HAMILTON — Colgate Athletics held its 18th annual Golden 'Gates award ceremony Monday evening on Cotterell Court, honoring its student-athletes and presenting department awards.
 
Athletes of the Year
After impressive seasons, Hannah Murphy of the women's hockey team and Rory Connor of the men's lacrosse team were named Athletes of the Year.
 
Murphy's final season solidified her as one of the most decorated goaltenders in Colgate women's hockey history. A second team All-ECAC selection and HCA National Goalie of the Year semifinalist, Murphy posted a 26-8-0 record, breaking the program mark for most wins in a season. She also recorded three shutouts this season, totaling a program-best 18 career clean sheets. Murphy made 978 saves, leading the conference and finishing third nationally. The senior logged a 1.86 goals against average and a .939 save percentage, with the latter ranking third in the ECAC.

Connor is putting together a memorable season for the Colgate men's lacrosse team. Through 12 games, the senior ranks top-ten in the Patriot League in goals, points, and assists per game. He has recorded seven games with five or more points, including a career-high 10 points against Bucknell. Connor has also posted nine multi-goal contests, with three five-plus goal performances. He was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week after scoring seven goals in a win at UAlbany. Connor also earned Inside Lacrosse Midseason All-American honorable mention accolades.

Rookies of the Year 
Aubrey McMahon of women's lacrosse and Michael Neumeier of men's hockey had strong starts to their Colgate careers, helping them earn Rookie of the Year.
 
McMahon has made an immediate impact during her rookie season with Colgate women's lacrosse. Through 14 games, McMahon ranks second on the team in assists and points, while sitting third in goals. She has logged eight games with three or more points and eight multi-goal performances. McMahon was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week after scoring four goals against Le Moyne and recording a hat trick against UAlbany. The first-year also tallied eight points with a goal and seven assists to help the Raiders defeat Boston University. 

Neumeier had a standout first season for Colgate men's hockey, becoming the first ECAC Rookie of the Year in program history and earning a spot on the ECAC All-Rookie Team. He posted 20 points with eight goals and 12 assists, including 15 points during conference play. The first-year finished fourth in assists and seventh in points among league rookies during ECAC action. Neumeier also scored two game-winning goals, earning ECAC Rookie of the Week following his overtime-winner against RPI that secured the Raiders an opening-round bye in the playoffs.

Coach of the Year
Ryan Baker guided Colgate volleyball to its fourth consecutive Patriot League title and NCAA Tournament appearance. The Raiders became the third program in Patriot League volleyball history to win four straight league championships and the first since 2017. Colgate recorded its fifth straight season with at least 18 wins, excluding the shortened 2020-21 season, with eight of the Raiders' 14 Patriot League victories coming via a sweep. Colgate won seven straight contests leading to the Patriot League championship, culminating with a 3-2 comeback victory over Army in the title match. 
 
Scholar-Athletes of the Year
Abby Shadwick of Colgate volleyball earned Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the second straight season. The senior became Colgate's first two-time Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was the first Patriot League volleyball player to earn it back-to-back years since 2016-18. Shadwick was also named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators (CSC). She led the team in kills per set (3.53) and finished second on the team in total kills (318).
  
Robbie Herzig, a senior captain for Colgate golf,  has had multiple Patriot League Golfer of the Week honors throughout his senior year. He is a two-time All-America Scholar Award recipient. He holds the record for Colgate Golf low round (63). Herzig is very involved on campus through his work in the Beta Fraternity. He won the Savannah Invitational with rounds of 68-68 which included some players ranked inside the top 100 nationally.

Athletics Director Leadership Awards
Sophia Diehl helped establish historic success within the Colgate women's basketball program. As a senior, she helped lead the Raiders to program records for wins in a season (23) and Patriot League wins in a season (13). Along with her success on the court, Diehl is a true ambassador for Colgate who has grown tremendously in her leadership skills and abilities over the past four years. Her positivity, energy, and enthusiasm are contagious to everyone around her. She is a Presidential Ambassador here on campus and has served as a Career Ambassador for the women's basketball program. Diehl, a native of Westminster, Md., will graduate with a degree in Neuroscience and plans on attending nursing school for her Master's degree.

Jeff Woodward enjoyed a stellar five-year career for Colgate Men's Basketball. He will graduate as a 1,000-point scorer, four-time Patriot League champion, team captain, and an All-Conference honoree. In addition to his success on the court, Woodward has been heavily involved on campus and in the community. He has continued to grow in his leadership role – both on and off the court. He spent his fall semester studying the mental health policies of colleges and how they apply to new NCAA guidelines. The work was part of a project for an independent study course and continues to influence how athletics departments research mental health and wellbeing for student-athletes. Woodward,  a native of Audubon, Pa., plans to pursue a career in clinical psychology.

John LeFevre '41 Appreciation Awards
The John LeFevre '41 Appreciation Awards are presented annually to an internal and external candidate in honor of their tireless contributions to Colgate Athletics. This year's award winners were Lori Godshalk, Assistant to the Vice President & Director of Athletics (internal) and Trish St. Leger, Vice Provost for Administration and Planning (external).
 
Raider of the Year Award
The Raider of the Year Award is presented annually to the community fan with the greatest support and spirit for Colgate Athletics, and who leaves a lasting impression on the student-athletes he/she interacts with. This year's honorees were Joanne and Bob Sullivan.
 
Community Service Awards
The Community Service Award is presented to the programs most known for their contributions to the community and ability to have a positive impact on it. This year the award was given to Morgan McMahon of the women's basketball team and men's lacrosse team.