Brandywine Celebrates Student-Athletes At 35th-Annual All-Sports Banquet

Penn State Brandywine celebrated its student-athletes' awards and accomplishments during the 2022-23 academic year during its 35th-annual All-Sports Banquet on Wednesday. More than 100 student-athletes were honored for athletic prowess, academic success and community service.

During the 2022-23 seasons, 81 Brandywine student-athletes were named to the PSUAC All-Academic Team, while 24 received USCAA National Academic Team laurels. Brandywine boasted a PSUAC-high 40 all-conference selections and five league players of the year, as well as 22 USCAA All-Americans.

Brandywine claimed its third-straight PSUAC Chancellors' Cup and seventh overall as all of its teams reached the conference postseason. Men's soccer and softball both won conference titles with men's soccer winning its sixth-straight and softball earning its eighth consecutive title.

Softball also won its first-ever USCAA National Championship last week in DuBois, the campus' third national title since 2018.

The night concluded with Brandywine's annual major individual awards.

Men's basketball junior Johnta Dunson received the Lloyd Vernon Heart of a Lion Award. The Heart of a Lion Award is given each year to an athlete that exemplifies pride in Brandywine, a strong work ethic, kindness and joy for life. To receive the Heart of the Lion Award, nominees must have overcome a challenges during their time at Brandywine. In addition to competing for the men's basketball team and being a full-time student, Dunson works nights during the season. On the court, he is known as a player willing to give up his body and take a charge to aid the team.

The Distinguished Leader Award was earned by softball senior Payton Landis. The Distinguished Leader Award honors a student-athlete who is active as a leader among their team and in areas outside of athletics. Landis is a team captain for Brandywine's national championship-winning softball team and a two-time all-American.

Meghan Ferry won the Joseph J. Quigley Student Staff Award, given annually to a student-athlete who works or interns for the department. Ferry serves as member of the game day staff, works in the fitness center and provides tours for prospective student-athletes in addition to being a member of the softball team.

Men's basketball senior Bryce Barrouk took home multiple awards during the night, including the final honor: the Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. Barrouk was also named Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the PSUAC, earning its John S. Egli Award, prior to graduating this spring. He finished his career second on Brandywine's all-time scoring list with 1,749 points.