Category: Awards

Women’s Rookie of the Year 2026- Jamie Damm

This is award given to a first-year player on the women’s team that has put in a lot of effort and makes an impact on the court. They provide us with throws and catches when it is needed the most. The winner is voted on by her teammates and this year’s winner was Jamie Damm. Let’s take a look at the interview below on her thoughts of winning this award!

Q: How do you feel about winning this award?

A: I am very grateful to receive this award, it means a lot to me to receive recognition for the time I had been putting in.

Q: What was your proudest moment from this season?

A: The catch I had in women’s no-sting against UNL that put us into overtime. I never catch, it’s just not my strongsuit, but that’s my only no-sting catch, and the joy and support I had from my team after that really made it feel like a big moment.

Q: What do you hope to improve on?

Catching, I rarely go for them and almost never get them so I think if I really work on that in both women’s and coed it’ll help me as a player a lot.

Q: What are you looking forward to for the next season?

A: Working more with the team! I absolutely love our team, its like a family to me and I am really really excited to get to practice and play tournaments with them all because this team had given me some of my closest friends.

Q: What is your greatest takeaway from this season?

A: One of my biggest takeaways was that, at the end of the day it’s just dodgeball. It can be easy to get in your head and beat yourself up over a lot of things, but it’s a very small thing in my life compared to everything I’ve ever done, so it’s big for me to remember that it’s just one game, just one practice, because in the grand scheme of things one game won’t make that big of a difference, but how I viewed that whole season does, so brush off one bad game or practice and just keep going and having fun and playing hard because it’s just dodgeball.

Congratulations to Jamie for winning this award and for all of the hard work she’s put in this season!

Women’s Baller of the Year 2026- Tori Sanborn

This is an award that is given to the best female player on the court. She throws outs, makes catches, provides pressure, and allows our women’s team to compete. The winner is voted on by her teammates and this year’s winner was Tori Sanborn. Let’s take a look at the interview below on her thoughts of winning this award!

Q: How do you feel about winning this award?

A: I feel honored to get this award as well as surprised. I am very glad I could be recognized for my work this year and the time I put in to improve.

Q: What was your favorite moment playing women’s no-sting this season?

A: My favorite moment playing women’s no sting this year was us playing as a team for the first time against UNL at our home tournament. We were behind, and changed the score to win over time. I will never forget the smiles on our faces and the feeling of being a true team.

Q: What is your proudest achievement this season?

A: My proudest achievement this year was learning to be more confident. Instead of sitting in the back, I learned to move with my team and not being scared to throw. I went from 11 throws at nationals last year, to 86 throws this year.

Q: What goals do you have for recruiting new players next season?

A: My goals for recruiting new players is by showing people we are a welcoming team that likes it have fun and be there for each other. We have each other’s backs and are a close team.

Q: What personal goals are you setting for yourself for the upcoming season?

A:  My personal goals I’m setting for myself this upcoming season for starts is to let the past go and continue to be a team player. Another goal I have is for me to continue to learn how to improve my throws on court. A final improvement I have for myself is to always be there for others on and off court. 

Congratulations to Tori for winning this award and for all of the hard work she’s put in this season!

Rookie of the Year 2026- Stephen Bittner

This is award given to a first-year player on the team that has put in a lot of effort and makes an impact on the court. They provide us with throws and catches when it is needed the most. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s rookie of the year is Stephen Bittner. Let’s take a look at his interview below and how he feels about winning this award!

Q: How do you feel about winning this award?

A: It feels pretty good. I think it shows that I’ve improved quite a bit since the beginning of the season because blocking was my worst skill by far and now it might be my best.

Q: What was your proudest moment from this season?

A: My proudest moment was probably when I was the last player remaining player in one of the points at Nationals and I got an out or two and a catch. I had struggled figuring out how to play best when I was alone before, and that point felt like redemption.

Q: What do you hope to improve on?

A: I’m hoping to improve on throwing this next season. As any tournament goes on, my accuracy and speed goes down and I would like to work on that. 

Q: What are you looking forward to for the next season?

A: I’m looking forward to playing in the center and improving at drawing attention and providing pressure with pump faking.

Q: What is your greatest takeaway from this season?

A: My biggest takeaway is that communication is the most important thing on the court. You are almost never going to be able to make plays without the support of your teammates, and they’re not mind readers. Make sure to communicate effectively!

Congratulations to Stephen for winning this award and for all of the hard work he’s put in this season!

