and outside of their sport. 

A new award presented was the Assistant Coach of the Year award. A lot of recognition usually goes to the head coach, but the assistant coach has a significant impact on the team as well. Cross country assistant coach, Justin Johnson, was handed this award because of his ability to pour into each one of his players. 

The Head Coach of the Year award was announced previously before the awards ceremony, and head tennis coach David Goodman graciously took it. Goodman is finishing his 11th season coaching tennis, a season that was very successful for both the men’s and women’s teams. Goodman’s entrance into the program sent Biola tennis on a new trajectory because of his care to his student-athletes, and his heart for the Lord. 

Another new award presented this year was the Iron Eagle award, which recognized  student-athletes for their physical technique and their growth in the gym and how they’ve progressed over time. This award was presented to senior baseball player Gabe Magallan and senior softball player Ariana Banos. 

The final award of the evening was the Dr. Dave Holmquist Career Achievement Award, this is the highest award that the department presents. These student-athletes have consistently performed at the very top level throughout their career, who hold records, have conference, regional and national awards and impressive statistics. Named after Dr. Dave Holmquist who has established a legacy of care, success and humility during his near five decades as the head men’s basketball coach. The student-athletes who earn this award have left a legacy of their own at Biola Athletics, similar to Holmquist. The award went to senior swim and track athlete  Caleb Pook and senior cross country and track runner Bethany Mapes. 

END OF THEIR SEASON

After the awards were distributed, Dr. Barry Corey took the time to recognize every student-athlete that will be graduating at the end of the school year. This time invited  the soon-to-be graduates to reflect on their time at Biola, as students and as athletes. For returning student-athletes, it was an opportunity to consider how they might want to spend their remaining time at Biola. 

Finishing in prayer, Corey read 1 Peter 1:3-9 and offered a prayer of commission. During this time,everyone in Ethel Lee held a hand out over the soon-to-be graduates. Corey prayed  over this time that is about to close and new beginnings that will soon open up for the athletes. 

CLOSING REMARKS 

From PacWest Championships to school records being broken, Biola Athletics has made a lasting impression on the 2025-26 season. Throughout the night, every speaker and award winner took the time to recognize the true provider of their success and to continue to look to Him throughout their time at Biola. 

After accepting the Female Student-Athlete of the Year award, Omofoma ended with a comment showing her gratitude for the Lord, ultimately reflecting the heart that Biola Athletics has for every challenge presented to them. 

“All I can say is we should continue to run the race that’s set before us,” Omofoma said. “In good heart, trusting in God the entire way.”