Athlete of the Year

Beginning in 2015-16, the SAU male and female athlete of the year award was overhauled to better represent our athletics history and also to recognize the best athletes in a given year. As a result, the award, which was previously known as the “Auburn Smith Male & Female Outstanding Senior Athlete of the Year”, was split into two namesakes of historical figures that are synonymous with SAU Athletics and its tradition of excellence; Dr. Margaret Downing (female recipients) and Auburn Smith (male recipients). Additionally, the criterion for the award of being a senior athlete was amended and now any athlete of any classification is eligible for the award; allowing it remain the most prestigious honor a SAU student-athlete can achieve while also best representing the top male and the top female athlete in a given year at SAU.