SUNY Brockport Athletics honored its graduating senior student-athletes on Monday, April 27, during the 2026 Senior Student-Athlete Celebration inside the Seymour Union Ballroom.

Nearly 200 guests attended the event, including 120 senior student-athletes, coaches, staff, family members, and campus leaders, as the department recognized the outstanding accomplishments, leadership, and lasting impact of the Golden Eagles' senior class.

The evening featured remarks from Director of Athletics Dr. Erick Hart, SAAC President and senior women's lacrosse student-athlete Amanda Evans, and Director of Alumni Engagement Betsy Standish. Brockport also welcomed back women's basketball alumna Emily Nestler '19 for a special question-and-answer session moderated by Head Women's Basketball Coach Corinne Jones.

In addition to celebrating student-athlete success, portions of the ceremony were dedicated to recognizing the upcoming retirements of SUNY Brockport President Dr. Heidi Macpherson and Vice President for Advancement and Communications Mike Andriatch. Both individuals were honored for their tremendous leadership and unwavering support of Brockport Athletics, having played instrumental roles in advancing the department, strengthening resources, and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience throughout their time at the university.

Each senior student-athlete was recognized by sport and presented with a personalized framed Brockport "B" and a student-athlete graduation sash as a token of appreciation for their commitment to Brockport Athletics. These commemorative awards and sashes are made possible through the dedicated efforts of retired Associate Athletic Director Susan Hoffman, whose continued support helps ensure this meaningful tradition remains a special part of the student-athlete experience.

Department Awards & Honors

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Brockport Athletics' top individual honors, recognizing excellence in academics, athletic performance, leadership, and character.

Chi Alpha Sigma Inductees

SUNY Brockport inducted 38 senior student-athletes into Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society. Membership is reserved for student-athletes who excel in the classroom while demonstrating strong character and meaningful contributions to their teams and campus community. Faculty Athletic Representative Eric Sandler was on hand to help present the awards, as each inductee received a certificate and will wear a medallion at commencement to symbolize their academic and athletic achievements.

Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year

This year's Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor was awarded to two outstanding student-athletes:

• Kiara Hockman (Gymnastics)
  A standout both academically and athletically, Hockman holds an impressive 3.99 GPA while pursuing degrees in International Business and Marketing. She earned All-America honors on the vault, beam, and floor, helping lead Brockport gymnastics to its sixth consecutive NCGA Regional Championship and a third-place finish at nationals.
  

• Megan Gerber (Women's Soccer / Women's Flag Football)
  A dynamic two-sport athlete, Gerber graduates with a degree in Environmental Science and a 3.63 GPA. She was an all-conference and all-region performer in soccer and played a pivotal role in Brockport's historic inaugural flag football season, earning Empire 8 Tournament MVP honors while leading the Golden Eagles to a conference championship.
  

Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year

• Alex Rivara (Men's Soccer)
  Rivara will graduate with a degree in Nursing while maintaining an outstanding 3.92 GPA. A multiple-time all-conference selection and consistent Dean's and President's List honoree, he capped his senior season by being named the Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Year, combining elite academic achievement with top-tier athletic performance.
  

Female Outstanding Athlete of the Year

• Stephanie Jean-Baptiste (Women's Basketball)
  One of the most decorated players in program history, Jean-Baptiste earned All-America honors and was invited to compete in the WBCA Division III Senior All-Star Game. The Empire 8 Player of the Year finished her career ranked among Brockport's all-time leaders in points, steals, field goals, and three-pointers, cementing her legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.
  

Male Outstanding Athlete of the Year

• Isaiah Simmons (Football)
  Simmons delivered a historic season for the Golden Eagles, earning All-America recognition from both the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association. He rushed for over 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top running backs in the nation while also earning multiple all-conference and all-region honors and ECAC Bowl MVP recognition.
  

George M. Rich Outstanding Senior Athlete Award

The evening concluded with the presentation of the prestigious George M. Rich Outstanding Senior Athlete Award, given to a senior who exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, citizenship, and ethical conduct throughout their Brockport career.

Prior to the presentation, the Brockport community honored the memory of Rosie Rich, a beloved supporter of Golden Eagle Athletics, with a moment of silence recognizing her lasting impact on the university.

The department was also honored to welcome Cassie Rich, niece of George and Rosie Rich, who joined the ceremony to help present the award on behalf of the Rich family, continuing their longstanding connection and legacy within Brockport Athletics.

• Dominic Chirico (Men's Ice Hockey)
  A captain of the men's hockey team, Chirico has been a leader both on and off the ice. In addition to his athletic contributions, he has played a vital role in campus life as a public address announcer for numerous Brockport athletic events, as well as serving as a student recreation manager and Zamboni driver at the SERC and Wegmans Ice Arena. His energy, leadership, and dedication to the Brockport community embody the spirit of the George M. Rich Award.
  

Brockport Athletics congratulates all members of the 2026 senior class and thanks them for the countless ways they have represented the Green and Gold with pride.