Full Block F Release
Bronx, N.Y. - As the 2023-2024 season begins to wind down, the Fordham University Athletic Department held its 90th annual Block F Awards Dinner in the Rose Hill Gym on Wednesday night to honor Fordham University's student-athletes for their accomplishments during the academic year.
Among those honored were water polo's
George Papanikolaou, who was the recipient of the Vincent T. Lombardi Award as Fordham's top male student-athlete, women's swimming's
Ainhoa Martin, recipient of the Claire and Jack Hobbs Award as Fordham's top female student-athlete, and head water polo coach
Brian Bacharach, who received the Iron Major Award as Fordham's Coach of the Year.
Additionally, softball student-athletes
Julia Petrovich and
Michaela Carter received the Kiwanis Community Service Award and O'Donnell Award, respectively.
Kiwanis Community Service – Julia Petrovich (Sr., Softball): Fordham Kiwanis is part of a worldwide service organization that is committed to improving the quality of life through volunteer action. The members of Fordham Kiwanis, comprised of university faculty, staff, and administrators, wish to recognize student-athletes who not only excel in academics and in their respective sports, but who are also committed to working in community service activities.
Petrovich, a four-year member of the softball program, has been involved with numerous community service projects including: partnering with Hilinski's Hope to raise mental health awareness, destigmatize mental illness, and provide quality resources to our student athletes, and working with the NCAA to participate in a three day event to bring awareness about diversity and inclusion. She also partnered with Fordham's LIL Ram's kids club to host a trick or treat event for local Bronx kids and with Poe Cottage to help clean up local parks located at Edgar Allen Poe cottage.
Terence O'Donnell Award (Sportsmanship & Dedication) – Michaela Carter (Gr., Softball): The O'Donnell Memorial Award is presented to the Fordham athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship, loyalty, dedication and self-discipline. The award is in memory of Terry O'Donnell, a 1955 graduate who died in a military plane crash shortly after graduation.
Carter, a five-year member of the softball program, has been an active student worker with Athletic Facilities for the last few years. A true five-year starter in the outfield, she provides a lot of talk, energy, leadership and grit. Carter exemplifies sportsmanship, loyalty, dedication and self-discipline and has been a very responsible, mature, and steady presence for the team during her career both on and off the field.
