ST. PAUL, Minn. — The St. Catherine University athletic department hosted its annual Purple and Gold Awards on Sunday evening, celebrating the achievements of student-athletes, coaches, and staff from the 2025–26 season.
The annual event recognizes excellence across the department, highlighted by the presentation of major honors including the Brady Williams Spirit Award, Rookie of the Year, McCahill Athlete of the Year, Sheila Brown Wildcat Award, and the Fleur-de-Lis Award. In addition to these prestigious awards, the evening also celebrated the academic and athletic accomplishments that define St. Kate's Athletics.
The ceremony began with recognition of the National College Athlete Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma. The 2026 induction class included 24 junior and senior student-athletes, with junior softball player Mayci Larson introduced as the incoming chapter president, following Taylor Takeuchi.
Academic excellence remained a central theme throughout the evening. The department posted an impressive 3.586 cumulative GPA, with 20 student-athletes earning perfect 4.0 marks. Track and field led all teams with a remarkable 3.810 GPA, followed by cross country (3.682) and golf (3.659).
The Brady Williams Spirit Award was presented to Eric Stacey, honoring his continued support and dedication to St. Kate's Athletics.
The Rookie of the Year Award was awarded to soccer standout Ceci Emery, who made an immediate impact in her debut season. A consistent starter, Emery played over 95 percent of the team's minutes at wide back and anchored a defense that recorded 13 shutouts while allowing just 12 goals all season. She also contributed offensively with two goals and two assists, finishing with six points. Her performance established her as one of the top newcomers in the MIAC. Finalists included Raquel Ahrens (golf), Marta Haugen (volleyball), and Eleanor Lindeman (cross country/track & field).
Three senior student-athletes were honored with the Sheila Brown Wildcat Award, recognizing long-term contributions and excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Natalie Pfleger (soccer), a physical therapy graduate student, was recognized for her leadership as a 2025 team captain, guiding the Wildcats to their fifth consecutive championship season. She earned multiple honors, including MIAC All-Conference and USC All-Region recognition, while recording nine goals and one assist.
Ella Hochstetler (swimming & diving), an Exercise and Sport Science major with a 3.958 GPA, was honored for her consistent excellence and versatility. A contributor at the NCAA Championships and an All-America Honorable Mention recipient, she also demonstrated strong leadership within the program and department.
Helen McKinnon (softball), a Marketing and Economics major with a 3.919 GPA, capped off a decorated career as a three-time All-MIAC selection. A cornerstone of the program, she earned All-Conference and All-Tournament honors in 2025, was named Offensive MVP, and holds the program's career doubles record. Her leadership and competitive consistency have left a lasting impact on the program.
The Fleur-de-Lis Award, recognizing a student-athlete who exemplifies excellence, leadership, and service, was presented to senior Grace Roscoe (dance). A four-year member of the program, Roscoe helped lead the Wildcats to multiple top-10 national finishes, including a program-best fourth-place finish at the USA College Championships. She also played a key role in securing the program's first-ever championship at the DX AmeriCup Championships.
Beyond competition, Roscoe made a significant impact across campus through leadership roles, volunteerism, and involvement in numerous student organizations. A psychology major, she was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma and Phi Sigma Pi honor societies and consistently worked to elevate the student-athlete experience.
The McCahill Athlete of the Year Award was presented to soccer standout Bella Meier following a historic first season. Meier led the team with 10 goals and added eight assists—second most in the MIAC—while recording four game-winning goals. Her performances helped propel the Wildcats to a conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth.
Meier earned MIAC Athlete of the Week honors and United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team recognition. Off the field, she maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA as a neuroscience major and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and CSC Academic All-District.
Finalists for the McCahill Athlete of the Year award included Ana Myers (hockey), Helen McKinnon (softball), and Hattie Fox (basketball), each recognized for outstanding individual seasons and significant contributions to their programs.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Wildcat Cup, awarded annually to the team that demonstrates excellence in academics, service, and community engagement. For the first time in program history, the honor was awarded to the St. Catherine hockey team.
