Nominees for the 2026 Blaster Awards

4/27/2026 12:00:00 PM

Below are the nominees for the 2026 Blaster Awards. The winners will be announced at an in-person, student-athlete-only ceremony on the evening of April 28 at Volk Gym.

The Blaster Awards were established in 2016 to honor the best in Mines Athletics. This year's edition will feature 14 awards and recognition of the President's Senior Scholar-Athletes.

Female Rookie of the Year

Awarded to an outstanding female athlete who is in their first year of eligibility (either true freshman or redshirt freshman). Transfers are not eligible unless they are a redshirt freshman.

CSCAA Second-Team All-American in the 800-free relay, 400-IM, 200-breast, and 400-free relay
RMAC Freshman of the Year and RMAC Champion in the 200-IM and 400-IM with four All-RMAC finishes
Mines records in the 200-IM, 200-breast, and as part of the 800-free relay
Emerged as a top-10 pitcher in the RMAC as a true freshman
Leads the Mines pitching staff with a 3.22 ERA and 60 strikeouts over 19 appearances with four starts and is
second on the team with 76 innings pitched while holding teams to .243 at the plate
On April 11 against Chadron State, was one out away from throwing a no-hitter
Honorable Mention All-RMAC and starting middle blocker as part of Mines' return to the NCAA tournament
Ranked #4 in the RMAC and top-70 in the nation in blocks per set
Totaled 195 kills at 2.79 kills per set while hitting .235 with 109 blocks
Helped Mines win its first-ever RMAC title in women's XC and to their highest national finish of #2
Two-season USFTCCCA All-American, finishing 20th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships and seventh in the NCAA indoor 5,000m
Broke the Mines steeplechase record as a true freshman and won the RMAC title in the event
Was XC USTFCCCA All-Region, RMAC Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-RMAC

Male Rookie of the Year

Awarded to an outstanding male athlete who is in their first year of eligibility (either true freshman or redshirt freshman). Transfers are not eligible unless they are a redshirt freshman.

Runner-up in the RMAC as an individual and selected for the 2026 NCAA West/South Central Regional
Palm Valley Classic champion and RMAC Golfer of the Week
Leads team with four top-10s and three top-5s, averaging 73.26
True freshman became #3 hurdler in Mines history running 8.13 seconds indoors
RMAC silver medalist in the 60m hurdles, First-Team All-RMAC
Ranked as high as #2 in the RMAC in the 110m hurdles outdoors
RMAC Goalkeeper of the Week after posting a shutout in his collegiate debut over Azusa Pacific to open the year
Led the RMAC with 75 saves while posting a .708 save percentage and a 1.88 GAA
Played all but 44:38 of a possible 1530:00 in goal as a true freshman
3x First-Team All-RMAC as a true freshman in the 400-medley relay, 200-medley relay, and 400-free relay
Second-Team All-RMAC in the 100-fly, placing 4th at the RMAC Championships and Ranked #36 in the nation in the 50-fly
Part of program records in the 400-medley relay, 400-free relay, and 200-free relay
Earned team's starting 125-pound spot as a true freshman
Went 10-8 overall and finished 4th at the NCAA Super Region VI Championships
Had a team-leading 7 pins, including one over the #7-ranked wrestler in the nation
AFCA Second-Team All-America at long snapper
First-Team All-RMAC
Started all 11 games at long snapper and helped Mines lead the nation in punt average
Starting second baseman for the Orediggers as a true freshman
Through 46 games, batting nearly .300 with 30 runs on 32 hits including three doubles and two triples
Has nine games with multiple hits and reached base safely in 13 consecutive outings
RMAC Freshman of the Year / Freshman of the Meet as the top-finishing freshman at the RMAC Championships
USTFCCCA All-Region and Second-Team All-RMAC after taking 12th in the region and 20th in the RMAC
Finished 51st in the nation at the NCAA Championships, the second-fastest freshman in the nation

Female Academic Athlete of the Year

Awarded to the most outstanding female scholar-athlete, with a combination of athletic and academic achievement taken into consideration.

