LATHAM, N.Y. - The United East has announced its Male and Female Senior Student Athletes of the Year for the 2023-24 academic year. Cassidy Perry of the Gallaudet University women’s basketball team and Kevin Lehner of the Penn State Harrisburg Baseball team have both earned the honor.
These two student-athletes were chosen from the pool of 20 Senior Scholar Athletes which were determined throughout this school year. Each nominee demonstrated excellence in their respective sports, in the classroom and around their community.
Perry and Lehner will also represent the United East as nominees for the Regional and National Athletes of the Year awards which are presented by the Division III Commissioners Association.
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).
“Kevin has been a huge contributor and great representation of our program,” stated Harrisburg Head Baseball Coach Ryan Bown. “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.”
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.
Cassidy Perry (Gallaudet University / Women's Basketball)
Perry has dominated not only at the conference level, but also at the national level, in all three aspects of the award. Her play on the court has been unparalleled as she was named Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year in the Volt Division this year, matching her Player of the Year honors in 2021-22. Her trophy case has been stacked high in her four years as a Bison, claiming All-Region honors three times, All-Conference honors four times and nabbing conference Player of the Week honors 19 times. Her stats are littered across the Gallaudet record books including the second-most rebounds (1,083) and the third-most points (1,762). A three-sport athlete, Perry also was a part of the Bison women's volleyball team and the softball team.
"Cassidy Perry is a dedicated student-athlete, and we couldn't be prouder of her accomplishments,” remarked Stephanie Stevens, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Gallaudet. “Seeing her hard work and dedication recognized with such a prestigious award at the conference level is incredibly rewarding. Cassidy embodies everything we value in our program—commitment, resilience, and a genuine love for the game. Watching her grow on and off the court has been a privilege, and we have no doubt she will continue to inspire those around her with her passion and determination."
Rivaling her on court presence was her dedication to the classroom. The Frederick, Md. native holds a GPA of a 3.95 in sociology, leading to her earning back-to-back Scholar All-American honors (and another in women’s volleyball). Although both of her academic and athletic achievements are impressive, so too are the things she has done on campus and throughout the community. This winter, Perry volunteered for the "Stay in to Win" program within the on-campus Deaf elementary school, that focuses on five keys to student successes that help middle school students better understand how to become more successful in school and in life. Perry has also donated her time to several sports clinics and camps not only near campus but in her hometown and in different states like Tennessee. She also has been a member of the USA Deaf Women’s Basketball team since 2019, where Perry has gained international experience and leadership opportunities.
"Cassidy is one of the finest student-athletes to ever put on a Bison uniform,” stated Warren Keller, Director of Athletics for the Bison. “It is not too often that one of your best athletes is also the hardest worker off the court and in the classroom. Cassidy has played four sports for us over the years, received countless awards, and to receive this honor is a fitting way for her to complete her career. We are going to miss her so much and have no doubt that she will continue to excel in all aspects of her life."
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram - gounitedeast | Twitter - @GoUnitedEast
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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.