(MAY 2, 2026): The South Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association (SAISA) Conference student-athlete and leadership Superlatives recognize consistent, outstanding performance and contributions to the conference and sport of College Sailing by members of the conference. Managed by a volunteer committee, nominations have been accepted throughout the spring and reviewed for these individual awards covering the two seasons in review (Fall 25/Spring 26). The awards include first and second team All-SAISA Open (coed) Skippers; Women’s Skippers; and Crew, as well as Sailors of the Year in each category; Rookies of the Year; Coach of the Year; Outstanding Sportsmanship Award; and Student Leader of the Year.

• Open (coed) Skipper of the Year: Noah Zittrer, College of Charleston
• Women’s Skipper of the Year: Bella Shakespeare, College of Charleston
• Open Crew of the Year: Andrea Melnik, College of Charleston
• Women’s Crew of the Year: Lucy Elvart, College of Charleston

A full list of first team, second team All-SAISA skippers and crew may be found at the end of this release.

Coach of the Year: Connor Blouin, College of Charleston

Conner has demonstrated outstanding leadership this year in reestablishing his program as a premier force within SAISA and across the ICSA. He has successfully elevated an already strong team racing program, developing a top 5 squad while also building depth with a second team capable of competing at a top 10 level. A key component of this success has been his ability to effectively integrate younger sailors into high-level team racing, ensuring both immediate performance and long-term continuity. Beyond team racing, his fleet racing squad continues to perform at a high level in an increasingly competitive SAISA landscape. Throughout the season, Conner has maintained focus and composure amid the inherent challenges of college sailing, consistently pushing his team to compete at the highest standard. His program’s continued success, including repeating as Loring Trophy winners, reflects both sustained excellence and his ability to set the benchmark for performance within the conference.

Outstanding Sportsmanship Award: Kevin Gosselin, North Carolina State University

Kevin exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship through his consistent conduct both on and off the water. As a top competitor in the conference, his performance on the racecourse is among the best in SAISA, and he holds himself to the highest standard, demonstrating strong personal accountability in both performance, sportsmanship, and behavior. He is well-known for being friendly, engaging with fellow sailors after races, bringing positive vibes and real camaraderie between his team, SAISA teams and even other ICSA teams. Beyond his role as co-captain of his own college team, Kevin’s impact extends beyond his own program. He consistently brings a positive, welcoming energy to regattas and events, supporting not only his teammates but competitors throughout the conference. He works to improve the overall environment for competitive and Corinthian sailing within SAISA.

Student Leader of the Year: Bridget Monahan, Auburn University

Bridget has demonstrated exceptional leadership this year in driving the continued rebuild of the Auburn Sailing Club into a competitive and sustainable program. Through years of her own dedicated effort, she has transformed the team from limited regatta participation to back-to-back qualifications for Spring Championships. Behind the scenes, Bridget has taken on the critical work of engaging Auburn’s administration to ensure compliance with ICSA requirements, navigating the administrative processes necessary to allow her team to compete and operate effectively. She has led recruiting efforts across campus to grow participation, while also organizing and facilitating regular practices, developmental activities, and travel to regattas. In addition, she has strengthened connectivity with other programs across SAISA, helping integrate Auburn more fully into the conference. Beyond results on the water, she has built a strong foundation for long-term success, establishing a team culture and structure that will endure after her graduation. Her tireless commitment, resilience, and leadership have elevated Auburn’s program and made her a respected and impactful ambassador within SAISA.

Open Skipper, First Team All-SAISA:
Owen Bannasch, Jacksonville Univ. *
Benjamin Dufor, College of Charleston
Peter Foley, Florida State Univ. *
Efe Guder, Univ. South Florida
Steven Hardee, Univ. of Miami
Pierce Olsen, College of Charleston ^
William Stratton, Univ. of Miami ^
Noah Zittrer, College of Charleston *

Open Skipper, Second Team All-SAISA
Jonnie Ciffolillo, College of Charleston
PJ Rodrigues, Eckerd College
Cole Schweda, Jacksonville Univ.
Jordan Vieira, Eckerd College

* = Open Skipper OTY Finalist
^ = Open ROY Finalist

Women’s Skipper, First Team All-SAISA
Ashley Alfortish, College of Charleston *
Grace Jones, Univ. of South Florida
Kaitlyn Liebel, Jacksonville Univ.
Annie Samis, Rollins College ^
Bella Shakespeare, College of Charleston *
Ghislaine Van Empel, Univ. of South Florida
Kailey Warrior, Univ. of South Florida *

Women’s Skipper, Second Team All-SAISA
Shay Bridge, Rollins College
Fiona Froelich, Jacksonville Univ. Adelaide Matzky, Rollins College ^
Julia Scott, Rollins College Georgia Shuster, College of Charleston ^

* = Women’s Skipper OTY Finalist
^ = Women’s ROY Finalist

Crew, All-SAISA
Gaelen Adam, College of Charleston
Arantxa Argibay, Univ. of Miami
Catherine Brennan, Univ. of South Florida
Reagan Carris, Jacksonville Univ.
Taylor Collison, Jacksonville Univ.
Marina Dryer, College of Charleston
Lucy Elvart, College of Charleston *
Avery Guck, Eckerd College
Madisen Hamai, Univ. of South Florida *
Aidan Iaconis, College of Charleston
Melissa Janes, Univ. of South Florida
Paige Lubrano, College of Charleston
Christopher McCollum, Univ. of Miami
Jane McKenzie, Rollins College
Andrea Melnik, College of Charleston ^
Madison Mihan, Jacksonville Univ.
Clara Murphy, College of Charleston ^
Tia Soultanakis, Eckerd College
Ella Wisely, Jacksonville University ^
Lucy Zinn, College of Charleston *

* = Women’s Crew OTY Finalist
^ = Open Crew OTY Finalist

Rookies of the Year (Winners in Bold)

Open Skipper: Pierce Olsen, College of Charleston; Ian Richardson, Clemson University; William Stratton, University of Miami

Women’s Skipper: Annie Samis, Rollins College; Adelaide Matzky, Rollins College; Georgia Shuster, College of Charleston

Open Crew: Ava Cohen, College of Charleston; Eleanor Crandall, NC State University; Adelaide Matzky, Rollins College

Women’s Crew: Gaelen Adam, College of Charleston; Soleil Aurignac, Rollins College; Mollie Wood, Rollins College