EIU Award Winner List
 
Eastern Illinois softball athlete Briana Gonzalez has been named the EIU Female Athletic Director's Award Winner for the 2024-25 season.
 
The award was created in 2012 to recognize a top EIU student-athlete based on their career performance in athletics, academics and community service.  After not presenting awards during the 2019-20 COVID year, the Male & Female Athlete of the Year was adjusted to recognize the top athletic performance for the year regardless of class.  The EIU Athletic Director's Award was then adjusted to recognize a top Senior Male & Female Athlete based on their career performance in athletics, academics, community service and leadership.
 
Gonzalez wrapped up her career as a starter and captain on the Panthers softball team that won its second straight Ohio Valley Conference Championship and advanced to its second NCAA Tournament playing in the Austin Regional hosted by eventual NCAA National Champion Texas.  Gonzalez was named to the OVC All-Tournament team this past season and was a starter for three seasons with EIU making two NCAA Tournament appearances and winning two OVC regular season titles in that span.
 
Off the field Gonzalez was active in the community as a leader with the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) among other items.  She earned her degree and was a multiple time Academic All-District selection and NFCA All-Academic selection.

Gonzalez was one of four candidates for this award announced at the Panthers end of year awards ceremony (The Billy's).  She was joined on the list by Hallee Thomas (track & field), Avery Richardson (soccer) and Corinne Staneart (swimming)

2024-25 EIU Athletic Award Winners
Female AD Award – Briana Gonzalez, softball
Male AD Award – Ramsey Hunt, track & field
Female Athlete – Macy McGlone, basketball
Male Athlete – Cooper Willman, football
Female Newcomer – Kiyley Flowers, basketball
Male Newcomer – Abraham Johnson, track & field