The Jack Bonham Award was presented to Lily Wahinekapu (women’s basketball), Jordan Wedderburn (women’s water polo) and Brayden Schager (football) at the 12th annual H Awards on April 30. The Bonham Award is the University of Hawaiʻi Athletics Department’s highest individual honor.
Leadership on the court, in the pool and on the field, along with excellence in the classroom and service in the community link the 2025 recipients.
Lily Wahinekapu
Lily Wahinekapu
ʻOhana has been at the core of Wahinekapu’s decorated three-year athletic and academic careers as a member of the Rainbow Wahine basketball program. Playing in front of family and friends in the arena and alongside her sister in the UH backcourt, Wahinekapu led the team in scoring each of her three seasons while helping the ‘Bows capture two Big West regular-season titles and a conference tournament championship on their way to three national postseason tournament appearances.
She was twice named to the All-Big West first team and in 2025 became the third UH player to be named Big West Player of the Year. She became the 25th member of the program’s 1,000-point club and ended her career 17th on the all-time scoring list. She also ranks seventh in made 3-pointers.
A team captain as a senior, Wahinekapu received the Ah Chew Goo Award as the program’s “most valuable team player.” In the classroom, she earned Academic All-Big West honors each of her three years at UH and was twice named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.
The product of Kāneʻohe, Wahinekapu also gave back to the Windward Oʻahu community in service projects including cleanups at Waimānalo Beach and PunaluʻuLoʻi. She also helped fundraise for the Hawaiʻi Foodbank as part of Maui wildfire relief efforts and has worked with special needs children with Team Impact.
“Lily Wahinekapu has been one of my favorite athletes to coach,” UH women’s basketball head coach Laura Beeman said. “She is passionate and an incredible teammate. She has represented the university and the state with pride.”
Jordan Wedderburn
Jordan Wedderburn
Prioritizing team success over individual accolades, Jordan Wedderburn has exemplified selfless leadership while contributing to the most successful four-year stretch in UH water polo history.
Wedderburn served as a team captain for South Africa’s water polo team in the Tokyo Olympic Games before enrolling at UH and has ranked among the team’s scoring leaders each of her four years while thriving in varying roles within the lineup. She further elevated her production as a senior, posting a career-high 65 goals entering the NCAA Championship to join UH’s career top 10. She also tied program records with three Big West Player of the Week awards this season and four in her career.
She has helped UH claim three Big West regular-season titles with a 26-1 cumulative record in conference play, and back-to-back Big West Championship crowns. She helped UH ascend to No. 2 in the national polls in 2024—the highest ranking in program history—and the ‘Bows have maintained a spot in the top three for much of this season.
“Jordan has always been the spirit of the team, providing energy in a positive manner whenever the team needs it,” UH water polo coach James Robinson said. “Jordan plays a role for this team that she never played before in her water polo career. Every year Jordan has had to make sacrifices and play a different role than she probably would like to, but she has never once complained.”
Wedderburn holds a 3.78 grade-point average while majoring in kinesiology and entered her senior year as a two-time Academic All-Big West and ACWPC All-Academic honoree.
She has served as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative for two years and worked with Access Surf, helping those with physical or cognitive disabilities to swim or surf. She also participated in Kōkua Learning Farm work days and with the Child Life Program, spending time with children going through treatment for retinoblastoma (an eye cancer) and their families.
Brayden Schager
Brayden Schager
On the field, Brayden Schager earned a place among UH’s storied line of quarterbacks over his career as a three-year starter. Off the field, his efforts to spread joy to young people with special needs—both in Hawaiʻi and his home state of Texas—drew national acclaim.
Schager made 37 starts at quarterback in his UH career, the second highest total in program history, including a record streak of 33 in a row. He picked up All-Mountain West honorable mention recognition in 2023 and closed his career ranked among the most prolific passers in program history at No. 4 in passing yards (9,096) and total offense (9,415). He’s also fifth in passing touchdowns (60) and touchdowns responsible for (68).
