LATHAM, N.Y. - The United East has announced its Senior Scholar Athlete Award winners for the Spring season. This award recognizes a senior who truly represents the student-athlete model by performing in competition, in the classroom and around the community.
This season, 10 student-athletes from seven different member institutions were recognized.
| Student-Athlete |
Sport |
Institution |
| Phoebe Clemens |
Softball |
Lancaster Bible College |
| Kevin Lehner |
Baseball |
Penn State Harrisburg |
| Teagan Dewees |
Men's Volleyball |
Bryn Athyn College |
| Elizabeth Robey |
Women's Outdoor Track & Field |
St. Mary's College of Maryland |
| Liam Painter |
Men's Outdoor Track & Field |
Gallaudet University |
| MC Mortimer |
Women's Lacrosse |
St. Mary's College of Maryland |
| Joe Manfredo |
Men's Lacrosse |
Keystone College |
| Michael Wilson |
Men's Tennis |
Cairn University |
| Rachel Campbell-Robertson |
Women's Tennis |
Cairn University |
| Matthew Redman |
Men's Golf |
Penn State Harrisburg |
Phoebe Clemens (Lancaster Bible College / Softball)
Most recently garnering Academic All-America Third Team honors, Lancaster Bible College’s Phoebe Clemens excelled in all three phases of this award. The infielder was an offensive juggernaut for the Chargers, posting a batting average of .450 with 187 hits over her four-year career. Her defense complemented her offense as she led the conference in assists her senior year. Clemens captured Second Team All-Conference honors in her final three years, picking up an All-Region Third Team nod in 2024.
Off the field, her academics were immaculate as the Academic All-America award insinuated. The Honey Brook, Pa. native ended her collegiate undergrad with a 4.0 in Sport Management and was the valedictorian of Charger ‘24 class. Clemens also was extremely involved in her community working in numerous church groups including Finishers for Christ (a small weekly Bible study) and at Calvary Chapel Sister Springs (Sunday School assistant/Vacation Bible School counselor/etc). She also was an active member of the Lancaster Bible Student Government.
"As a servant leader dedicated to her team and the LBC community, Phoebe has made a positive difference in the lives of those around her. I am honored and grateful as her father to have had the opportunity to also be her coach." - John Clemens (Head Softball Coach at Lancaster Bible College)
Kevin Lehner (Penn State Harrisburg / Baseball)
Penn State Harrisburg’s Kevin Lehner saw plenty of success on the field but was able to mimic that off the field as well. In his playing career, Lehner helped the Lions capture three conference titles as well as a Divisional title in 2024. All three of his slashline marks sit in the Harrisburg record books including his slugging percentage (.626) which sits at second overall. His contributions led to accolades as well, earning three All-Conference selections (2x First Team, 1x Second Team) and two All-Region nods (1x First Team, 1x Second Team).
Lehner’s success spilled into the classroom as the Civil Engineering major maintained a 3.51 GPA over his four years. This helped the Tyrone, Pa. native earn membership to Chi Alpha Sigma, the national fraternity that recognizes success on and off the field of play. In addition to this, Lehner also pitched in around his community including helping with religious ceremonies at his local church and acting as a new student guide for those looking to get into the engineering major at Harrisburg.
"Kevin has been a huge contributor and great representation of our program. He was a three year starter, twice All-Region, and three times All-conference. He was a constant in the middle of the line-up and outfield. He was also a great student studying Civil Engineering and most of all a great character guy always doing things the right way. He will be tough to replace next year on many levels." - Ryan Bown (Head Baseball Coach at Penn State Harrisburg)
Teagan Dewees (Bryn Athyn College / Men's Volleyball)
Dewees turned in a successful career at Bryn Athyn College, helping to establish a relatively new men’s volleyball program. The hometown athlete could be found making the full rotation, ending his career with 304 kills and 437 digs and 197 assists.