Baller of the Year 2026- Ben Breidenbach

This is an award that is given to the best player on the court. This individual throws outs, makes catches, provides pressure, and allows the team to compete. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s winner is Ben Breidenbach. Let’s take a look at the interview below on his thoughts of winning this award!

Q: How do you feel about winning this award?

A: It feels incredible to be recognized by my teammates for this award. I feel that the work I put in this past season did not go unnoticed and clearly, they noticed.

Q: What was your favorite moment or moments from this past season?

A: My favorite moments from this last season was just how close we all became as friends, and as a team. It was apparent in our game as we trusted eachother on and off the court. But something that especially sticks out in my mind was during nationals when I was able to keep my teams spirits high during the consolation bracket victory. I was worried that after our rough day 1, we’d be too deep in our heads to win, but my team proved me wrong.

Q: What does your future in Dodgeball look like?

A: My future is so bright I’ve got to wear shades, but those aren’t allowed on the court. I’m looking forward to taking my role as captain to a new level, by taking charge every chance I get, as well as helping my team to progress further so that when I graduate they are able to take a step forward as a team, rather than back.

Q: What do you hope to see the club achieve this coming season?

A: This coming season we’re going for gold. I’m looking for the best in each of my players both on and especially off the court. We’re either going to run a dynasty in the consolation bracket, or give the championship bracket hell. Nothing less will be acceptable.

Q: What advice can you give to any young or rookie players for the next season?

A: Coming off of a rocky season, my piece of advice to younger players and rookies is to capitalize on their voices. Each player has a role to play on the court and without their help the court, the older players don’t stand a chance.

Congratulations to Ben for winning this award and for all of the hard work he’s put in this season!

Most Improved 2026- Dalton Foreyt

This award is given to the individual that puts in the work and effort to improve and take their game to the next level. They are always looking for ways to get better and want to make an impact on the court. The award is voted on by their teammates and this year’s most improved player is Dalton Foreyt. Let’s take a look at his interview and what he has to say about winning this award!

Q: How do you feel about winning this award?

A: I feel honored and that I worked hard to get it.

Q: What moment or moments from this past season are you most proud of?

A: The final round of our last tournament where I got two outs in the tie breaker.

Q: What skills do you hope to continue focusing on? Any new skills you want to learn?

A: I want to get my catching better and maybe learn how to throw 65.

Q: What was your favorite moment from this past season?

A: Getting that one catch against the team I shouldn’t have (GVSU).

Q: Do you have any plans to continue playing Dodgeball in the future?

A: I hope so, it’s been a fun game so far.

Congratulations to Dalton for winning this award and for all of the hard work he’s put in this season!

Team Impact 2026- Reagan Bucholtz

The Team Impact Award is given to the player that always gives it their all on the court and brings the energy regardless of the score. They know how to rally the team and keep the mood light when it is needed. This individual was voted on by their teammates, and the winner of this year’s team impact award is Reagan Bucholtz. Let’s take a look at her interview on how she feels about winning this award!

Q: How do you feel about winning this award?

A: I feel very honored to be winning this award. For me, I can’t think of an award I would want more. It was quite an adventure being honorary “team doctor” but I got to help my teammates. I’m so glad I was able to leave a positive impact on my team this year!

Q: What do you hope to see the club achieve this coming season?

A: I hope to see our club be more connected and competitive next season. In co-ed, we were able to win the conciliation bracket two years in a row now, but next year I think we will be able to make it to the winner’s bracket! For no-sting I hope we are able to make it to the final four again at nationals. Overall we also need to work on our recruiting since we will be having a lot of people graduating after next year.

Q: What advice would you give to younger and new players?

A: Focus on the basics and form rather than just doing whatever. Doing that will help prevent injuries. Also, always put being a good teammate before being a good player. A club is about making friendships that last, not about being the best player ever.

Q: What was your favorite moment from this past season?

A: I have a few, all of them being overtime games (these are always so fun)! The overtime games against UNL’s Women’s team was very exciting. Honestly, the entire game was extremely exciting. Had a ton of fun playing them and enjoyed the great competition. Next in winning against NKU in the bracket at women’s nationals, it was a very intense game and both teams fought hard! It was also the game that got us into the final four. Lastly, our overtime game against UIUC to win the conciliation bracket at co-ed nationals this year was one of the best moments of the season!

Q: Do you have plans to continue playing Dodgeball in the future?

