From Game Day to Glam: UCNJ Athletics Celebrates Awards Night
Cranford - UCNJ Athletics rolled out the red carpet in style for this year's Awards Night, celebrating a year defined by perseverance, excellence, and unforgettable moments both on and off the field. With the theme “Game Day to Glam” student-athletes, coaches, staff, and supporters gathered for an evening that blended Game Day energy with red carpet glamour.
The night served as a celebration of dedication and resilience, recognizing the hard work that carried UCNJ Athletics through one of its most unique seasons yet. From championship moments to everyday sacrifices behind the scenes, the spotlight shined on the student-athletes who continued to rise above adversity throughout the year.
One of the season’s biggest challenges came with the ongoing renovation of the College’s gymnasium. Without a home facility, teams faced constant adjustments — traveling for both home and away contests, sharing practice spaces, and adapting to demanding schedules. Despite the obstacles, UCNJ student-athletes and coaches never lost focus. Instead, they embraced the challenge, proving that success is built through determination, adaptability, and teamwork.
“We roll out the red carpet not just to celebrate wins and records, but to honor the effort behind the scenes,” said Director of Athletics Marbely Montas. “The early mornings, the long practices, the teamwork, and the unwavering spirit that carried our teams through this season are what truly made this year special.”
The event also welcomed former UCNJ Women’s Basketball standout Terrea Lewis as the evening’s alumni speaker. Lewis was a member of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 Women’s Basketball teams, helping guide the program to a second-place finish at the NJCAA National Championship during her first season. After graduating with High Honors in Business from UCNJ, she transferred to Bryn Athyn College, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2023. She currently serves as a Benefit Opportunity Specialist for the City of New York while also beginning her first season as an assistant coach for Queens College Women’s Basketball.
Several special awards were presented throughout the evening to honor individuals and groups who made a lasting impact on UCNJ Athletics.
The Outstanding Owl Award was presented to Patricia Traynor, Student Services Associate, for her unwavering support of student-athletes through testing and CLEP services. Known for her organization, reliability, and welcoming presence, Traynor consistently helps student-athletes navigate stressful moments with encouragement and care.
The Beyond the Playing Field Award recognized the Academic Learning Center Tutors for their dedication to academic success. The tutors were celebrated as behind-the-scenes champions who provide guidance, motivation, and mentorship to student-athletes throughout the academic year.
Academic Learning Center Awards - for student-athletes that exceeded the hours of tutoring!
- 1st Place: Brian Robinson - Men's Volleyball
- 2nd Place: Angelina Hanna - Women's Soccer
- 3rd Place Remy Warfield - Women's Cross Country and Track & Field
The Behind the Scenes Award was presented to Skyie Watson for outstanding support and contributions to the department throughout the year.
Each head coach also selected one student-athlete to receive the Coach’s Award, recognizing individuals who embodied leadership, commitment, and dedication within their respective programs. This year’s recipients were:
- Vanessa Fontanez — Women’s Soccer
- Gianlucca Sipaque — Men’s Soccer
- Alyssa Remy Warfield — Cross Country
- Nicole Monzon — Women’s Volleyball
- Salvatore Randazzo — Wrestling
- Darrian Jackson — Women’s Basketball
- Tyrese Johnson — Men’s Basketball
- Ali Garcia — Esports
- Nicholas Becharra — Men’s Volleyball
- Joseph Valdez — Baseball
- Theo Shapiro — Golf
- Zuriel Battle — Track and Field
2025-26 Student-Athletes of the Year
- Nicolas Acosta – Men’s Basketball
- Maria Paula Urena Rojas – Women’s Basketball
The following teams were crowned GSAC & Regional Champions and/or District Champion this year:
Women’s Basketball – GSAC Champion
Men’s Volleyball – Region XIX Champion & District Champion
Following teams have represented UCNJ and competed in a national championship tournament this year.
- Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
- Wrestling
- Women's Basketball
- Men's Volleyball
As another memorable year for UCNJ Athletics wraps up, Awards Night served as a reminder that the greatest moments are not only measured by wins and championships, but by resilience, growth, and the community that supports every student-athlete along the way.
Director of Athletics, Marbely Montas with Jose Paez-Figueroa (Assistant Dean of Learning Resource), Mary Greco (Educational Support Specialist), & Katelyn Snyder (Assistant Director of Academic Learning Center)
2025-26 Coach's Award Recipients
Jaleel Taylor (Head Women's Basketball Coach), Maria Paula Urena Rojas (Female Student-Athlete of the Year), Nicolas Acosta (Male Student-Athlete of the Year), & Devon Stanberry (Head Men's Basketball Coach)
Men's Soccer
Women's Volleyball