Princeton University

Six Princeton student-athletes have been named finalists for the 2025 Chris Sailer Leadership Award in honor of Chris Sailer, Hall-of-Fame women’s lacrosse coach at Princeton from 1987-2022. The award, made possible by Lucy Small DeStefano ’99 S94 and Chris DeStefano ’94 S99, is awarded annually to senior student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to serving others. 
 
The Chris Sailer Leadership Award will be presented at the Gary Walters ’67 Princeton Varsity Club Awards Banquet on Thursday, May 22nd starting at 5:00 p.m. ET. For more information on the 2025 banquet, click here.

Meet the 2025 finalists!

MIA COENE | WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY 

Mia Coene is a forward and two-year captain for Princeton women’s ice hockey. A reliable, two-way player known for her leadership and commitment to both ends of the ice, Coene appeared in more than 120 games during her career, including serving as the center for the team’s checking line. A two-time ECAC All-Academic Team honoree and record-setting performer in the weight room, Coene is regarded as one of the most respected players and impactful leaders to come through the program.

 

Off the ice, Coene has supported her team as a SCORRE leader to promote healthy interpersonal relationships, and served on the Varsity Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (VSAAC), helping to enhance the collective student-athlete experience.

 

Additionally, Coene has worked as a research assistant on campus, volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and interned with Let Her Play, a nonprofit promoting girls participation in sports programming.

 

Coene is a politics major from Clayton, N.Y.

 

ISAAC ROTENBERG | MEN’S WATER POLO 

Isaac Rotenberg is a two-year captain and four-time Academic All-American honoree for Princeton men’s water polo. He helped guide the Tigers to four consecutive CWPA league championships and NCAA appearances, including a berth in the 2023 NCAA Final Four following a single-season record for wins. A steady and selfless leader, Rotenberg tallied more than 30 goals and 80 assists during his Princeton career.

 

Out of the pool, Rotenberg serves as vice president of the Varsity Student-Athlete Advisory Committee where he works with the Department of Athletics to help elevate the overall Princeton student-athlete experience across all 38 varsity programs. He is also a Student-Athlete Wellness Leader, SCORRE leader and member of Athlete Ally. Additionally, Rotenberg has been active with the Tiger Sustainable Investment Group during his time at Princeton.

 

Rotenberg is a classics major from Atherton, Calif.

 

 
THOMAS ROSINI | MEN’S SQUASH
Thomas Rosini is a two-year captain for Princeton men’s squash. A CSA First Team All-American, Rosini helped the Tigers to the 2024 Ivy League championship behind a dramatic 5-4 team win over Penn in the last match ever played in Jadwin Gym. Rosini’s versatility and selflessness have been on display throughout his career, anchoring the Tiger ladder anywhere from the No. 1 to No. 6 positions.
 
In his role as team captain, Rosini spearheaded collaboration with the coaching staff to implement helpful improvements to the program’s operations, which helped propel the Tigers to back-to-back CSA Potter Cup semifinal appearances. Rosini demonstrated an uncanny ability to inspire others and drive meaningful and lasting change.
 
A CSA Scholar-Athlete and Gladwyne, Pa. native, Rosini is majoring in Philosophy with a minor in Computer Science. He serves as an elected Undergraduate Student-Representative for Princeton’s Department of Philosophy.
 

AVERY SHUNNESON | MEN’S TRACK & FIELD 

Avery Shunneson is two-year captain for Princeton men’s track & field, having etched his name on Princeton’s all-time performance list in both the weight throw and discus. He has helped the Tigers to seven Heps team titles during his career, including three seasons culminating in the Triple Crown achievement (championships in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track in the same academic year). 

 

An exceptional leader since stepping into his role as captain his junior year, Shunneson has fostered a culture of accountability and unity across all event groups. Similarly, as president of his Princeton eating club, he has worked to create a more connected and inclusive environment within the club and on campus.

 

Outside of Princeton, Shunneson has worked with Habitat for Humanity and volunteered as a chef at a restaurant offering free meals to those in need.

 

Shunneson is from Denver, Colo. and studying in the schools of public and international affairs.

 

MIKEY SQUIRES | WRESTLING 

Mikey Squires is a team captain and two-year starter at both 174 and 184 lbs. for Princeton wrestling. This past season saw Squires capture the 184 lbs. championship at the Princeton Open while being ranked as high as No. 27 nationally.

 

Regardless of whether he was in the Tigers’ starting line-up, Squires remained a steady, optimistic and model leader that set the standard in the wrestling room and embodied the program’s theme of “whatever it takes.” He would selflessly train and prepare fellow teammates at his weight, and make the personal sacrifice to move up or down a weight class if it made the Princeton line-up stronger. 

 

Off the mat, Squires is an active member of the Student Athlete Service Council (SASC). He is also a peer mentor for the international Internship Program and volunteer coach for the Princeton Wrestling Club youth program.

 

Squires is a computer science major from Norwich, N.Y.

 

GRACIE WOOD | WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL 

Gracie Wood is a setter and two-year captain for Princeton women’s volleyball. This past season saw Wood finish second on the team in assists and assists-per-set, helping the Tigers to the second Ivy League title of her career. Wood’s quiet leadership has helped Princeton to an 80% league winning percentage during her career.

 

Off the court, Wood has supported her team as a Student-Athlete Wellness Leader and SCORRE leader, helping to foster student-athlete mentorship and healthy relationships. She has also been active with the Asian Student-Athletes of Princeton (ASAP) affinity group and worked as an undergraduate student researcher and student crew manager at Reunions.

 

Wood has been the lead student organizer around gameday operations for home men’s volleyball contests, while also serving as the lead recruit host for her program as part of prospective student-athlete’s visits to campus.

 

Wood is a psychology major from San Diego, Calif.