The Yale Athletic Department honored seven senior student-athletes on Apr. 14 as part of its annual celebration, recognizing their achievements in community outreach, humanitarian efforts, academic distinction, and resilience.
These awards highlight the diverse contributions made by Yale’s student-athletes both on and off the field. The honorees represent a range of sports and have demonstrated leadership in athletics, academics, and service to others.
Chidera Chukwumerije from volleyball and Mason Shipp from football received the Thomas W. Ford Student-Athlete Community Outreach Award for their commitment to strengthening ties between Yale Athletics and youth in New Haven. Chukwumerije is noted for her leadership roles within the Black Student-Athlete Coalition (BSAC) and as co-founder of B.E.A.D., while Shipp played a key role in advocating for Ivy League participation in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
Ashley Yen of women’s golf and Conrad Lee of men’s soccer were honored with the Molly Meyer Humanitarian Award. Yen founded “Kit 2 Kids,” providing STEM-based craft kits to children at schools, hospitals, and nonprofits; she also volunteers with tax preparation services for local residents. Lee was recognized for his civic engagement work during a leave from school to assist voter registration efforts with the Montana Democratic Party.
Amanda O’Donnell from women’s fencing received the Amanda D. Walton Award after overcoming severe injuries sustained during her first year at Yale to return to competition at national events. O’Donnell was also one of three recipients—alongside Mason Evans (men’s track and field) and Olivia Ren (women’s fencing)—of the Delaney Kiphuth Student-Athlete Distinction Award for maintaining top cumulative grade point averages over four years.
The recognition underscores Yale Athletics’ emphasis on well-rounded achievement among its student-athletes, celebrating those who excel not only athletically but also academically and through service.
