UConn’s Triumphant Trio: BIG EAST Sport Excellence Awards Highlights
Last Friday, the spotlight shined brightly on three exceptional student-athletes from the University of Connecticut (UConn), who were recognized with the prestigious 2024-25 BIG EAST Sport Excellence Awards. This accolade celebrates not only outstanding performance in athletics but also exemplary academic achievements and community contributions. It’s an honor that reflects the dedication and hard work of these student-athletes both on and off the field.
Celebrating Academic and Athletic Excellence
The BIG EAST Sport Excellence Awards are highly regarded within collegiate athletics, highlighting student-athletes who have achieved junior standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. This year’s awardees from UConn exemplify the qualities that the awards are designed to celebrate: exceptional talent in their respective sports, academic prowess, and a commitment to community service. Each awardee – Jenna Zydanowicz, Sol Simone, and Olivia Wright – has made remarkable contributions to their teams and the university.
Jenna Zydanowicz: A Distance Dynamo
Jenna Zydanowicz claimed the women’s cross country award, capping off an illustrious career at UConn. Her journey reached a pinnacle when she secured a sixth-place finish in the NCAA Northeast Region race, clocking an impressive personal best of 19:53 in the grueling 6K format. This performance not only marked her best race as a collegiate runner but also secured her a coveted spot at the NCAA Championships — a first in her career.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Zydanowicz has consistently excelled in academia. She graduated with a degree in Allied Health Sciences in May 2024 and continued her educational pursuits, completing her master’s in public health the same month. Her ability to balance the demands of rigorous training with academic excellence showcases her dedication and discipline.
Sol Simone: A Rising Star in Field Hockey
Taking home the award for field hockey, Sol Simone has made remarkable strides in her junior season. Her prowess on the field has earned her the title of an NFHCA 3rd Team All-American, alongside distinguished honors like the NFHCA First Team All-Region designation. Notably, Simone was recognized as the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year and earned a place on the All-BIG EAST First Team, solidifying her status as a leader for the Huskies.
In her last season, Simone scored six goals while also showcasing her playmaking abilities with eleven assists, helping her team secure the BIG EAST Championship. As she prepares to enter her senior season, she is working towards a degree in analytics and information management, merging her love for sports with a future-focused academic path.
Olivia Wright: Breaking Records in Women’s Tennis
Olivia Wright’s achievement in women’s tennis marks a historic moment for UConn as she secured the BIG EAST Player of the Year award, becoming the first player in the program’s history to achieve this honor. Under her leadership, the Huskies reached a program-best 16-5 record while going 9-1 in conference battles.
Wright shined particularly in doubles play, where she concluded the spring season with a remarkable 16-2 record in the number one slot. Her contributions were crucial in guiding the team and exemplified her commitment to both individual excellence and team success. Recently graduating with a degree in psychology, Wright boasts an impressive GPA of 3.930, reinforcing her status as a model of academic achievement.
The Significance of the Awards
The BIG EAST Sport Excellence Awards serve as a testament to the holistic development of student-athletes within the conference. With a focus on not just athletic execution but also academic achievements and community involvement, the awards reflect a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Each selected athlete demonstrates prowess in their sport while upholding academic integrity, setting a standard for future generations of athletes.
As UConn celebrates Jenna Zydanowicz, Sol Simone, and Olivia Wright, their stories of resilience, dedication, and achievement remind us that the journey of an athlete goes beyond the field — it is about fostering a legacy built on hard work, community engagement, and academic success.