Indiana Athletics Celebrates Student-Athlete Success At Spirit of Indiana Night of Excellence
4/30/2025 10:45:00 AM | General, Student-Athlete Services
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University Athletics recently hosted the 2025 Spirit of Indiana: Night of Excellence, a signature event celebrating the achievements of over 600 student-athletes across 24 varsity sports. Held in the south lobby of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, the evening honored excellence in athletic performance, academic success, leadership, and community impact.
Freshman Women's Golfer Cara Heisterkamp had the distinguished honor of hosting the event. With grace and professionalism, she helped create a memorable and inspiring night for all in attendance.
Highlighting the evening's honorees were Women's Swimmer Anna Peplowski and Men's Basketball's Anthony Leal, who were named the 2025 recipients of the G. Frederick Glass Director's Award. Named in honor of IU's athletic director from 2009-20, the Director's Award is presented to two student-athletes who best represent The Spirit of Indiana: 24 Sports, 1 Team.
Senior Swimmer Anna Peplowski accomplished a year to remember by finishing the 2025 season with a landmark achievement—winning the NCAA title in the 200 Freestyle, becoming the first female freestyle NCAA champion in Indiana University program history. Her historic victory was just the pinnacle of a decorated career.
Peplowski is a 2024 Olympic silver medalist in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, a 21-time All-American, and a three-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree. She was named the 2025 Big Ten Swimmer of the Year, the 2023 Swimmer of the Big Ten Championships, and the 2022 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Over the course of her IU career, Peplowski earned 10 top-10 finishes in NCAA individual events, including four podium appearances. From collegiate accolades to the Olympic stage, she has not only built an exceptional swimming résumé but also established a legacy that will inspire generations of Hoosier swimmers to come.
A hometown hero and true student-athlete, Anthony Leal wrapped up a memorable five-year career with the IU Men's Basketball program. The former Indiana Mr. Basketball from Bloomington South appeared in 95 games for the Hoosiers, starting a career-high 14 games during his final season and helping lead the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Leal's impact extended well beyond the hardwood. A four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, he exemplified what it means to be a Hoosier—dedicated, disciplined, and
deeply connected to the community. In the classroom, he earned a degree in Entrepreneurship from the Kelley School of Business, following that up with an MBA; if that was not enough, he put his academic work into practice, becoming a licensed realtor. His drive, authenticity, and relatable personality, extending his impact far beyond the game.
Another highlight recognition of the event was the naming of the 2025 Big Ten Medal of Honor recipients. First presented in 1915, this award is earmarked for individuals who strive for excellence both academically and athletically. Of the over 10,000 students who compete in intercollegiate athletics for Big Ten universities annually, only 28 earn this award each year.
Indiana University's 2025 Big Ten Medal of Honor winners are Brianna Copeland (Softball) and Jassen Yep (Men's Swimming).
Brianna Copeland's senior season is nothing short of historic. A standout for IU Softball, she has delivered a record-breaking performance that solidifies her place among the Big Ten's elite. Copeland leads the team with a .323 batting average, 50 hits, 40 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases, while also excelling in the circle with a 16-7 pitching record, a 4.80 ERA, and 174 strikeouts. Her all-around impact is instrumental to the Hoosiers' success. Highlighting her remarkable season, Copeland has already etched her name in the record books by becoming IU's all-time home run leader with 50 career home runs.
In recognition of her exceptional achievements both on the field and in the classroom, Brianna has earned honors such as Academic All-Big Ten and NFCA All-Region. Her accomplishments put her among some of IU's best, solidifying her position as a Hoosier Big Ten Medal of Honor awardee.
Graduate student Jassen Yep closed out his Indiana University career with a memorable final chapter. Capping off an exceptional journey, Yep was honored with the prestigious 2025 Big Ten Medal of Honor—a fitting recognition for a student-athlete who exemplified excellence in and out of the pool. A consistent performer and team leader, he played a vital role in IU's success, earning multiple podium finishes and setting numerous career records. His standout performance at the 2024–25 NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships, highlighted by a national title in the 200 breaststroke, helped cement his legacy as one of the program's greats.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Jassen served as a model student-athlete, balancing the demands of elite competition with exceptional academic performance. His
commitment to both his sport and his studies earned him accolades such as Academic
award winners were announced, including:
2023-2024 Athletes of the Year Award
Anna Peplowski, Women's Swimming
Carson Tyler, Men's Diving
Anita Aldrich Award (which recognizes a female student-athlete for best exemplifying Anita Aldrich's ideals of leadership, scholastic achievement, and athletic ability among all female student-athletes)
Skyler Liu, Women's Diving
Jake Gimbel Award (Given to a senior male student-athlete who has distinguished himself in athletics and scholarship and who has displayed an outstanding mental attitude)
DJ Washington, Wrestling
Andy Hipskind Comeback Award (Awarded to both Male and Female student athletes who have experienced the journey of injuries and returning to their given sport)
Veronica Hargrave, Track and Field
DJ Washington, Wrestling
Diversity & Inclusion Award (Presented to the student athletes that build unity and make a difference in the Hoosier community)
Maggie Carter, Field Hockey
Nico Colchico, Men's Track and Field and Cross Country
Big Ten Jackie Robinson Award (Established in 2025 to recognize student-athletes at Big Ten institutions who strive to have a positive impact not only in their chosen sport, but also within their community)
Shea O'Malley, Women's Soccer
Jack Wagoner, Men's Soccer