Graduated in three years with a B.S. in chemical engineering and now pursuing an M.S. in STEM education
Four-year starter in the outfield with a career .401 AVG, 267 hits, 35 doubles, 18 triples, four home runs, 129 RBI and 38 stolen bases
Ranks top-five in several program all-time lists including hits, batting average, runs scored, doubles, triples and RBI
USTFCCCA Second-Team All-American in track in both the 3,000m and 5,000m
NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award recipient for indoor track & field
USTFCCCA XC All-American, RMAC Academic Runner of the Year, and RMAC Summit Award in XC
Helped Mines win its first-ever RMAC XC Championship and to its highest national finish ever at #2
United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American and 3x RMAC Academic Honor Roll
Scored 3+ goals in each of her four seasons and recorded a career-high 10 assists to end her career in 2025 on the way to First Team All-RMAC honors
Ranks top-10 in program history in goals scored and points
2025 Second-Team Academic All-American
2026 RMAC First-Team All-Academic and CSC Academic All-District
All-American in the 200-medley relay, 400-medley relay, 100-breast, and 200-free relay. Also RMAC Champion in the 100-breast with four All-RMAC finishes

Male Academic Athlete of the Year

Awarded to the most outstanding male scholar-athlete, with a combination of athletic and academic achievement taken into consideration.

RMAC champion in the indoor and pole vault
NCAA Indoor qualifier indoors
First-Team Academic All-RMAC
2025 RMAC First-Team All-Academic and 2024 RMAC Academic Honor Roll
Ranks #3 in the nation in total doubles and #5 in doubles per game while leading the RMAC in both categories
Through 46 games, batting .355 with 44 runs on 61 hits including 22 doubles, 2 triples, and 7 home runs, ranking #11 in program history in doubles
RMAC First-Team All-Academic and CSC Academic All-District with all-America to be announced
First-Team All-RMAC and RMAC runner-up in the 1000-free. Also Second-Team All-RMAC in the 200-fly and 1650-free
Ranked #28 in the nation in the 1000-free, #39 in the 1650-free, and #46 in the 400-IM
NCAA third-place finisher and All-American at 184 pounds
Went 18-5 overall and was Second-Team All-RMAC
NWCA Scholar All-American is set to graduate a year early
Mainstay of Mines' lineup is averaging 73.52 as a senior
Was the runner-up at the Bob Writz Individual, 4th at the RMAC Championships, and a NCAA regional selection
Has six top-25 finishes this season with a low round of 67

Female Comeback Player of the Year

Awarded to an athlete, male or female, who overcame injury, illness, or other adversity, to perform at a high level this season

Following a severe head injury, Imani missed most of the track season in 2025. She returned as a USTFCCCA All-American in the 800m indoors. Then won the RMAC's 800m outdoor title. Also set the Mines indoor and outdoor 800m and outdoor 4x400 records.
Lindy faced one of the toughest setbacks an athlete can endure when she tore her ACL at the end of last season. Instead of letting it define her, she attacked her recovery with relentless determination, putting in the work not just physically through rehab, but mentally, rebuilding her confidence and resilience day by day. When the new season began, she was in and out of the starting lineup, but that never changed her approach. She showed up every day committed to getting better, competing in every rep, and earning the trust of her teammates and coaches. Over time, her consistency, toughness, and growth couldn’t be ignored. She didn’t just compete for a starting role; she earned it, ultimately surpassing those ahead of her and proving that her perseverance and mindset were stronger than any obstacle she faced.
Morgan's journey back to the court is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and leadership. During her sophomore season in 2023, Morgan suffered a severe leg fracture during a match which required extensive surgery. She took on the demanding recovery with unwavering focus and determination. She committed herself fully to the process of returning stronger. Through months of rehabilitation and disciplined effort, she steadily rebuilt her strength, confidence, and presence on the court. By her junior season, she had successfully returned to competition. Her senior season capped the comeback as she hit .254, totaled 31 blocks, and led Mines back to the NCAA tournament. But her comeback was about more than statistics. She led selflessly, supported her teammates with positivity and encouragement, and set a standard of excellence both on and off the court.
After suffering a severe hip injury, Natalie returned to the team and won RMAC Defensive Player of the Year, was a consensus all-American and an Academic All-American in 2026.
Cameryn's junior season ended just three days before the RMAC Championships due to an appendix injury. Due to extenuating circumstances, her scar tissue became difficult to manage and kept her in pain - enough to consider retiring from swimming. Instead, Cameryn worked diligently through rehab and eventually qualified for the 2026 NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships. She was also one of the team's top point scorers at the RMAC Championships and wrote her name multiple times in the program record book.