In the classroom, Dewees was just 100th of a point shy of a perfect 4.0 as he posted a 3.99 in Building Arts (a major in which students work to renovate and restore historical buildings). His work helped land him on the Dean's List 12 times while also earning him the top academic award in the athletics department. Matching his efforts in the classroom and court was his work in the community. Dewees was a major component of the academic tutoring center at Bryn Athyn, helping his peers get back on track in the classroom.
"Teagan was a strong leader for the program, and was dedicated to making himself and those around him better every day. He is smart, focused, and determined. It’s the reason he continued to develop on the court while helping our team advance during the first three seasons of the program." - Jason Barshinger (Head Men's Volleyball Coach at Bryn Athyn College)
Elizabeth Robey (St. Mary's College of Maryland / Women's Outdoor Track & Field)
A three-sport student athlete, St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Elizabeth Robey was an ideal make up of a Division III athlete. The distance runner saw three podium finishes at this year’s United East Championships, placing third in the Steeplechase, 1500m and 5000m. The Seahawk also garnered numerous indoor medals across her career and was a three-time women’s cross country champion.
Matching her athletic ability, Robey has also managed a 3.58 as a Psychology major. Her efforts have helped her earn All-Academic honors four years straight as well as earning her a spot in Chi Alpha Sigma. The Kensington, Md. native has also been active in the Seahawk community, donating time in the Peer Mentor Center as well as the St. Mary’s College tutoring program.
I’m proud of the things Betsy has been able to accomplish on and off the track. She exemplifies what it means to be a student athlete and someone that values being present in the community. - Reava Potter (Head Women's Outdoor Track & Field Coach at St. Mary's College of Maryland)
Liam Painter (Gallaudet University / Men's Outdoor Track & Field)
A dominant pole vaulter, Gallaudet University’s Liam Painter demonstrated success in and out of the jump pits during his Bison career. The Edgewood, N.M. native holds both the indoor and outdoor school records in the pole vault, most recently taking silver at the UEC Outdoor Championships. He added a gold during the indoor season and took home All-South Region honors as well.
In the classroom, Painter held a 3.72 GPA in the field of biology as he recently graduated with Cum Laude honors. Painter also saw himself become of a member of Chi Alpha Sigma.
“Liam is very deserving of this award. He’s is dedicated to being successful in pole vault and in the classroom. Hats off to you Mr. Painter!” - Byron Moore (Head Men's Outdoor Track & Field Coach at Gallaudet University)
MC Mortimer (St. Mary's College of Maryland / Women's Lacrosse)
MC Mortimer has helped the St. Mary’s College of Maryland dominate the United East since entering, as her Seahawks have one three conference titles and haven’t dropped a conference contest since becoming a part of the United East. The midfielder has played a large role in the dominance, totaling 133 points on 72 goals and 61 helpers. Mortimer earned All-Conference honors twice and was also named to the IWLCA National Senior Game roster in 2024.
Her work in the classroom has been stellar as well, holding a 3.93 GPA in Psychology with a minor in Special Education. The Baltimore, Md. native was named a Scholar Athlete three times while also collecting the Elite 14 (now Elite 20) award in 2023. Special Olympics holds a place near to her heart as she has volunteered for multiple events. Her work in Special Education also led her to helping with a family with a special needs child over the summers.
“MC has left a special mark on our program and for this to be one of the final pieces to her career feels incredibly fitting. She is a wonderful example of success both on and off the field and we are so proud to call her one of ours.” - Brittney Morris (Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at St. Mary's College of Maryland)
Joe Manfredo (Keystone College / Men's Lacrosse)
Manfredo made a big impact in his senior year on the Keystone College men’s lacrosse team. Spending four years on the football team, Manfredo was the men’s lax team manager in 2023 before joining the squad in full in 2024. The midfielder didn’t skip a beat as he scooped 53 groundballs and caused 24 turnovers in his Giant debut. His play earned him Second Team All-Conference honors.
