CHICO, Calif. – Chico State student-athletes, coaches, and staff gathered May 3 at the Bell Memorial Union Auditorium to celebrate a year defined by excellence, resilience, and championship success at the second annual Night of Champions.
Hosted by Chico State men's track & field alum Josiah Greer ('13) for the second consecutive year, alongside women's basketball seniors Kaylie Edge and Jiana Creswell, the evening carried a celebratory tone from start to finish, highlighting the accomplishments and stories that defined the 2025–26 year.
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Among the night's most prestigious honors, Naoki Easterday of men's golf was named the Male Athlete of the Year after a dominant season that saw him earn CCAA Golfer of the Year recognition and establish himself as one of the top players in the West Region. Competing in all nine tournaments, Easterday recorded five top-three finishes and two individual titles while posting an impressive 71.0 scoring average, ranking among the nation's elite.
On the women's side, Iresh Molina of cross country and track & field earned Female Athlete of the Year honors following a remarkable campaign that included a CCAA individual championship, NCAA All-America recognition, and a school record performance in the 10,000 meters. Molina's consistency and championship pedigree helped lead the Wildcats to a conference title and cemented her place among the top distance runners in the country.
The evening also provided a meaningful moment of reflection as Chico State honored longtime women's soccer head coach Kim Sutton, celebrating a 25-year career defined by excellence, leadership, and lasting impact on generations of Wildcat student-athletes.
Academic and athletic excellence were further recognized with the Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards. Weston Joyner was honored on the men's side for his performance in the classroom and in goal for the Wildcats, while Klayre Barres earned the women's honor after excelling both academically and as a key contributor on the pitch.
The night also celebrated breakout performers and inspiring comebacks. Chris Holley (men's basketball) and Olivia Hohnstein (women's soccer) were recognized as Newcomers of the Year after making immediate impacts in their first seasons as Wildcats, while Vineet Vallamsetty (men's golf) and Paulina Martins (women's cross country) earned Freshman of the Year honors following standout debut campaigns.
Comeback Player of the Year honors went to Stefan Foley (baseball) and Madison Parry (women's basketball), recognizing their resilience and impact after overcoming adversity to play key roles for their teams.
A special moment in the evening came with the presentation of the Outstanding Support Staff of the Year Award to Associate Athletics Director Brian Ceccon. A valued member of Chico State Athletics since 2013, Ceccon has played an integral role in compliance, facilities, and event management, helping shape the day-to-day operations and long-term success of the department. As he prepares to retire at the end of July, the recognition served as a fitting tribute to his years of dedication and impact on Wildcat Athletics.
2026 Night of Champions Award Winners
Male Athlete of the Year – Naoki Easterday (Men's Golf)
Female Athlete of the Year – Iresh Molina (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field)
Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Weston Joyner (Men's Soccer)
Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Klayre Barres (Women's Soccer)
Male Newcomer of the Year – Chris Holley (Men's Basketball)
Female Newcomer of the Year – Olivia Hohnstein (Women's Soccer)
Male Freshman of the Year – Vineet Vallamsetty (Men's Golf)
Female Freshman of the Year – Paulina Martins (Women's Cross Country)
Male Comeback Player of the Year – Stefan Foley (Baseball)
Female Comeback Player of the Year – Madison Parry (Women's Basketball)
Outstanding Support Staff of the Year – Brian Ceccon
Prior to the evening's celebration, a select group of Chico State student-athletes attended the Champions Circle event at Sylvester's, connecting with Named Scholarship donors whose continued generosity plays a vital role in supporting the Wildcat student-athlete experience.
Chico State Athletics thanks to those who attended our Champions Circle
Don and Barbara Alger (Jake Lovisolo Men's Basketball Academic Achievement Scholarship)
Abe and Jacky Baily (Clark and Betty Porter Basketball Scholarship; Betty Lou Raker Women's Basketball Scholarship)
Gregg and Phyllis Berryman (Men's & Women's Basketball Scholarship)
Tom and Donna Carter (Men's Basketball and Men's Soccer Scholarship)
Mitch Cox (William & Holly Cox Memorial Scholarship)
Daniel DiMeo (Men's & Women's Cross Country Scholarship)
Scott Feingold (Burton Feingold Memorial Scholarship)
Peggy Gray (Bill Yoskowitz Cross Country Scholarship)
Sandy and Ronald Griffin (Griffin Family Basketball Scholarship)
Cyndi Haapanen (Billy Yoskowitz Cross Country Scholarship)
Steve Hall and Carol Stanley-Hall (Hall Family Volleyball Scholarship)
Ken and Sheryl Lange (Men's & Women's Basketball Scholarship)
Nancy and Gregory Meadows (Greg and Nancy Meadows Cross Country Scholarship; Jean Simmons and Alan Meadows Cross Country Scholarship)
Mike O'Malley (O'Malley Men's Soccer Scholarship)
Betty and Donald Penland (Penland Family Softball Scholarship; Donald R. Penland Baseball Scholarship)
Robyn and Michael Prime (David Prime Scholarship)
Ann Pyeatt (Men's & Women's Basketball Scholarship)
Bob Russ (Coach Bob Russ Women's Soccer Scholarship)
Walt Schafer (Cross Country/Track & Field Scholarship; Men's & Women's Cross Country, Track & Field Scholarships)
Bob Sneed (Men's & Women's Basketball Scholarship)
Daniel Tinnel (Men's & Women's Cross Country Scholarship)
Margie and Greg Wilson (Margie Wilson Women's Soccer Scholarship)
The Night of Champions once again served as a powerful reminder of the excellence, dedication, and pride that define Chico State Athletics, celebrating not only the achievements of the past year but the continued momentum of the Wildcat community moving forward.
