Garden City, N.Y. - Across a vast pool of qualified candidates who made the greatest impact on their respective teams in 2024-25, the Adelphi University Department of Athletics honored Ryan Kakimseit from men's swimming and diving along with two-sport standout Amanda Lee from field hockey and women's lacrosse. 

Both individuals were formally recognized for their superior on-field accomplishments at the athletic department's end-of-the-year awards ceremony back on May 5. 

Kakimseit continued the stellar start to his college career from 2023-24, when he won both the Northeast-10 Rookie and Swimmer of the Year as a freshman. Hailing originally from Kazakhstan, the sophomore won every race he participated in at this year's NE10 Championships, piling up three individual gold medals and securing his fellow Panthers four more as a part of relay teams. 

In addition to this honor, Kakimseit was named NE10 Swimmer of the Year for the second consecutive season in as many tries, along with capturing the NE10 Sport Excellence Award for swimming. 

Kakimseit also helped the Cats towards an undefeated dual meet season. Furthermore, he increased his NE10 medal count to 13, en route to helping the program to a runner-up finish, their first in program history. 

"I'd like to thank the entire athletic department... you guys make it possible to do what we love," commented Kakimseit. 

"[Coach Marc Danin] really is the father I never had. Our whole team loves him.... I'm very grateful for everything you do for me and the team." 

Not to be outdone, Lee spent the majority of her senior year at Motamed Field, whether it was playing field hockey or women's lacrosse, where she was now a rookie. 

In the fall, the senior earned First Team All-Conference honors from the NE10 following a 29 point season, leading her team for the second consecutive season. She also made her impact in the record book, inching into second place all-time in points (123) and first place in goals. 

The all-time leader in goals scored (47) of Adelphi field hockey decided she didn't want her athletic career to be over just yet after crossing the scoring plateau, and an offseason conversation with Associate Head Coach Frankie Caridi of women's lacrosse gave the Stony Brook native a few more months donning the Brown and Gold. 

There, Lee contributed 24 goals and 11 assists across 23 games played, both good for seventh on the team. In addition, she continued the legacy of the women's lacrosse program, helping them earn their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game. 

"Receiving this award is so special to me. Playing field hockey in college was a late decision but the best one I could've made," Lee remarked in her acceptance speech. 

"Joining the women's lacrosse team has been a really rewarding experience. It found me another great group of girls and coaches that are incredibly talented and supportive."

"I want to thank my teammates from both field hockey and lacrosse, thank you for making my experience memorable and always having my back."