LATHAM, N.Y. - The United East has announced its Senior Scholar Athlete Award winners for the Winter 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, four student-athletes from four different institutions were recognized:

 

Sport	Student-Athlete	Institution
Women's Indoor Track & Field	Emma McMurray	Lancaster Bible College
Men's Indoor Track & Field	Zack Kralec	St. Mary's College of Maryland
Women's Basketball	Mia Patterson	Penn College
Men's Basketball	Jaedon Mast	Penn State Berks

Emma McMurray
Lancaster Bible College // Women's Indoor Track and Field

McMurray is a prime example of a student-athlete who excels in all facets of the term. A pole vaulter for the Charger Track and Field squad, McMurray has produced some of her top stuff as of late including capturing the gold medal at the 2025 United East Championships and the silver medal at the 2026 Championships. The Montoursville, Pa. native hit her top mark at the NCCAA Championships as she vaulted 2.95m.

Perhaps even more impressive are the things McMurray accomplished away from the track. The senior currently holds a GPA of 3.95 while majoring in Communications and Minoring in Children Family and Ministry. She is a member of two different honors societies (Lambda Pi Eta & Chi Alpha Sigma) and has also earned the Elite 21 award in 2025. Her service has also shown through, leading children's ministries on Sundays and Wednesdays while mentoring at a local Youth Center on Fridays. She has also published her own devotional book.

"I am excited that Emma has received this award.  She consistently exemplifies the heart of a servant, selflessly supporting her team, campus, and community.   She is a model student-athlete whose dedication and charter make her truly deserving of this honor." - Melissa Baughman, Head Track & Field Coach at Lancaster Bible College

Zack Kralec
St. Mary's College of Maryland // Men's Indoor Track and Field

Kralec has been a staple in the Pole Vault during his time competing in the United East but his work across the three facets of this award has been impeccable. Since joining the conference in 2024, Kralec has won a pair of golds and a silver in that event. His personal best mark came in the Seahawk Invitational as he vaulted a height of 4.80m. In his final indoor season, he was also tabbed to the All-Mid Atlantic Region Squad.

His academics match the success on the track as he holds a GPA of a 3.55 in Computer Science while making the United East All-Academic team all three years available. In the surrounding community, Kralec pitched in at the Pax River Naval Museum where he helped organize and clean museum exhibits. He also worked with Ship of St. Mary’s to help construct beds for underprivileged families.

Zack has demonstrated what it truly means to be a student athlete and has made an impact not only on the track, but within the community. He show what true leadership looks like and has always been someone who will step up and lift up his teammates when needed. I am very proud of all of the things he has been able to accomplish during his time at St. Mary’s College of Maryland." - Reava Potter, Head Track & Field Coach at St. Mary's College of Maryland

 

Mia Patterson
Penn College // Women's Basketball

Patterson’s leadership on and off the court played a large role in helping the Wildcats success in both areas. The forward was a critical role player for Penn College, averaging 6.9 points per game in her career including 8.9 her senior season. Despite missing a large portion of her junior year due to injury, the local product continued to show her ambition as she rebounded to play in every game her senior season.

The senior led by example off the court as well, holding a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in nursing. Her academic prowess was noticed as she was a six-time Dean’s List recipient, admitted to both Chi Sigma Alpha and Sigma Theta Tau honor societies and was named the 2026 United East Elite 21 Award winner. Her service to the community matched her academic excellence as she worked with “Healthy Kids Running” which was a volunteer opportunity that ran every Sunday to help keep kids active. She also worked with the opposite end of the spectrum at the Williamsport Home Senior Living Center in which she worked bingo nights.

"Mia doesn’t just meet the standard of a student-athlete, she sets it. Her hard work and passion show in everything she does. Through the demands of nursing, being a student-athlete, and battling adverse moments throughout her career; Mia rises to the occasion.  Mia is a student-athlete with a team-first mindset.  Her energy elevates everyone around her; she holds her teammates accountable for their work and embraces the responsibility of being a true leader.  This recognition is a direct reflection of her dedication to excellence in all areas of her life." - Britni Mohney, Head Women's Basketball Coach at Penn College
 

Jaedon Mast
Penn State Berks // Men's Basketball

Mast exuded success both on and off the court, helping his Berks program and campus in a multitude of ways. The New York City native played in 90 games over his career averaging 7.5 points and 1.7 assists. His role grew as he grew, finding himself rising in every statistic over his final years as a Nittany Lion. He notched one of his top performances in his final game of his career as he scored 21 points against Wilson.

Mast transferred his success to the classroom as he produced a GPA of 3.74 in Business Management and Marketing while also minoring in Entrepreneurship. His academics earned him a path to the Chi Alpha Sigma Leadership fraternity. He also used talents off the course to help his Berks community, producing high quality hype videos, and working with the Sports Information Department to enhance the Berks image. Off campus, Mast also worked with FCA where he mentored kids during the summer. 

Jaedon has been an important leader for our program as our starting point guard and a two-year captain. He has led by example on and off the court, and the way he carries himself presents our program in a positive light to our school, conference, and community. This honor is a reflection of the commitment, character, and work ethic he has shown throughout his four years in our program." - Ian Gendreau, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Penn State Berks

 

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