Male Comeback Player of the Year

Awarded to an athlete, male or female, who overcame injury, illness, or other adversity, to perform at a high level this season

After being injured during spring practice, Max went through rehab the entire offseason and missed the first four games of the regular season. After returning to action in the fifth game this fall, he rushed for 654 yards and averaged 109 yards per game. That production led to Second-Team All-RMAC distinction.
Jonah suffered a season-ending hip injury in 2024 and then a season-ending knee injury in 2025. He returned to the track this season and was an all-American, multi-time RMAC Champion and set conference records in the 200m, 400m, and 4x400.
After a spectacular run to the NCAA Division II national finals in 2024, he suffered a severe hip injury that kept him out of the 2025 championships. Following offseason rehab, Cody rolled all the way back to the NCAA Division II Championships and won the national title at 149 pounds.

SAAC Community Impact Award

The SAAC Community Impact award is voted upon by the membership of SAAC to recognize the outstanding community service by either one student-athlete, a group, or a team.

Quincey was nominated for her outstanding SAAC leadership.
While internal SAAC volunteer hours are not always widely publicized, Yahir and Izaiah are historical frontrunners. Yahir is a back-to-back winner of this exact Blaster Award (2024 and 2025), sharing the 2025 honor with Padilla. Their established track record of recognized service within the SAAC body makes them the most deserving nominees from the wrestling team.
In addition to his work in the classroom and on the field, Brock dedicates a massive amount of time to numerous organizations. Some of Brock's affiliations include FCA, American Society of Civil Engineers, Mines High Grade Literary Art Journal, the Athlete Formal, House Denver Church. He's volunteered for the FCA shoe drive with ProjectLove non-profit, for the track & field team at home events, and helped with the prep, setup, and teardown for the Athlete Formal.
Callie serves as the team's lead for Team Impact and as the team's SAAC representative.
Julie is nominated for this award on the merits of her campus involvement and servant leadership. She serves as a building manager, lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, and a Rec Supervisor. Julie is also part of ASCE and serves as an FCA student leader. Furthermore, she leads a swim team bible study and will be a team captain next season.
Lucas was a team captain this season and will be next year as well. He's also a TA for CSCI413 and serves as a Peer Educator. Lucas led the Wellness Group with a focus on programming and tabling around physical health, stress management, sleep, exercise, and harm reduction surrounding alcohol and drugs. Most recently, Lucas helped create a giveaway of wellness resources for E-Days.
Dignitaries: Kat is a student representative and liaison between Alumni, Donors, Board of Governors, Trustees, and Students. As Leader of the Community Partnerships Committee within Dignitaries, she leads, organizes, and sets up collaborations with other student organizations for almost all of Campus Philanthropy Events. She communicates directly with Campus Administration and the Mines Foundation to raise funds, schedule events, and build student-donor relationships. Kat also manages committee responsibilities, schedules meeting times, and holds members accountable to assigned duties. She is also involved in iDigMines, which is Mines’ largest annual fundraiser.