A: Yes! I plan to play the next two years of college. After that I probably will step back from playing as much, NDA isn’t really something I plan to do. I do hope to come back for Platteville home tournaments for alumni games!

Congratulations to Reagan for winning this award and for all of the hard work she’s put in this season!

April 2026 Rookie of the Year

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s winner was Stephen Bittner! He is a Senior currently pursuing a mechanical engineering degree and expects to graduate in 2026. Here are his responses to some brief interview questions.

Q: How do you feel about winning Rookie of the Month for the second time?

A: It feels great! I put in my best at Nationals, and this feels like recognition for the hard work I’ve put into dodgeball.

Q: What skill do you think you improved the most throughout the season?

A: I think I’ve improved the most on blocking. When I first started with dodgeball, that was the skill I had the least experience with. It felt awkward when I first started and I dirty blocked a lot. Fast forward to today, and I think it might be my best skill, and it feels great to protect teammates while they make plays.

Q: What was your favorite part of Nationals?

A: My favorite part was definitely coming back after Saturday and proving how well we could work together as a team against CMU and UIUC. It was a really good way to end the season!

Q: What was your favorite tournament this season and why?

A: It’s between the Ohio Nationals and Tyler Webb Memorial III for me. Despite getting destroyed at bowling green, it was a really enjoyable experience for me to go up against some really good teams and see how well we could stand up against them. I think I also learned a lot from that tournament in particular.

March 2026 Rookie of the Month

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s winner was Chloe Kaderabek! She is a Freshman currently pursuing a mechanical engineering degree and expects to graduate in 2029. Here are her responses to some brief interview questions.

Q: How does it feel to be recognized by your teammates for this award?

A: It feels really good getting recognized for this award and knowing that the work I’ve been putting into practices and tournaments are paying off.

Q: What was your favorite moment of the season so far?

A: My favorite moment of the season so far was beating UNL in the no-sting match at the Zanderthon tournament. It was so cool seeing my team work together and show off their skills on the court to get that win.

Q: What did you think of your first women’s nationals?

A: My first Women’s Nationals was the best tournament I’ve been to so far. Meeting most of the other women in dodgeball and getting to know them was so cool. Seeing how other female rookies improved through the season was awesome to see too.

Q: What are you looking forward to most for nationals this year?

A: What I’m most looking forward to at Nationals this year is finishing off the season on a high note with my team. I’m excited to see how we all play, and to see everyone show off their talents.

February 2026 Rookie of the Month

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s winner was Alex Kirchman! He is a Freshman currently pursuing an Animal Science degree with an emphasis in pre-veterinary sciences and expects to graduate in 2029. Here are his responses to some brief interview questions.

Q: How does it feel to be recognized by your teammates for this award?

A: It really surprised me, having joined the team in January, I didn’t expect the recognition, but I am super excited about it and really grateful. 

Q: What is one skill you have been focusing on improving this semester?

A: I have been working on my throwing a lot. I have never done a sport that entailed throwing, so that is my biggest focus for the rest of the season. 

Q: What was your favorite moment from playing dodgeball so far?

A: My favorite moment was getting my first catch in my first tournament at home. I was thrown at off the start, and it was the point after I had gotten out by being thrown out off start. 

Q: What are you most excited for going into nationals this year?

A: I am really excited to see what we can do in women’s and coed, and see how we compete against stronger teams. It is really cool to see how much the team has grown in the little time I have been a part of the team. It is going to be a really cool experience for me, and I am super excited for it. 

December 2025 Rookie of the Month

The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s winner was Stephen Bittner! He is a Senior currently pursuing a mechanical engineering degree and expects to graduate in 2026. Here are his responses to some brief interview questions.

Q: How do you feel about being recognized for this award by your teammates?

A: It feels really good. Sometimes you can get focused on the things you aren’t that good at. This was a good reminder that I have improved since I started.

Q: What are you looking forward to most this semester?

A: I’m really looking forward to how my new shoes impact my performance on the court. It’s going to be interesting not sliding 5 feet across the court whenever I want to stop.

Q: What is one skill you hope to focus and improve on?

A: I’m also going to focus on court awareness. This will help with teamwork, setting up team throws and defending teammates. It will also help me play better against enemy crosses.

Q: What was your favorite moment from playing dodgeball last semester?

A: I think my favorite moment was playing against Iowa. It was a really good experience playing with the B team against a fellow new team.