The Levittown, N.Y. native really made his mark on campus as well, posting a GPA of a 3.97 in Sports and Recreation Management. This led to him being inducted in Chi Alpha Sigma and collecting Summa Cum Laude honors at graduation. Along with being active in the Keystone student government, Manfredo also pitched in on numerous community service events including “Lacrossing Barriers” which helped teach the sport of lacrosse to children of a local deaf school and “CHOP” which was a service that provided bagged food for those in need.
"Joe is a standout person and the true definition of a student athlete. Joey is a leader and will be missed here at Keystone, on the lacrosse field, football field, and on campus!" - Brett Capps (Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Keystone College)
Michael Wilson (Cairn University / Men's Tennis)
A three year vet of the Cairn University men’s tennis program, Michael Wilson demonstrated all the prongs of what being a student athlete means. The New Hope, Pa. native totalled 11 singles wins during his career while amassing seven in doubles play. His efforts also helped lead the Highlanders rebuild the men's tennis program.
In the classroom, Wilson maintained a perfect 4.0 while majoring in History and minoring in Bible Studies. This success earned him Dean’s List accolades in every semester he was eligible. In the community, Wilson continued to display service particularly with the Leadership Growth Program at Haycock Camping Ministries. This program is designed to help build leaders in God within young men.
“Michael is clearly driven by his desire to use his God-given gifts and abilities in everything he does. He has used those skills to achieve excellence in his athletic and academic pursuits. A great example of that success is seen in him landing a teaching job before even graduating. He is a standout student athlete and an ideal representation for division 3 sports, I would label Michael the quintessential D3 athlete.” - Gregg Fanus (Head Men's Tennis Coach at Cairn University)
Rachel Campbell-Robertson (Cairn University / Women's Tennis)
Rachel Campbell-Robertson dominated the courts for the Highlanders during her four years with the Cairn’s women’s tennis program, posting a record of 35-8. Her efforts led to the team winning the conference title three times and a Divisional title in 2024. Over her career, she picked up three First Team All-Conference honors as well.
Off the court, the Richmond, Va. native continued to show success including posting a GPA of 3.98 while majoring in Biology. Her efforts earned her Academic All-District honors and allowed her to graduate Summa Cum Laude. In her community, Campbell-Robertson worked with the GROW program which helps to teach English as a second language. She also volunteered at ChoiceOne which is a clinic that supports both women’s physical and mental health.
“Rachel's love for the Lord is evident throughout her life, particularly in her level of commitment and hard work both on the tennis court and in the classroom where she excelled to the glory of God! Her biggest impact however, is on everyone she interacts with as her loving kindness is shared with everyone just as Christ first loved her.” - Gregg Fanus (Head Women's Tennis Coach at Cairn University)
Matthew Redman (Penn State Harrisburg / Men's Golf)
A three-time United East All-Conference member, Penn State Harrisburg’s Matthew Redman has been a staple of the Lion men’s golf team. The Ringgold, Ga. native has been in the lineup consistently for Harrisburg, earning his top finish in 2022 as he was Runner-Up in the then-NEAC Men’s Golf Championship. His low career score of a 74 (+2) is just four strokes off the program record.
Even more impressive has been his work in the classroom, holding a GPA of a 3.58 in mechanical engineering. This has earned him conference Scholar Athlete honors four-straight years and also allowed for his induction into Chi Alpha Sigma. In his community, Redman is an active member of his Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), taking part in community service event such as Read Across America Day and local food drives.
"Matt Redman has been the complete model of consistency in the classroom and on the golf course during his time here at Penn State Harrisburg. He achieved excellence in every aspect of being a student athlete and is very deserving of this distinguished honor." - Rahsaan Carlton (Director of Athletics at Penn State Harrisburg)
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The United East boasts 17 NCAA Division III full member institutions which include: Bryn Athyn College, Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Clarks Summit University, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Harrisburg, Rosemont College, Saint Elizabeth University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, University of Valley Forge, and Wilson College. For more information, please visit gounitedeast.com.