Comets Athletics Celebrates Excellence at Annual Awards Banquet
Being a college student isn’t easy. Late nights, long hours, and the constant pull of assignments can be enough on their own. Add the demands of collegiate athletics, and the challenge becomes something more—something that requires discipline, resilience, and an unrelenting drive to succeed.
That drive is what defines Western Iowa Tech athletics. Even as a program still building its foundation, Comets athletes carry the same expectations: to compete, to grow, and to represent something bigger than themselves.
That mindset was on full display at this year’s Comets Awards Banquet, where coaches recognized athletes who rose above in the areas of Most Spirited, Most Improved, and Most Impactful.
Each honor reflected more than performance—it told the story of athletes who shaped their teams through effort, attitude, and leadership.
The criteria for these awards varied, but all required one thing: the ability to stand out. Each athlete selected rose above adversity, long days, and high expectations to make a lasting impact on their team.
In addition to the team awards, one male and one female athlete were selected for the Comet of the Year Award. These individuals were recognized for their athletic performance, leadership, team spirit, character, integrity, work ethic, improvement, and contributions beyond athletics. These Comets are not just great athletes and teammates, but great people as well.
The evening also featured keynote speaker Tony Odorisio, Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Doane University and a former professional player in Finland. Drawing from a journey that has taken him across multiple levels of the game, Odorisio emphasized the importance of character in both athletics and life. His message to Comets athletes was clear: success is built not just on talent, but on who you are and how you carry yourself in every situation.
The choices weren’t always easy. Comets athletes continue to raise the standard, balancing academics and athletics at a high level—evidenced by the number of athletes recognized for Fall Academic All-Region honors and an overall team GPA of 3.2.
Energy, growth, and impact were the themes of the night as athletes from all five Comets programs were recognized for the ways they helped shape their teams.
Spirit showed up in different forms throughout the year—whether through positivity, team support, or resilience in challenging moments. Athletes such as Jana Pocovi Toasquella, Sariahlee Matavao, Tyler Diimig, Isaiah Lloyd, and Ismael Diallo embodied the Comets Most Spirited Award.
Growth was just as evident. Improvement doesn’t always come with headlines or statistics, but it builds over time through consistency and hard work. Luci Kopitzky, Mia Ortiz, Anthony Salazar, Karlo Dragojevic, and Luis Alonso demonstrated that steady progression, earning the Comets Most Improved Award.
And then there were those athletes whose impact could be felt in every aspect of their teams. Through leadership on and off the field, dependability in critical moments, performance, and a commitment to integrity, Anggy Villene, V Liufau, Brilen Harskamp, Caleb Kawela, and Luis Valverde left a lasting mark, earning the Most Impactful Award.
The evening’s highest honors reflected that same standard. Comet of the Year was awarded to Connor Osprey and Jana Pocovi Tosquella. This award recognizes not only athletic performance, but also leadership, character, and a strong commitment to training and self-improvement—demonstrating a lasting commitment to excellence.
On a lighter note, Conor O’Reilly was recognized with the “I Read My Email” Award—a reminder that small habits, like timely communication, can make a big difference.
Without fans, no athletic program can thrive. This year’s Fan of the Year Award went to Tasha and Kevin Conklin. The father-daughter duo has become a fixture at basketball and volleyball games and have made it a personal mission to attend more soccer matches.
The final award of the evening recognized a non-athlete who has made a significant impact on the professionalism and effectiveness of Comets game day presentation. Chris Mansfield, with the support of fellow instructor Mike Jones and their students, has helped ensure high-quality standards for online broadcasts and video board production. His commitment to excellence is evident in everything he does.
As Comets athletics approaches the end of its third successful year, there is both pride in what has been accomplished and focus on what lies ahead. Many athletes are preparing for their next chapter, and wherever that path leads—whether here or elsewhere—we know they will continue to work hard and succeed.
Once a Comet, always a Comet.