ST. LOUIS – After several months of delay, Missouri Baptist University Athletics was finally able to celebrate the achievements student-athletes across the 2025-26 academic year. The 3rd annual Sparty Awards took place on Monday evening in the Pillsbury Chapel.  

Originally scheduled for April but canceled due to a power outage, the event was presented by the MBU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, recognizing athletes, teams, and staff for their excellence throughout the previous year. The Sparty Award winners were voted on by the student-athlete population. 

Here are the winners from this year's Sparty's: 

Heart of a Spartan: Solomon Talbott (Basketball) 

Women's Freshman of the Year: Valentina Navarro (Volleyball) 

Men's Freshman of the Year: Brayden Eikermann (Wrestling) 

Women's Newcomer of the Year: Allana Capella (Volleyball) 

Men's Newcomer of the Year: Calvin Griffin (Football) 

Women's Weightroom Warrior: Emily Gowert (Lacrosse) 

Men's Weightroom Warrior: Justin Lehn (Football) 

Coach of the Year: Taylor Jacobsen (Women's Basketball) 

Strength Coach of the Year: Dr. Megan Cottet 

Athletic Trainer of the Year: Abby Miller 

Woman's Athlete of the Year: Gabi Jakubowska (Volleyball) 

Men's Athlete of the Year: Lionel Banks (Football) 

The night was concluded with a special presentation for Head Baseball Coach, Eddie Uschold, who surpassed 1,000 career wins during the spring. 

The Sparty Awards will return in April to celebrate everything Missouri Baptist student-athletes have already accomplished, and everything yet to be seen, during the 2026-27 year.