BUFFALO, NY – Villa Maria College athletics recognized several of its student-athletes from the 2025-26 season at the Russell J. Salvatore Commons on May 11.

The evening culminated in the announcement of athlete of the year awards by Villa Maria athletic director Chris Heximer.

Kiki Mercado and Bryan Adams were named the Female and Male Athletes of the Year, respectively.

Mercado played on the women's basketball and flag football teams, while Adams was a member of the men's basketball team. Mercado received postseason recognition from the National Collegiate Flag Football League (NCFFL), and Adams from the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).

Also recognized were seven Vikings from the basketball season for being named to the USCAA All-Academic Team that included Krismelis Melo, Promise Myers, Alyssa Saavedra, Mia Special, Ruben Noris and Bryan Adams.

Team awards for cheerleading went to Canae' Johnson (MVP) and Kayla Barnwell (Most Improved).

Team awards for women's basketball were awarded to Mia Special (Offensive Player of the Year), Keiliany Diaz (Defensive Player of the Year), Krismelis Melo (Heart of Viking Award), and Alyssa Saavedra (Newcomer of the Year). Mia Special was also recognized for achieving 1,000 points. Coach Serena Sordetto was recognized for her years as the women's basketball head coach.

Team awards for men's basketball were awarded to Bryan Adams (Offensive Player of the Year), Jeremiah Clarke (Defensive Player of the Year), Aiden Banks (Heart of Viking Award), and Leonte Jones (Most Improved). Bryan Adams was also recognized for achieving 1,300-plus points.

Team awards for women's flag football were awarded to Alannah Bushorr (MVP), Ava Fox (Heart of Viking Award), Promise Myers (Most Improved), Scarlett Melancon (Co-Rookie of the Year), and Angelina Green (Co-Rookie of the Year).

Alannah Bushorr, Angelina Green, Kiki Mercado, and Alyssa Saavedra were also recognized as NCFFL All-Stars, while special senior recognition was bestowed to Zilkia Figueroa, Kiera LeBreton, Kiki Mercado and Alyssa Saavedra for their leadership, passion, and relentless effort in shaping the flag football program and inspiring their teammates.