Wisconsin Athletics celebrates athletes at the 2026 Buckinghams
May 07, 2026 | General News
UW holds its annual student-athlete showcase of excellence
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Athletics celebrated its student-athletes at the 18th annual Buckingham Awards on April 28 at the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison.
The Buckinghams are a tradition that unites campus, the community and the entire athletic department in celebrating shared values and the pride of being a Badger. This year's event was emceed by Mike "Jocko" Jacques of WMTV 15 News.
The evening featured student-athlete performances from Cillian Gleeson (men's cross country) and Slate, a band featuring student-athletes from men's swimming and diving, including Carter Jewell, Cooper Scharff and Lance Swanepoel.
Throughout the evening, student-athletes were recognized for their academic and athletic accomplishments, with nine awards presented.
BIG TEN MEDAL OF HONOR
Honors a graduating male and female student-athlete who exemplify excellence on and off the field throughout their collegiate careers.
Caroline Harvey – Women's Ice Hockey
Ben Dexheimer – Men's Ice Hockey
BIG TEN JACKIE ROBINSON COMMUNITY & IMPACT AWARD
Recognizes student-athletes at Big Ten institutions who strive to make a positive impact not only in their sport, but also within their community.
Erin Connolly – Women's Soccer
Ricardo Hallman – Football
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Kylie Finger – Women's Cross Country
Gavin Morrissey – Men's Ice Hockey
COMEBACK OF THE YEAR
Women's Tennis – Maria Sholokhova/Lucie Urbanova
Men's Ice Hockey vs. Michigan State
NIL CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR
Shay Bollin – Women's Basketball
Manny Putz – Men's Cross Country
PERSEVERANCE AWARD
Lacey Eden – Women's Ice Hockey
Mason Reiger – Football
PLAY OF THE YEAR
Women's Volleyball match point vs. Texas
Men's Basketball buzzer-beater vs. Minnesota
BADGER PRIDE AWARD
Laila Edwards – Women's Ice Hockey
Isaac Gard – Men's Basketball
STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Caroline Harvey – Women's Ice Hockey
Will Smith – Men's Soccer
