The Centennial Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has selected Swarthmore senior women's soccer player Hannah Lichtenstein (Venice, Calif. / Harvard-Westlake), Gettysburg senior wrestler Louie Carusillo (Pequannock, N.J. / DePaul Catholic), and Ursinus men’s baseball head coach Stan Exeter as the 2018 Centennial Conference Individual Sportsmanship Award winners.
This award honors one male, one female, and one coach/administrator who have distinguished themselves through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior. They were selected from a pool of student-athletes nominated by the Conference’s eleven member institutions and will now be placed on the ballot for the NCAA Division III National Sportsmanship Award this summer.
Hannah Lichtenstein
Hannah Lichtenstein was selected as the Centennial Conference female nominee for her act of sportsmanship towards an injured competitor.
This fall, during Swarthmore’s women’s soccer game against McDaniel, Hannah Lichtenstein took a shot that McDaniel’s All-American senior goalkeeper Sarah McDonald saved...but unfortunately McDonald tore her ACL in the process.
Despite the two teams’ ongoing rivalry, Lichtenstein reached out to the goalie after returning to campus. Lichtenstein previously torn her ACL as a first year and was now struggling with her career coming to an end and sympathized with McDonald on multiple fronts. The support Lichtenstein had for McDonald was so unique that it created a sense of team comradery between Swarthmore and McDaniel women’s soccer to the point that Swarthmore was cheering for McDonald and The Green Terror in their playoff games. This was catalyzed from the respect Lichtenstein had for such an accomplished player and the connection that happened after the game where she was injured. Lichtenstein responded to an injured competitor beyond game-day and the moment of injury.
Louie Carusillo
Louie Carusillo was selected as the Centennial Conference male nominee for his involvement with Gettysburg’s Green Dot program as well as his ongoing efforts to empower and support his fellow student-athletes.
The Green Dot organization works to shift the culture on campuses away from sexual assault in order to promote a safer community. Carusillo took part in the Green Dot Bystander Intervention training his sophomore year and has been a big proponent and advocate ever since. He noted, "I continue to lead a green dot lifestyle since sexual violence has affected friends very near and dear to my heart."
Carusillo has also taken leadership roles during D3 week the past two years, providing a positive opportunity to recognize the impact of athletics and student-athletes on campus and the local community. Throughout this week he encouraged athletes to engage in different activities that highlight the school’s academic accomplishments, athletic experiences, and leadership/ service/ campus involvement. Carusillo does countless volunteer work both on campus and during breaks at home. He lives a life of sportsmanship every day!
Stan Exeter
The Ursinus men’s baseball coach Stan Exeter was selected as the Centennial Conference coach nominee for his honorable acts toward competitors and officials. Coach Exeter is an inspiration to his student-athletes, as his example and leadership motivates them to play and conduct themselves with the upmost respect for others. His student-athletes noted, “Every game, prior to the first pitch he makes sure to shake the 3rd baseman’s hand and wish good luck in the game as he makes his way to coach third base.” More specifically, prior to the National Anthem at Ursinus’ home game against McDaniel, Coach Exeter organized a brief ceremony to recognize McDaniel head coach Dave Seibert who was to retire at the conclusion of the season. Coach Exeter’s commitment to sportsmanship and small acts of kindness has positively shaped the experiences of those around him.