Peer Mentor: As a peer mentor, Kat supports incoming students in their transition to college life by serving as a resource and mentor. She leads orientation sessions and has taught the CSM101 Freshman Success Seminar during students' first semesters. Kat provides academic support and guidance to build an inclusive and positive learning environment. She also helps design, develop, and grade assignments.

Tau Beta Pi: Engineering honor society: As part of her membership in Tau Beta Pi, Kat volunteers at various events on and off campus to fulfill her duty of academic excellence, integrity, and service within the engineering community.

SAAC Oredigger Spirit Award Finalists

The SAAC Community Impact award is voted upon by the membership of SAAC to recognize the outstanding community service by either one student-athlete, a group, or a team.

Female Oredigger Excellence Award

Awarded to a female senior who has completed their eligibility and has distinguished themselves in an outstanding manner in achievement, leadership, and school spirit over the course of their Mines careers.

The ultimate teammate. Kendall has earned the program's Best Teammate Award each year since its introduction (2x) and can seemingly never be found without a smile on her face. She has been a leader in the softball program since the day she arrived on campus, starting every game of the 201 in her career and celebrating the success of her teammates more than her own in each one of them. Not just a leader on the field, Kendall is leading in the community as she prepares for a teaching career having spent the 2025-26 academic year assisting at Golden High School.
Amanda didn’t just return to the court—she embodied what leadership and excellence look like for Mines volleyball. After stepping away from the game for three years to work fulltime as a mechanical engineer, she came back for her final season in 2025 and helped propel the Orediggers back to the NCAA Tournament.

Her final season was nothing short of remarkable. Earning AVCA Honorable Mention All-America honors, along with First-Team All-Region and First-Team All-RMAC recognition, she quickly reestablished herself as one of the most complete and dominant players in the conference. Starting nearly every match, she led with consistency and versatility—finishing near the top of the team in kills, digs, and blocks while recording 12 double-doubles. Her ability to impact every phase of the game made her the backbone of a resurgent Mines squad.

Her excellence, however, was never confined to a single season. Across her career, she was a cornerstone of sustained success—contributing to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, RMAC titles, and deep postseason runs. A multi-time All-RMAC selection and all-American, she surpassed 1,000 career kills and cemented her place in the program record book, including ranking among the top servers in school history. Time and again, she delivered in the biggest moments, from conference championships to high-stakes tournament matches.

What truly defines her legacy is not just the accolades, but the story behind them. Returning after years away from competition and immediately elevating her team back to the postseason, she embodied perseverance, leadership, and elite performance. Her impact was undeniable. She didn’t just contribute to success, she helped restore Mines volleyball to national prominence, proving that true excellence is measured by both achievement and the ability to rise when it matters most.
After making just four appearances in her first two seasons, largely due to circumstances out of her control, Allie emerged over her final two seasons as one of the best goalkeepers in the RMAC, starting 41 of her final 42 matches played. Always a staunch supporter of her fellow goalkeepers, Allie waited patiently for her time in goal, and rose to the occasion to become one of the leaders of the women's soccer program. Her dedication to her craft helped lead Mines to the 2025 RMAC Women's Soccer Tournament Championship playing shorthanded against #22 Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction, just two nights removed from being the hero in a 10-round penalty shootout against #14 UCCS on her way to being named tournament Most Valuable Player
Raced to national bronze at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in 2024. Then, was the 2025 NCAA national champion in the indoor 5,000m and is currently the top-ranked 10,000m runner in the nation. Is a nine-time all-American in her career.
In addition to her athletic accolades and great grades and GPA, she is also a lead for the mental health supervision group for Mines Peer Education and is a grader for the math department. She is also a part of SWE, SWim (society of women in math).
Leader for the women's track & field team who had her senior season cut short by injury. Owns the program records in the 60m hurdles, pentathlon, and heptathlon and is a multiple-time RMAC champion.

Male Oredigger Excellence Award

Awarded to a male senior who has completed their eligibility and has distinguished themselves in an outstanding manner in achievement, leadership, and school spirit over the course of their Mines careers.