A three-time Academic All-Mountain West honoree, Schager was one of 11 FBS players nationally selected to the 2024 AFCA Good Works Team, which honored student-athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their “good works” off the field. He was also a semifinalist for the 2024 Wuerffel Award, considered college football’s premier honor for community service.
Throughout his stay in Hawaiʻi, he remained committed to organizing the Buddy Bowl, an event he founded with his sister in their hometown of Highland Park, Texas. The game gives athletes with physical and mental disabilities an opportunity to play with their peers with the support of fans, the Highland Park football team and cheerleaders. During his time in Hawaiʻi, he participated in the Unity Prom for special needs students and took part in the Night to Shine where he formed a close bond with a dear friend with special needs who he continues to call and text. He also helped develop the BraddahBall, with proceeds going to Maui relief efforts.
“He was a team captain for us and spent the last three years on our leadership committee,” UH football coach Timmy Chang said. “He has been a focal point of the program, not only on the field but off the field as well with his engagement within the community. … He is an exceptional individual and that was displayed during his time at the University of Hawaiʻi. Brayden Schager helped lay the foundation for the future of our program.”
Not many volleyball players in the North Bay have had a two-year run quite like Cardinal Newman’s Cienna Alvarez.
A transfer from Vintage High School two years ago, Alvarez made an immediate impact for the Cardinals in 2024, helping her team tally more than 20 wins for a second straight season.
Newman reached the semifinal round of the North Coast Section Division 2 playoffs that year and qualified for the Northern California regional tournament, where the Cardinals won their first-round match.
This fall, Alvarez was a focal point for the Cardinals in her senior campaign. She welcomed the pressure and ran with it, leading the way as Newman improved on last year’s finish.
For her success on one of the area’s top teams, Alvarez is more than deserving to be named The Press Democrat’s Volleyball Player of the Year.
This fall, Newman finished second in the North Bay League Oak division behind area powerhouse Windsor and third in the NCS Division 2 playoffs, again qualifying for the the state’s Northern California tourney.
Alvarez was at the center of it all, earning double-doubles in kills and digs almost every match and taking over when needed — like when she put up a season high of 29 kills in a 3-1 win over Salesian to send Newman to NorCals for a third straight year.
In the second round of the Division II bracket, 10th-seeded Newman had No. 2 St. Francis on the ropes, but the Cardinals ultimately fell short in a five-set thriller.
Still, Alvarez had another of her double-doubles with 27 kills and 14 digs to keep her team on the verge of an upset.
She ended the season with 466 kills, the fourth-highest total in the entire North Coast Section. She also earned 41 aces and 263 digs to cap her high school career.
Happy Holidays! I hope you are enjoying quality time with family and friends this holiday season.
We’re excited to have been invited to the JLab Birmingham Bowl. What a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes and football staff to represent App State on a national stage against Sun Belt rival Georgia Southern!
Football Goes Bowling
When the bowl invitation call came, we enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to compete one more time. It is an honor in college football to participate in Bowl Season, and we are excited for our program and our Mountaineer seniors to have the opportunity to compete again this season.
We are also looking forward to a promising 2026 season. Earlier this month, Coach Loggains and his staff brought in the highest-rated signing class in App State Football and Sun Belt history. The upcoming January transfer portal is another opportunity to further bolster next year’s roster with future Mountaineers to represent the Black and Gold.
Positioning App State Football for Success
App State is recognized as a national brand in college athletics and a leader in alumni and fan support for our programs, specifically football.
The landscape of college athletics continues to evolve. App State is prepared and will aggressively be positioned for sustained success.
Our football program has historically been one of the most successful programs in the FBS. App State has participated in nine bowl games in the past 11 years and annually leads the Sun Belt Conference in attendance and football ticket revenue.
Our fans have been generous to the Mountaineers, and we are grateful. But for us to continue to compete at the highest levels, we must grow our fan support, our fundraising and our revenue generation efforts to provide the football program with the tools and resources to compete.
Supporting App State Athletics
Expenses in college athletics continue to rise. To reach comprehensive excellence, we need your continued support. Our current donors, new and prospective donors, corporate sponsors, fans and alumni all play a vital role in our comprehensive strategy moving forward.
