Although the 2018-2019 athletics season has officially come to a close for the Redhawks, records have been broken and new standards have been set. May 31 marked a day to commemorate the student-athletes of Seattle University, with individuals from sports across the board winning awards and gaining recognition for their hard work. Friday night marked a celebration of seniors, broken records and community involvement.

Fall season provided Seattle U teams like cross country, soccer, swimming, tennis, basketball, and rowing a chance to kick the year off strong.

Men’s cross country, led by Seniors Eli Boudouris and Ben Monk, took third place at the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Championships. Both individuals, taking seventh and eighth place respectively, earned First and Second-Team All-WAC awards.

The Seattle University Softball team won their first WAC title and advanced to their first NCAA Tournament during the 2019 season.

The women’s soccer team continued their historic quest for gold, advancing into the first round of the NCAAs after winning their fourth WAC Tournament title. They have now won eight total conference championships since 2013.

The start of winter quarter featured continued success as Redhawk teams set the tone for the new year.

Both men’s and women’s swimming took seventh and eighth place respectively at the WAC Championships, with highlights coming from the men’s side as they broke a school record in the 400 freestyle relay. Junior Greg Raper, specializing in sprints and butterfly, also set a new school record in the 100 freestyle.

Men’s and women’s track and field opened up their seasons, building up to notable performances at the WAC Championships held in Nampa, Idaho. Both teams finished sixth place with Sophomore Nathan Pixler picking up a gold medal in the process, winning the 800-meter run.

“As a student-athlete at Seattle University, I think it’s important to recognize all the opportunities we have and do our best to share them with others.”

Seattle U Women’s Softball, beginning their official season in winter and spring quarters, recorded what has arguably been the best year thus far for the team. The team, becoming the first WAC team to win an NCAA Tournament since 2015 while winning their first-ever Division I NCAA Tournament game, garnered continued success throughout the season.

The team also won their first-ever WAC regular season title and WAC tournament championship.

The women’s golf team also fared well during the spring season, ending the year off strong in a tie for first place at the WAC Championships. The Redhawks had their best-ever finish as a team after tying with New Mexico State, building momentum for future seasons.

A number of athletes were recognized at the banquet, including seniors, first-years and inspiring individuals who have influenced the campus in one way or another.

Redshirt Senior Isabelle Butterfield of the women’s soccer team earned Eddie O’Brien Female Student-Athlete of the Year. As a central midfielder, the team’s co-captain excelled both in and out of the classroom and will graduate from Seattle U with a degree in mathematics and computer science.

Sophonore Nathan Pixler was awarded for his performance at the 2019 WAC Indoor Track & Field Championships, where he earned gold in the 800-meter run.

First-year Declan McGlynn nabbed Male Freshman of the Year recognition after a notable freshman campaign on the men’s soccer team. He was also chosen as the WAC Conference Freshman of the Year and member of All-WAC Second Team, starting in 14 games as a forward and scoring six goals with five assists.

Within the Service to Athletics category, Sophomore Jamie Hegg from the women’s track and field team took the award. When asked about the program she has been involved with and the work required as a student-athlete, she noted the significance of the award.

“It has been very challenging to get the program running, so it was nice to know that my work had an impact,” Hegg said. “As a student-athlete at Seattle University, I think it’s important to recognize all the opportunities we have and do our best to share them with others.”

The 2018-2019 seasons were ones to be remembered for the Redhawks. Broken records across the board and notable work both inside and outside the classroom have built upon previous years and set the stage for more in the coming years. The celebration of a notable year provided Redhawks a chance to come together, recognize each other’s hard work and most importantly prepare for an even more successful 2019-2020 year.

Nicole may be reached at
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