Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

Eastern Illinois Athletics concluded its second Billy's Award ceremony on Tuesday night as the culmination of success for Panther student-athletes for the 2025-26 academic year.

During the night nominees were announced for the Panthers three major department end of year athletic awards – AD Award, Athlete of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.

Brett Galletti was named the Dr. Gail Richard Sportsmanship Award winner as with Genevieve Biberdorf, Liz Galvin and Shawn Lacy the other finalists.

University (3.50 to 3.74 cumulative GPA) and Presidential (3.75 to 4.0 GPA) Academic Awards were presented to seniors meeting the above listed academic requirements.

Senior student-athletes that have exhausted their eligibility and have previously earned or will earn their academic degree this spring were presented with a senior portrait.

In addition each sport recognized a winner of its team Coach's Award and Team MVP Award.

Male Athletic Director Award Nominees
Michael Atkins - Cross Country / Track & Field
Tyler Conklin - Baseball
Brett Galletti - Football
Kooper Jacobi - Basketball
Casey Welage - Soccer

Female Athletic Director Award Nominees
Lilli Amettis - Volleyball / Beach Volleyball
Genevieve Biberdorf - Swimming
Kate Germano - Soccer
Karlie McKenzie - Softball
Brenda Torres - Cross Country / Track & Field

Male Athlete of the Year Nominees
Zion Fruster - Basketball
Daniel Lacy - Track & Field
Mason Miller - Football
Bryce Riggs - Baseball
Chris Worcester - Baseball

Female Athlete of the Year Nominees
Ella Kratochvil - Soccer
Catalina Rochaix - Volleyball
Lizzie Stiverson - Softball
Alex Tetteh - Soccer
Brenda Torres - Cross Country / Track & Field
Abby Venhaus - Track & Field

Male Newcomer of the Year Nominees
Rahfeeq Katumbusi - Football
Mason Miller - Football
Yuki Nakamura - Soccer
Machi Nelson - Track & Field
Alex Sadowski - Swimming
Luke Watson - Men's Golf

Female Newcomer of the Year Nominees
Layla Bonilla - Track & Field
Sophia Buswell - Swimming
Ashlyn Denney - Cross Country / Track & Field
Rylan Gick - Softball
Alanys Nieves - Beach Volleyball
Ava Stoller - Women's Basketball 

A successful night at @EIU_Panthers The Billy's

Congrats to all our award winners and nominees for end of year awards pic.twitter.com/kZ2d1Qy3fk

— Eastern Illinois Athletics (@EIU_Panthers) April 29, 2026