We need to be more innovative in the creation of new revenue streams through hosting additional events and entertainment experiences.
We all must elevate the urgency and execution of our efforts. We will continue to enhance the holistic student-athlete experience while strategically expanding our revenue share and NIL support. Our entire athletics department is committed to accelerating growth while building a sustainable foundation for the future.
Many have asked how you can help move our programs forward. A gift to our sport-specific funds is a direct investment in:
NIL and Revenue Share: Help us recruit and retain elite student-athletes by strengthening NIL and revenue share support.
Student-Athlete Experience: Enhance the student-athlete experience including resources that support nutrition, student-athlete development, training and well-being.
Long-Term Success: Provide competitive resources that allows our programs to sustain success in the Sun Belt and nationally.
Your support – whether through the Yosef Club, tickets, merchandise, sponsorships, student-athlete NIL, concessions or attending any of our events – plays a vital role in the success of our programs. App State Athletics is built on the passion and generosity of App Nation, and we would not be where we are today without you.
Winter Sports Update
Coming off three straight SoCon title-winning seasons, Wrestling is off to another strong start with a 31-8 dual win against Duke and competitive showings against No. 10 NC State and No. 20 West Virginia.
Men’s Basketball has compiled an 8-6 record that includes exciting wins against regional rivals Charlotte, East Carolina, High Point and Coastal Carolina.
Women’s Basketball also has a winning record (6-5) with nonconference victories over Western Michigan, Wofford, UNC Asheville and Gardner-Webb.
In the first meet of the indoor track & field season, the Mountaineer women’s 4×400-meter squad broke a meet record for the first of what could be many records for this year’s track & field teams.
Facilities Progress
Following the recent East Tower Advanced Planning announcement, a Kidd Brewer Stadium renovation survey will be sent out in the near future. We will be asking App State fans to provide vital feedback as planning progresses.
Construction on the new Sofield Family Indoor Practice Facility is progressing, including significant grading work to prepare for the larger footprint of the new building.
Baseball’s new hitting facility extension is currently in the bid process, with construction to commence in 2026.
The Mildred Southern indoor tennis facility is on pace for completion in April.
There is much to look forward to in 2026 as we close the book on another memorable year in App State Sports.
Buy your season and single-game tickets for all ticketed sports at appstatesports.com/tickets. Football season tickets will go on sale in early January.
Please join us at the Mountaineer Laughs comedy show on Jan. 16 in downtown Boone, with proceeds going to support App State Athletics.
We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and a great start to the new year!
Titan Media industry provides footage for the Kiani North’s signing day.
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VICTORIA, Tx – Victoria East High School athletics continue to shine following the Christmas break, as senior track sprinter Kiani North officially signed with the University of North Texas to continue her track and field career.
North put pen to paper earlier today, marking the next step in a journey defined by hard work and standout performances on the track.
Victoria East girls track head coach Jennifer Gantt praised North’s talent and growth, calling her a special athlete to watch.
“She is a beautiful runner. She’s got such a beautiful stride, and it’s so fun to watch her compete,” Gantt said. “I know I’m looking forward to the next track season — our last one together. You’re going to see great things from her, but more importantly, I’m excited to see what she can do at the next level. Like he said, the door’s wide open. We’re excited for you.”
For North, the signing represents the payoff of years of dedication and discipline.
“It feels really amazing — like, really rewarding,” North said. “If you work hard to achieve your dreams, you will get it. I’m excited for the new environment, I’m excited for the track meets for sure, and I’m just excited to be a part of this program.”
North will join the Mean Green track and field team as she prepares for her final high school track season at Victoria East.
Omaha, NEB — League One Volleyball is set to open its second season in January, and LOVB Nebraska enters the year with momentum, experience, and a culture built on connection.
The Nebraska-based squad features a blend of Olympians, national champions, and former Nebraska Cornhuskers, a mix that players say has helped foster strong chemistry both on and off the court.
