Franklin Springs, GA – There was plenty to celebrate on Monday night at the John W. Swails Center as Emmanuel Athletics hosted its 11^th annual Leo Awards, celebrating the accomplishments of our Lions during the 2025-26 season. 

LEO AWARD WINNERS:

RECORD BREAKING FEMALE PERFORMANCE – ELLIE JACKSON (WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL)
Jackson helped lead the Lions to a 22-10 overall record and a Conference Carolinas Championship Title. On their way to the title, Jackson broke the school record for double-doubles, accumulating 44 in her career. The previous record of 42 career double-doubles was set in 2022.

 RECORD BREAKING MALE PERFORMANCE – LUKAS LAUTRUP-NISSEN (MEN'S GOLF)
Lautrup-Nissen shot a program record score of 204 (-12) to tie for first at the 2025 Currahee Invitational at Currahee Golf Club. Lukas broke the previous record set earlier this season by teammate, Pietro Fenoglio of 206. He also set the regular season scoring average program record, averaging 71.9 over the course of 27 rounds in 9 tournaments. Lautrup-Nissen and the Lions went onto win the 2026 Conference Championship Title, the first in program history.

FEMALE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR – ALEXANDRA FORD (WOMEN'S WRESTLING)
Ford finished the season with a record of 27-14, earning First Team All-Conference honors. She placed top 3 at the NCAA Regional Championship to qualify for the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship, where she secured a statement victory over #3 seed, Zoey Lints in round one, winning a 5-3 decision against the 2-time All-American. 

MALE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR – GABRIEL HULL (MEN'S GOLF) 
Hull won two big Division II tournaments with strong fields, finishing -5 at the Oldfield Classic and -11 at the Ralph Hargett Memorial. Hull was named Conference Freshman of the Month twice and Conference Golfer of the Week twice. He secured a 3^rd place (-2) individual finish at the Conference Carolinas Championship to help the Lions earn their first Conference title in program history. 

UPSET OF THE YEAR – BASEBALL
The Lions beat #15 North Georgia 8 -4 on their home field. This was the Lions 5^th consecutive win over the Nighthawk in Dahlonega and marked Coach Jeff Kilgore's 250^th win as the Head Coach of the Lions. 

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – KARISSA TURNWALL (WOMEN'S WRESTLING) 
Turnwall became a 3X All-American after placing 4^th at the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship. She completed an undefeated regular season with 90% of her wins coming by bonus points, including victories over the No. 3, No. 6. No. 7 ranked wrestlers in the country. Turnwall also captured a NCAA Regional Championship title and was just recently named the U-23 National Champion in her weight class. 

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - DEVIN STORY (MEN'S BASKETBALL)
Story finished top 5 in the country (D2) in points per game. He scored 40 points 4 separate times, 39 points twice, and 38 once this season He also picked up 15 assists in the Lions 87-83 win over Shorter on December 16^th. On the season, Devin averaged 24.2 points per game, leading the team in assists, points, steals, and 2^nd in rebounds. He was named the Conference Carolinas Player of the Week on three occasions and was voted 1^st Team All-Conference. 

FEMALE TEAM OF THE YEAR – WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL 
The Lions finished the season 22-10 overall and 15-5 in conference. The Lions won the Conference Carolinas Championship in a 4-set victory over North Greenville even after the adversity of losing two starters in the season. The Women's team was regionally ranked in each of the regional rankings this season and was awarded the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll which is given to the top 20% GPA in the nation in D2 Volleyball. 

MALE TEAM OF THE YEAR – MEN'S TENNIS
The Lions are currently ranked top 30 in the nation with an 8-1 record in conference action.  They have impressive wins over defending Conference Champion, Belmont Abbey and Young Harris. 

COACH OF THE YEAR – JAMES FRIDDLE (WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL) 
The Women's Volleyball team finished the season 22-10, with a 15-5 record in conference. The Lions won the Conference Carolinas title in a 4-set victory over North Greenville even after the adversity they faced, losing two starters in the season. The team had a huge sweeping victory over regional foe Augusta and earned the AVCA Academic Honor Roll for the 4^th straight year (top 20% GPA in all D2). In the season, Friddle topped 160 career wins as the Lions Head Coach. 

Congratulations to all of this year's winners and nominees for the records broken, milestones met, and the successful seasons both on the field and in the classroom!