Ave Maria University
August was a busy month for the Ave Maria Gyrenes, filled with exciting areas of growth for many of AMU’s athletic programs. Here’s a brief breakdown of things you might’ve missed:
AMU Athletics Announces St. John Paul II Distinguished Alumni Award
In preparation for the 2022-2023 Academic Year, Ave Maria Athletics announced the establishment of the John Paull II Distinguished Alumni Award. The award will recognize one alumnus per year, who BLANK themselves following their athletic career at AMU. The alumnus must be a former student-athlete of a varsity sport and received their degree from the University. The award will be given in conjunction with the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony in October 2022.
“In Ex Corde Ecclesiae, St. John Paul II teaches that graduates of authentic Catholic universities make a unique impact as leaders in society because their education challenges them to grow in their faith and to pursue human and professional excellence… The recipients of the John Paul II Distinguished Alumni Award embody the type of leadership that the Church and society need from the alumni of Ave Maria University.” – Roger Nutt, Provost and Professor of Theology
AMU Athletics Unveils 2022 Hall of Fame Class
AMU is proud to honor Abby Castro (Lacrosse ‘17), Kiel Lewis (Men’s Basketball ‘13), and Alex Sanchez (Baseball ’13) as the 2022 inductees to the Ave Maria University Athletics Hall of Fame. The department will honor these 3 alumni at a banquet and induction ceremony on Friday, October 21, during the University’s Homecoming weekend. This will be the second class of inductees to the Hall of Fame, which was instituted in 2021.
Katelyn Sherman Named Head Lacrosse Coach
Ave Maria University is thrilled to welcome back 2019 Alumna, Katelyn Sherman, as the new Head Coach for the women’s lacrosse program. Sherman was the program’s all-time leading scorer, and her totals in goals, assists, and points all still stand as AMU career records. Sherman was the head coach at William Penn University in Iowa, reaching the KCAC Tournament Quarterfinals in 2022. This past summer, Sherman played for Team China at the 2022 World Lacrosse Women’s World Championship.
“I am honored and humbled to be able to come home to my alma mater and give back to a program I love so much… I whole-heartedly believe in the mission of the University, and I am excited to instill my coaching philosophy, faith, and character-rich values to this team.” – Katelyn Sherman, Head Lacrosse Coach
AMU Athletics Announces Judy Fyke Golf Training Center
Ave Maria University is excited to announce the newest athletic facility coming to campus, the Judy Fyke Golf Training Center. The construction of the facility is in the planning stages and will directly serve the men’s and women’s golf programs. The training center was graciously donated by AMU benefactor, Jim Cunningham, in memory of his wife Judy, who passed away in January of 2017. The facility will complement the 2 18-hole courses in the town of Ave Maria and will feature areas for chipping and putting, paired with tee boxes.
“The training center is paramount to the golf program at AMU as the most important aspect of the game happens in and around the putting green… It offers the AMU golf teams the same opportunities to improve that most all Division-One universities have.” – Michael Kernicki, Director of Golf
Football Runs Past Madonna in Season Opener
In their season opener, the AMU football team showed their strength by defeating the Madonna University Crusaders 53-0 at Churchill Stadium in Michigan. The win marked the program’s largest margin of victory in the history of Ave Maria Football. The first touchdown came from the 3rd play of the season, the Gyrenes’ offense racking up 476 yards, including 369 yards on the ground. Defensively, AMU held Madonna to under 200 yards, forced 3 turnovers, and celebrated 6 sacks from the Gyrene front seven.
Gaeng Leads Men’s Soccer to Season Opener Win
The AMU Men’s Soccer team defeated the Florida College Falcons 4-1, the game marking their 3rd consecutive win in a season opener. The victory ended a 14-match winless streak for the Gyrenes against the Falcons, a streak extending back to 2009. Junior, Josh Gaeng, was the lead scorer for the match, his hat-trick giving him 14 goals in just over two seasons at AMU.
Volleyball Dominants Against FNU
Hot off their conference title last season, the AMU volleyball team dominated in every aspect of their game against Florida National University in Hialeah, FL. The victory marked the Gyrenes’ 10th consecutive win over Florida National, who played in last season’s NAIA Tournament as the champions of the Continental Athletic Conference. The game was also AMU’s 3rd consecutive sweep over FNU.
Follow all our athletic department updates and teams on avemariagyrenes.com
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