Celebrating the 2025 SLS Athletic Awards

On Tuesday, May 27, the Seldin Performing Arts Center was filled with Storm pride as students, families, and faculty came together for the 2025 Athletic Awards Night.

The Athletic Awards Night is an SLS tradition that honors the heart, hustle, and leadership of SLS athletes. Led by Athletic Director Anna Knechtel and her phenomenal team, the evening celebrated 353 Upper School student-athletes across 20 sports and reflected on the community and commitment that defines Storm Athletics.

This year, athletes brought incredible milestones and unforgettable moments to the Hilltop. SLS welcomed three new program directors in Girls Lacrosse, Boys Lacrosse, and Volleyball. Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball claimed FAA Championships. Boys Varsity Tennis won their first-ever NEPSAC Championship while Boys Varsity Soccer, Girls Varsity Soccer, Boys Varsity Basketball, Girls Varsity Basketball, and Girls Varsity Tennis made notable postseason runs. 

One of the most moving moments of the night was Coach Emily Allen’s tribute to her senior boys hockey players. In her final act as head coach, she awarded the Teddy Balkind Memorial Award—a recognition of unwavering effort and team-first spirit—to each senior on her roster. The moment was met with a standing ovation and more than a few tears.

The event also gave special recognition to Camdyn Nelson, who was honored with both NEPSAC Player of the Year and CT Gatorade Player of the Year in Girls Basketball. Her banner unveiling was a proud moment for the entire school, cementing her legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in Storm history.

The evening also spotlighted athletes who embody leadership, resilience, and character through St. Luke’s most prestigious awards:

Athletes of Distinction
Recognizing seniors who earned 10 or more varsity letters, demonstrating deep commitment across all seasons and multiple sports.
Recipients: Maggie Fleuette ’25, Georgia Bennett ’25

Outstanding Senior Athletes
Honoring seniors with exceptional athletic performance, leadership, and work ethic throughout their careers.
Recipients: David Gjergji ’25, Camdyn Nelson ’25

Peter Stratton Memorial Award
Celebrating student-athletes who show team spirit, sportsmanship, and humanitarian values in all they do.
Recipients: Henry Stimpson ’25, Emma Sherter ’25

Herbert Upson Memorial Award
Awarded to athletes who exemplify dedication, over-achievement, and an intense desire to succeed.
Recipients: Georgia Bennett ’25, Brennan Fila ’25

Storm Awards
Given to the most exemplary performers in each grade-athletes who are committed, impactful, and outstanding teammates. 

FAA Scholar-Athletes
Awarded to seniors in the top 20% of the class who earned All-League FAA honors and maintained a 91% or higher academic average.
Recipients: Emma Sollenne, Will Moskowitz, Ally Shulman, Matty Shulman, Emma Sherter

The night also included special recognitions for team managers, sportsmanship, and coaching excellence:

Captains were honored for their leadership on and off the field, and student volunteers who supported the Middle School Athletic Program were applauded for stepping up in big ways.

The celebration closed with a heartfelt senior send-off, a final video tribute filled with pride and gratitude for our athletes. It was more than an awards ceremony—it was a night that captured the spirit of the Storm: bold, bonded, and always rising.

To view the recording of our Athletic Awards Night, click here, and to view more photos, click here.