Mason is an excellent nominee for his career longevity and leadership. A Mechanical Engineering major, earned Second-Team All-RMAC honors, and consistently battled for placement at the regional championships over his career. Leadership is often measured by sacrifice. Midway through the 2025-26 season, Diel moved up from his natural 184 lbs to 197 lbs to fill a critical gap in the dual lineup. This move wasn't just tactical, it was a leadership signal that the team’s dual success outweighed his individual comfort.
Mattie has been consistently strong academically. In addition to that he is a lead for our swim lessons program and is the final Oberley to come through mines - both of his parents were athletes are Mines and his older brother, Henry completed his 4 years at Mines before Mattie started. Mattie has incredible passion for the university, helping others and being a leader.
A vocal leader on and off the field who was a six-year member of Mines football.
A 2026 All-American in the 800m who set the RMAC indoor 800m and outdoor 4x400 records this season. Is a five-time RMAC champion, four-time NCAA qualifier, and three-time all-American in his career.

Female Athlete of the Year

Awarded to the most outstanding female athlete of the year

D2CCA Second-Team All-Region and First-Team All-RMAC
Broke the program's single-game scoring record with 45 points against Nelson, and shattered the program record for season scoring average at 20.9 points per game
Ranked #3 in the RMAC and #9 in the nation in points per game. Also #1 in the RMAC in free-throw percentage, #5 in three-pointers per game, and #6 in three-point percentage
CSCAA Second-Team All-American in the 800-free relay, 400-IM, 200-breast, and 400-free relay
RMAC Freshman of the Year and RMAC Champion in the 200-IM and 400-IM with four All-RMAC finishes
Mines records in the 200-IM, 200-breast, and two different 800-freestyle relays
Back-to-back RMAC Player of the Year, Regional Player of the Year, 2x First Team All-American
Scored 20 goals with four assists for 44 points and became second player in Mines history with a 20-goal season and fourth player with 50+ career goals
Finished tied for the DII lead in goals scored in 2025, scored in 13 of 21 matches and recorded a point in 15 of 21
National runner-up and RMAC Champion as part of Mines' first-ever conference title and highest national finish - ever.
USTFCCCA All-America, RMAC Runner of the Meet, First-Team All-RMAC, USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week, RMAC Runner of the Week
National silver made her the highest-finishing Oredigger woman in program history, and was just the second RMAC Champion in program history
As a true freshman, broke the Mines indoor (6.21m) and outdoor (6.15m) long jump records, outdoor 200m (23.82), plus the outdoor 4x400
RMAC Freshman of the Year and RMAC Championships Freshman of the Meet indoors, winning RMAC championships in the long jump and 4x400
NCAA Indoor Championships qualifier in the long jump
Ranks #2 in program history in the indoor 60m and 200m and outdoor 100m

