Kutztown University Athletics Names 2025-26 Freshman of the Year

It didn't matter if it was inside or outside, freshman pole vaulter Andrew Szeplaki (Bath, Pa./Northampton) put up high numbers in both and has been voted the 2025-26 KU Male Freshman of the Year.

It took little time for Madilyn Bogovic (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cedar Cliff) to make an impact at Kutztown University, and in two different sports. In the fall, Bogovic shined bright on the volleyball court and then into the winter months, she was a star on the alley for KU bowling. To cap her first year, Bogovic was voted the 2025-26 KU Female Freshman of the Year.

Szeplaki joins teammate Trey Hamlin III, who won the award last year, and is the eighth track and field student-athlete to garner the recognition.

During the indoor season, the Bath, Pa., native was the PSAC champion in the pole vault and a Second Team All-American at NCAA Championships, finishing ninth overall with a best clearance of 5.16m (16-11). Szeplaki was voted the PSAC Freshman of the Year, First Team All-PSAC and to the USTFCCCA All-Region team. He also set the new PSAC pole vault record by clearing 5.20m (17-0.75) and had the highest jump in Division II by a freshman this year (5.30m).

In outdoor, Szeplaki doubled up and won another PSAC title in the pole vault with a mark of 5.05m (16-6.75). He also qualified for NCAA Championships and was Honorable Mention All-America. Szeplaki was also All-PSAC First Team.

It is the second straight Golden Bear bowler to win the female award, as Kamryn Brenneman was named FOY last year, and just the second for the program all-time. She is also the fifth volleyball student-athlete to achieve the recognition, first since 2022-23.

During her first semester as a collegiate student-athlete, Bogovic became one of the leaders on the court and a go-to hitter in the offense under first-year head coach Jason Barshinger. She started all 28 matches and finished with 361 kills, seventh-most in the PSAC, with a .198 hit percentage and 43 service aces. Defensively, Bogovic ranked second on the team with 330 digs and 15 blocks, on her way to being named the PSAC East Rookie of the Year and earning All-PSAC East First Team honors.

Bogovic then hung up the sneakers and slipped on the bowling shoes and had one of the best seasons in program history, specifically for a freshman. At the end of the season, she was recognized as a Second Team All-American by the National Tenpin Coaches Association and was their Division II Rookie of the Year. Other accolades included the East Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and All-ECC First Team, along with the NTCA All-Rookie First Team. Bogovic led all DII competition in baker double percentage (57.0 percent), strike percentage (54.6 percent), traditional frame average (21.1 pins) and baker frame average (21.25 pins).

Presented annually since 1993, the Kutztown University Athletics Freshmen of the Year awards recognize a first-year Golden Bear for outstanding athletic achievement. The award is voted upon by athletic department administration, coaches and support staff.