HOUSTON – Two of the most accomplished student-athletes in University of St. Thomas history were recognized with one of the department's highest honors as senior Chloe Bennett and junior Alexis Bodunrin were named Co-Recipients of the 2026 Marjorie Evans Female Student-Athlete of the Year Award at the annual UST Athletics Sports Banquet on April 28th.
The award is presented each year to a female student-athlete who exemplifies excellence in athletic competition, academics and service to the University community. This year marks a special occasion, as the University of St. Thomas Athletic Department chose to honor two extraordinary student-athletes whose accomplishments have left a lasting impact on their respective programs and across campus.
The award is named in honor of Marjorie Evans, whose initial gift in 2006 helped launch UST Volleyball and ultimately laid the foundation for the University's athletic department. Evans has remained one of the most dedicated supporters of the Celts, particularly in advancing women's athletics.
Bennett, a nursing major from Waller, Texas, has established herself as one of the premier softball players in NCAA Division III. A former recipient of this award as a sophomore, she has earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association Academic All-American honors and All-Region recognition in each of her first three seasons.
This spring, Bennett was once again named Team MVP while leading the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in batting average and RBIs and ranking among the conference leaders in runs scored. She was also selected to the NFCA Player to Watch list and has helped guide the Celts to a top-10 national ranking and one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Bennett has made significant contributions to campus life. She has served in Student Activities for more than three years, held a leadership role with the Fellowship of Celt Athletes and volunteered extensively through youth camps and community outreach initiatives.
Bodunrin, a pre-med biology major with a minor in neuroscience from Houston, has enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons in University of St. Thomas women's volleyball program history.
A dynamic outside hitter, Bodunrin was named SCAC Player of the Year and earned SCAC Offensive Player of the Week honors five times during the 2025 season. She also received the SCAC Elite 19 Award, recognizing the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA competing at the conference championship.
On the national stage, Bodunrin earned American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American Honorable Mention and AVCA First Team All-Region honors. She led the SCAC in kills per set and ranked second in total kills while helping the Celts achieve a program-first national ranking of No. 24.
Bodunrin has also distinguished herself as a leader throughout the University community. She is actively involved in campus ministries, serves as a mentor in Freshman Symposium and is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Mendenhall Household.
Together, Bennett and Bodunrin represent the highest ideals of University of St. Thomas Athletics, combining elite athletic performance with academic excellence, servant leadership and a commitment to uplifting those around them.
Their selection as Co-Recipients of the Marjorie Evans Female Student-Athlete of the Year Award reflects not only their remarkable individual accomplishments, but also the enduring legacy they have created as Celts.