Male Athlete of the Year

Awarded to the most outstanding male athlete of the year

In 40 games, batting .481 with 60 runs on 78 hits which all lead the team. Also has 16 doubles, five triples, and two home runs with 27 RBI and 13 stolen bases
Currently ranks #1 in the nation in hits per game, #2 in batting average, #10 in runs per game, #15 in total hits, #19 in on-base percentage, and #18 in total triples.
Already #7 in program history for single-season hits, #6 in single-season runs, and #3 for single-season triples
USTFCCCA All-American in the indoor 400m finishing fifth, Mines' first-ever 400m all-American
RMAC champion in the indoor and outdoor 4x400, and outdoor 400m
Broke three RMAC records in 2026 (indoor 400, outdoor 200, outdoor 4x400)
Will likely qualify for the NCAA outdoor championships in the 200m, 400m, and 4x400
USTFCCCA All-American and individual RMAC XC Champion.
Finished 4th in the nation at the NCAA Championships and first in the RMAC
RMAC Runner of the Week, First-Team All-RMAC and USTFCCCA All-Academic
First-Team All-RMAC and 2x RMAC Defensive Player of the Week
Only player to start all 32 games this season and averaged 29.9 MPG, 14.7 PPG and 8.8 RPG while shooting .556
Top -ive in the RMAC in blocked shots and led conference in total rebounding and offensive rebounding
Broke single-season record for double-doubles with 17 and ranked top-10 in Division II
NCAA Division II national champion and All-American at 149 pounds
Went 19-1, the best single-season winning percentage in program history, to become Mines' first national champ since 1998
NCAA Super Region VI champion and NWCA Regional Wrestler of the Year as well as First-Team All-RMAC
NWCA Scholar All-America and First-Team Academic All-RMAC
RMAC Champion in the 100-back and First-Team All-RMAC in the 200-medley relay, 400-medley relay, 100-back, 200-free relay, and 400-free relay
Broke the program record in the 50-back, 100-back, and as part of the 400-medley relay, 200-free relay, and 400-free relay
Qualified for NCAAs and finished 19th in the nation in the 100-back and 47th in the nation in the 100-free

Coaching Staff of the Year Finalists

Awarded to the most outstanding coaching staff of the year

Guided the women to their first-ever RMAC title and highest national finish ever at #2
Individual RMAC champions for the men and women with a 10th straight top-three national finish for the men
Totaled nine all-Americans across the men and women
Both the men and women scored at the NCAA championships with the women taking a program-best 16th with the most points in program history
Swept RMAC silver for both the men and women while also winning RMAC Freshman of the Year on the women's side
Totaled 29 all-American awards after qualifying the most Orediggers ever to the national meet
Finished 9th at the NCAA Indoor Championships and won the men's RMAC outdoor title
Had five first-team all-Americans indoors and currently has six ranked in the top-8 nationally outdoors
Matt Sparks was the RMAC Indoor Men's Coach of the Year
Went 21-8 overall and 10-4 RMAC to finish #4 in the conference standings.
Qualified for the NCAA tournament as the #7 seed and upset #2 UCCS to advance to the second round. Also defeated the eventual national champions during the regular season
Six All-RMAC selections, two all-region selections, and one honorable mention all-American
2025 RMAC Tournament Champions
2025 RMAC Player of the Year Bella Campos
Ranked #1 for second season in a row & hosted NCAA opening round for fourth year in a row
RMAC champions going 11-2 overall and 5-1 in the RMAC
Finished 14th at the NCAA Championships and 4th in Super Region VI
Produced two all-Americans in national champ Cody Thompson and third-placer finisher Wyatt Reisz

Team of the Year Finalists

Awarded to the most outstanding team of the year

#3 in the nation, #2 in the region, and #2 in the RMAC
RMAC Individual Champion with four all-Americans
10th straight national finish of #3 or better and 16th straight of #5 or better
Went 21-8 overall and 10-4 RMAC to finish #4 in the conference standings.
Qualified for the NCAA tournament as the #7 seed and upset #2 UCCS to advance to the second round
Six All-RMAC selections, two all-region selections, and one honorable mention all-American
First-ever RMAC title and highest national finish ever at #2 in the nation
Five all-Americans and individual runner-up the highest individual finish by an Oredigger woman
Individual RMAC champion with all five scorers in the top-10
2025 RMAC Tournament Champions
2025 RMAC Player of the Year Bella Campos
Ranked #1 for second season in a row & hosted NCAA opening round for fourth year in a row
Finished #16 in the nation, the highest team finish in program history thanks to the most points in program history at 67
#2 in the RMAC with the RMAC Freshman of the Year. Also broke 11 program records including all five relays
Had a total of 25 all-Americans including all five relays
RMAC champions going 11-2 overall and 5-1 in the RMAC
Finished 14th at the NCAA Championships and 4th in Super Region VI
Produced two all-Americans in national champ Cody Thompson and third-placer finisher Wyatt Reisz