“They care a lot about impact and significance and connection and relationships,” head coach Suzie Fritz said. “And I cannot speak enough to the phenomenal women that I spend my days with. They are extraordinary.”
That respect for the game — and for each other — is something players believe will translate directly to success during the season.
“I think one thing Susie does well is creating a culture,” former Husker Jordan Larson said. “Obviously, right now we haven’t competed, so the measurement is ourselves. When tension starts to rise, having a great culture and foundation is important to fall back on.”
LOVB Nebraska leaned on that foundation last season, even when challenges arose.
“You take last season, where we had a few bumps in the road,” Larson said. “What really paid off in the end was that we had a healthy culture and were able to perform when it really mattered.”
Players say that culture feels even stronger heading into year two.
“Chemistry always plays a big part, and that starts with what you do off the court,” former Husker Lexi Rodriguez said. “The coaching staff really emphasizes that culture piece, which helps when things aren’t going as well during the season.”
The result, they say, is a team that not only competes well but is also enjoyable to watch.
“Everyone gets along so well,” Rodriguez said. “We’re really just vibing and jiving and having a good time together, and I think it makes us pretty fun to watch.”
LOVB Nebraska opens the season on the road Jan. 7 at Austin. The home opener is scheduled for Jan. 11 against Houston. The team will also play a March matchup at the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island.
The college volleyball world is still stunned by Texas A&M’s utter domination of its championship run through the Final Four and the national title path. One of the top players in the country played a key role in that run and historic season.
Senior Logan Lednicky is an Aggie legacy who had a childhood dream of attending Texas A&M. As she progressed in her volleyball career, that goal shifted to bringing a volleyball title to Aggieland.
The future Aggie Hall of Famer achieved that goal under the tutelage of A&M head coach Jamie Morrison, the 2025 AVCA Coach of the Year, and helped develop her into a professional volleyball player.
While her name will forever be in the record books as being part of the first-ever Texas A&M volleyball team to win a title, she also set an impressive individual record. Lednicky’s 1,686 kills are the most in program history in the rally-scoring era for one of the more accomplished volleyball careers at A&M.
Logan Lednicky Career stats:
Kills: 1686 / 3.97 per set
Hitting %: .269
Blocks: 378 / 0.9 per set
Aces: 49 / .12 per set
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
Player of the Year: Finley Krystkowiak, Torrey Pines
A senior outside hitter, Krystkowiak finished the season with 328 kills, including 20 against Manhattan Beach Mira Costa in the Falcons’ CIF San Diego Section Open Division championship win. She also had 251 digs, 30 blocks and 56 service aces. Torrey Pinse finished the season 38-5, ranked No. 3 in the state and No. 9 in the nation, losing to Santa Ana Mater Dei in the Southern California Regionals. The 6-foot-3 Krystowiak has signed to play at Penn State.
Libero of the Year: Lilia Green Torrey Pines
Coach of the Year: Roni Greenwood-Harper, Scripps Ranch
First team
Name, School, Year
Finley Krystowiak, Torrey Pines, Sr.
Jaycee Mack, Torrey Pines, Jr.
Ashlynn Proctor, Coronado, So.
Madyson McCarthy, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
Alison Dzieciuch, Cathedral Catholic, Sr.
Bryce Leatherwood, Scripps Ranch, Sr.
Cam Holcomb, San Marcos, Sr.
Alice Burgett, La Jolla Country Day, Jr.
Myah Koster, Bishop’s, Jr.
Second team
Name, School, Year
Emery Gonzales, Torrey Pines, Sr.
Danica Nordlicht, Torrey Pines, Sr.
Jojo Wilson, Cathedral Catholic, Jr.
Nariah Johnson, Santa Fe Christian, Fr.
Avalon Haro, Coronado, Sr.
Max Pheasant, Christian, Sr.
Vivian Roberts, Westview, Sr.
Caitlin Prior, Our Lady of Peace, Sr.
Tatum Epstein, La Jolla Country Day, So.
Havani Embry, Carlsbad, Sr.
Note: Teams selected by Coaches Advisory Committee.
