WAUKESHA, Wis. – The seventh annual Pio Awards were held on April 20 in the Shattuck Auditorium on Carroll University's campus, celebrating the achievements, leadership, and success of Carroll student-athletes, teams, coaches, and supporters during the 2025–26 academic year.
The annual event recognizes excellence across athletic performance, leadership, resilience, and service, honoring individuals and teams who made a lasting impact throughout the year.
Below are the recipients of the 2026 Pio Awards.
Male Athlete of the Year
Reed Breckheimer – Football
For the second consecutive year, Reed Breckheimer earned Male Athlete of the Year honors. The senior from Hilbert, Wisconsin, was named to multiple First Team All-America, All-District, and All-Region teams following another standout season.
A true Swiss Army knife for the Pioneer offense, Breckheimer totaled 716 all-purpose yards and finished third in the CCIW with 10 touchdowns during the 2025 season, showcasing his versatility and impact across multiple roles.
Female Athlete of the Year
Natalie Gricius – Women's Basketball
Natalie Gricius, a native of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, capped off a remarkable collegiate career by earning Female Athlete of the Year honors.
Gricius received multiple First Team All-America selections and was named a finalist for the Jostens Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding basketball player in NCAA Division III. Her accomplishments on the court and leadership throughout the season highlighted one of the most decorated careers in program history.
Buschkopf Award
Jacob Naber – Men's Basketball
The Buschkopf Award, presented annually to a top senior male student-athlete at Carroll, was awarded to Jacob Naber.
A native of Janesville, Wisconsin, Naber was an essential leader for the men's basketball program during his four-year career. He was named the 2026 CCIW Respect Award winner and finished his career with 847 points and 567 rebounds, ranking eighth all-time in Carroll history in rebounds.
Kilgour Award
Sam Hurd – Women's Lacrosse
The Kilgour Award, honoring an outstanding female student-athlete, was presented to Sam Hurd of women's lacrosse.
Hurd served as a three-year team captain, earned two First Team All-Conference selections, and played a key role in the program's success. The Washington, Illinois native is also the current SAAC President and a member of the IWLCA Honor Roll, exemplifying excellence both on and off the field.
Rookie of the Year – Male Sport
Carlos Cadet – Men's Track & Field
Carlos Cadet was named Rookie of the Year in a male sport following a historic debut season for men's track & field.
Cadet swept the CCIW Indoor Championships in both the long jump and triple jump, broke Carroll's triple jump school record with a mark of 14.76 meters, and earned a spot at the NCAA Indoor National Championship.
Rookie of the Year – Female Sport
Miley Brooks – Women's Bowling
Bowler Miley Brooks earned Rookie of the Year in a female sport after playing a crucial role in Carroll's 2026 CCIW Championship season.
The Racine, Wisconsin native finished third in the conference, earned First Team All-Conference honors, and was named the CCIW Bowling First-Year Athlete of the Year.
Comeback Athlete of the Year
Caleb Trewyn – Football
Caleb Trewyn, from Mukwonago, Wisconsin, earned Comeback Athlete of the Year after returning from a lengthy recovery to become a consistent presence in the Pioneer lineup.
Trewyn's dedication to his health and commitment to the team allowed him to re-establish himself as a vital contributor on the defensive side of the ball.
Performance of the Year
Natalie Gricius – NCAA Tournament vs. DePauw
Adding to her accolades, Natalie Gricius was also named Performance of the Year for her historic showing against DePauw in the NCAA Tournament.
Gricius recorded 39 points, leading Carroll to a dramatic comeback victory and securing the program's spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Team of the Year
Women's Basketball
The Women's Basketball team earned Team of the Year honors following a historic 2025–26 season.
The Pioneers won the CCIW Championship, hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament, reached a program-best No. 12 national ranking, and earned their first NCAA Tournament victory since 2002 with a home win over DePauw.
Game of the Year
Women's Basketball vs. DePauw
The Game of the Year award went to women's basketball's unforgettable NCAA Tournament win over DePauw.
Carroll closed the game on a 25–10 run, overcoming a late fourth-quarter deficit to earn the program's second NCAA Tournament victory in history, highlighted by Gricius' 39-point performance.
Alumni of the Year
Stephen Butzlaff '74
A four-year letterwinner for swimming and diving from 1970–74, Stephen Butzlaff '74 was named Alumni of the Year.
Butzlaff recently retired from Northern Trust Corp. (Chicago) after a 40-year career as Senior Vice President of Wealth Management and remains a proud and supportive Carroll alumnus.
Staff/Faculty of the Year
Dr. Barbara King
Dr. Barbara King, adjunct professor of communication and longtime Faculty Athletics Representative, earned Staff/Faculty of the Year honors.
A Carroll alumna and Wisconsin native, Dr. King announced her retirement at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year, leaving a lasting legacy of service and leadership.
Chi Alpha Sigma – Inaugural Carroll Class
In addition to the awards, Carroll Athletics recognized its inaugural class of Chi Alpha Sigma student-athletes. Established in 1996, Chi Alpha Sigma is the National College Athlete Honor Society, honoring student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in both academics and athletics.
Inaugural Inductees:
- Dominick Caruso – Football
- Alex Ostopowicz – Swimming & Diving
- Ashley Wojciechowski – Track & Field
- Audrey Rosenbaum – Volleyball
- Talia Johnson – Volleyball
