The Anne Arundel Community College athletic department recently named its 2023-24 award winners. The Riverhawks recognized 10 student-athletes and one staff member for their contributions on the playing field, in the classroom and in community support at the annual end-of-year event held at Siegert Field in late May. Individual team awards were also issued at the event.
AACC also recognized the women’s lacrosse team for capturing the 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association national championship with a ring and banner ceremony. The championship rings feature the college’s “A” logo on the front, the NJCAA Women’s Lacrosse championship logo on the left and each player’s name and crossed lacrosse sticks on the right. The championship score and date are inscribed in the inside of the ring.
Basketball player Ayannah Gorham was presented with the Louis L. Siegert Award, which recognizes a student-athlete on a women’s team across all athletic programs for their outstanding achievements in the classroom and on the field or court. The freshman forward from Arundel High led the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging a double-double with 17.7 points and 14 caroms.
It’s counterpart of male sports is the Dr. David S. Jenkins award which went to baseball player John Greenawalt. The sophomore second baseman from Arundel High was a first team All-Maryland junior college and All-Region XX pick.
Two-sport standout Jaymee Green and men’s basketball player Jeremiah Stroman were winners of the Dr. Andrew G. Truxal Awards, which recognize one member of a men’s team and one member of a women’s team in their second season of competition for academic and athletics.
Green, who plays volleyball and basketball, was named to the Athletic Director Honor Roll for both the fall and spring semesters. The Annapolis resident was an honorable mention All-Region XX selection in volleyball. Stroman was a second team All-Region XX pick and also made the Athletic Director Honor Roll for the fall semester.
Women’s soccer player Madelynn Rowe earned the Dean Williams Evans Award, which recognizes the scholar-athlete of the year on a women’s team for their accomplishments in the classroom. Rowe, a sophomore forward out of Old Mill, was named Academic All-District by the College Sports Communicators.
Men’s soccer player Daevon Lionel received the Dr. John S. Laycock Award, which recognizes the scholar-athlete of the year on a men’s team for their accomplishments within the classroom. Lionel, a sophomore midfielder from North County, also earned Academic All-District honors.
Megan Meek (women’s lacrosse) and Kris Peet (men’s basketball) were named recipients of the Riverhawks Commitment to Success Award. This award recognizes one male and one female athlete who is committed to the success of their program and the entire athletic department, displaying values of professionalism, respect, integrity, development and equity.
Peet, a freshman forward from North County, was an honorable mention All-Region XX choice after averaging 17.6 points and 7.8 rebounds. Meek, a sophomore from Northeast, was a standout defender for the Riverhawks.
Bailey Healy (women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse) and Michael Capo (men’s soccer) were named recipients of the Riverhawk Character Award. This award recognizes one male and one female athlete that exhibited unwavering character at all times in the classroom and on the court or field.
Healy, a sophomore from Chesapeake, was a standout defender in both soccer and lacrosse. Capo, a freshman goalkeeper from Annapolis, started five games and posted a 1.81 goals-against average.
Dean of student development Deneen Dangerfield received the Bruce Springer Appreciation Award. This award recognizes a non-student-athlete who has demonstrated dedication and exemplary service to AACC Athletics. The award is named after Bruce Springer, who served 45 years at the college as instructor, coach, coordinator of athletics, and athletic director.
Hall of Famers
Former Anne Arundel Community College standouts Courtney Highsmith and Jenny Deans were inducted into the NJCAA Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame on May 10.
“Both Courtney and Jenny were integral parts of the beginning stages of our program,” longtime AACC head coach Jim Griffiths said. “They helped developed the culture and winning mentality that has been a staple of our program ever since.”
Highsmith was a two-way midfielder at AACC for two seasons and helped lead the program to consecutive NJCAA national championships in 2006 and 2007. The Crofton resident was a two-time first-team All-Region XX, two-time first-team All-Maryland JuCo and two-time first-team All-American.
As a sophomore in 2007, Highsmith was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player of the NJCAA national tournament. The South River product concluded her AACC career with 84 goals and 17 assists before becoming a two-year starter at Siena College.
“Courtney was unquestionably one of the top players to ever wear an AACC uniform,” Griffiths said. “Her performance on the field as a two-way midfielder was unmatched. That combined with her leadership and will to win led to two national championships and the undefeated 2007 season.”
Deans captained the 2004 and 2005 teams and was a two-year starter on low defense. The Davidsonville native was a two-time All-American and a member of the All-Region XX and All-Maryland JUCO teams.
The Annapolis High graduate continued her career at Pfeiffer University and was named the 2007 Carolinas-Virginias Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
“Jenny was a member of the inaugural 2004 team and as a two-year captain was one of the key reasons for our success,” Griffiths said. “She was a shut-down defender and led by example on and off the field.”
Belcher onboard
Anne Arundel athletic director Duane Herr has announced the appointment of Drew Belcher as men’s soccer coach. Belcher succeeds the departed Nick Cosentino after serving as his assistant for two seasons.
Cosentino resigned after 18 seasons on the sidelines to pursue other professional opportunities. He had replaced Ken Wolf, who led AACC to 312 wins during a 33-year tenure.
“I will continue the stewardship and leadership both Nick and Ken provided over the last 50 years. We will continue to bring a high level of soccer focused on individual improvement leading to overall team development and success,” Belcher said. “Expect an elevated pace of play determined by an attacking mindset coupled with defensive responsibilities.”
Belcher is currently coach of the Christos FC men’s open team, one of the top amateur clubs in the northeast region. He is also an assistant with the Christos USL League Two team and previously spent five seasons as coach of the Chesapeake High boys soccer program.