(MAY 2, 2025): SAISA Conference Individual 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 24/Spring 25). 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: Emily Allen, Jacksonville University
- Open & Women’s Crew of the Year: Clara Murphy, College of Charleston
(recipient of both awards)
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: Kirsten Delany, Palm Beach Atlantic University
After founding the Palm Beach Atlantic University team in 2017 and sailing as a student-athlete until graduation in 2019, Kirsten Delany returned to lead the program as coach. Under her leadership, the PBAU team has achieved a series of historic milestones: in Fall 2024, PBAU qualified for the SAISA Fall Conference Championships for the first time, and also hosted their first-ever regatta, the SAISA South Fall Tournament. Qualifying for the SAISA Spring Conference Championships for the first time in 2024, the Sailfish returned in 2025 and earned their best finish to date—12th out of 18 teams. Over the past few years, Coach Delany has tripled the team’s regatta participation, actively recruited new sailors, and implemented a structured practice schedule. Delany is also working closely with PBAU administrators to elevate the team’s standing within the University and has led fundraising to support their expanding activity. Through her dedication and leadership, Coach Delany has transformed PBAU Sailing into a rising presence in SAISA and College Sailing.
Outstanding Sportsmanship Award: Hilton Kamps, Rollins College
Hilton Kamps stands out for his sportsmanship and the example he sets in both actions and words. Hilton treats competitors and teammates with respect, and consistently encourages fair, positive and kind interactions in competition. He is often the first to offer a word of support after a tough race, whether to a teammate or opponent, and just as quick to congratulate others on their success. He’s respected for the level of competition and focus he brings on the water, but for how he carries himself while doing so—with integrity, humility, and Corinthian values. Hilton’s friendly, outgoing nature helps foster a positive and collegial atmosphere across the SAISA conference. He builds connections with sailors from other teams, encourages his teammates to do the same, and helps reinforce a culture of mutual respect and camaraderie. His friendly presence keeps his team grounded in tough moments, and he takes an active role in raising the overall level of sailing by sharing knowledge and supporting others without ego. Hilton leads by example, consistently doing the hard, often unseen work to support his team and the conference as a whole, never seeking recognition in return.
Student Leader of the Year: Nilah Miller, Clemson University
Nilah leads by example with unwavering positivity, sportsmanship, and dedication to Corinthian values, on and off the water. Nilah’s accomplishments over the past several years have led to the continued development and success of Clemson Sailing and the SAISA Conference. Under her leadership, Clemson Sailing more than tripled regatta participation and transformed from having three boats at practice to a vibrant team now consistently launching eight or more at multiple practices weekly. Nilah has also reinvigorated the Clemson Women’s team with competitive performances at Women’s ACCs, SAISA Women’s Champs, and earning a berth to the 2025 ICSA College Sailing Women’s Fleet Racing National Championship Regatta. Nilah is also a great ambassador for SAISA, fostering great camaraderie amongst SAISA athletes and college sailors across the country. With 45+ regattas under her belt, she also planned team all travel and practices, while simultaneously recruiting new talent for the program. She has set a strong foundation for Clemson to continue building its visibility and competitive profile, positioning Clemson to become a sustainable cross-regional program. Nilah exemplifies the definition of sustained leadership and leaves a lasting mark on Clemson Sailing, the SAISA Conference, and the broader college sailing landscape.
Open Skipper, First Team All-SAISA:
Owen Bannasch, Jacksonville Univ.
Aidan Dennis, Univ. of Miami
Benjamin Dufor, College of Charleston
Peter Foley, Florida State Univ.
Patrick Igoe, Jacksonville Univ.
Atlee Kohl, Univ. of Miami *
Jordan Vieira, Eckerd College
Noah Zittrer, College of Charleston *
Open Skipper, Second Team All-SAISA:
Kay Brunsvold, Univ. of South Florida
Kevin Gosselin, NC State Univ.
Zach Schemel, Univ. of South Florida
Axel Stordahl, College of Charleston
Women’s Skipper, First Team All-SAISA:
Emily Alfortish, College of Charleston
Emily Allen, Jacksonville Univ. *
Kay Brunsvold, Univ. of South Florida *
Fredrikke Foss, College of Charleston
Kaitlyn Liebel, Jacksonville Univ.
Bella Shakespeare, College of Charleston
Emma Tallman, College of Charleston *
Kalea Woodard, Univ. of South Florida
Women’s Skipper, Second Team All-SAISA:
Shay Bridge, Rollins College
Fiona Froelich, Jacksonville Univ.
Nilah Miller, Clemson Univ.
Kailey Warrior, Univ. of South Florida
Crew, All-SAISA:
Reagan Carris, Jacksonville University *
Niah Ford, Florida State University
Garrett Grenauer, College of Charleston
Avery Guck, Eckerd College
Madisen Hamai, Univ. of South Florida
Alana Hantz, The Citadel
Avery Harris, Florida State University
Sean Harris, NC State University
Sam Heighway, Clemson University
Shea Hoffacker, NC State University
Briana Hummel, University of Miami
Aidan Iaconis, College of Charleston *
Melissa Janes, Univ. of South Florida
Jane McKenzie, Rollins College
Andrea Melnik, College of Charleston *
Clara Murphy, College of Charleston *
Kayla Putzke, Jacksonville University
Ana Stewart, University of Miami
Ella Wisely, Jacksonville University
Kalea Woodard, Univ. of South Florida
* = finalist for SOTY
Rookies of the Year (Winners in Bold):
Open Skipper: Jordan Viera, Eckerd College; Mitchell Hnatt, Clemson University; Carter Weatherilt, Florida State University
Women’s Skipper: Shay Bridge, Rollins College; Isabella Mendoza Cabezas, College of Charleston; Lyla Solway, NC State University
Open Crew: Avery Guck, Eckerd College; Cheyenne Dooley, Jacksonville University; Isaac van Buren, University of Miami
Women’s Crew: Ruth Bergman, Univ. of South Florida; Isabel Brenner, Rollins College; Olivia Soucy, NC State University
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