CARSON -- Senior softball player Gaby Gandara was named the Presidential Award recipient at the 2026 Student-Athlete Banquet as the La Mirada native excelled academically, athletically, and in the community.

The event, held last week at the Loker Student Union, highlighted a stellar year for the Toro student-athletes in the classroom and in competition.

Called to order by Interm Assistant Athletics Director Cilecia Foster, Associate Vice President and Athletics Director Brett Waterfield welcomed the student-athletes and special guests and introduced Interim University President Dr. Mary Ann Villareal, who provided the keynote address.

Student-Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) Co-Presidents Teloni Ervin and Leloni Ervin were joined by Vice President Jarrett Segura in recognizing Athletics staffers Natalie Lockhart and Kisha Calbert for going above and beyond to support student-athletes in absence of other key personnel,  before Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. William Franklin announced the Scholar Athlete and Championship Recognition Award winners in baseball's Quinn Johnson and women's basketball's Kylee Edgar for having the highest GPAs amongst their peers.

Cynthia Ramirez from women's soccer was named the Jennifer Winkelspecht Memorial Award winner for her leadership, culture impact and stellar 4.0 GPA, with men's soccer's Alpha Sowe was chosen as the Mike Sharp Most Inspirational Award winner for his leadership and returning to the Toros after a Division I opportunity.

After Assistant Athletic Director Natalie Lockhart recognized the seniors, the 2025 Female Athlete of the Year in women's basketball's Nala Williams bestowed the Female Athlete of the Year award to track and field's Nevaeh Lane for establishing school records, a national ranking and earning All-CCAA honors, and the Male Athlete of the Year in men's soccer's Ndifor Ginyui for earning All-America, CCAA Player of the Year and CCAA Defender of the Year honors.

Dr. Villareal then presented Gandara with her award for her leadership, graduating in just three years and for her community service.

Two new additions to the celebration were the inaugural CSUDH Fan of the Year Award, presented to the Shutty family for consistent support of men's basketball and their connection to David Cheatom and the inaugural Newcomer Award introduced by SAAC, recognizing nominees across all programs.