Valley City (VCSU) – The Valley City State University athletic department held its annual Viking Awards on Monday night, recognizing senior student-athletes and announcing its major student-athlete awards.

Ashlyn Diemert (women’s basketball/softball) and Tayshaun Robinson (track and field) were named the 2024-25 VCSU Athletes of the Year. Diemert was an All-Conference selection for both the women’s basketball and softball teams this season. On the basketball court, Diemert scored her 1000th career point this season and set school records going 11-for-11 on 3-pointers and scoring 39 points in the game against Jamestown. On the softball diamond, Diemert totaled a .371 batting average, 10 doubles, two triples, four home runs, and 10 stolen bases on the season Robinson broke the school record in the 110 hurdles three times this season, and his greatest performance occurred at the national meet where he placed 15th. He placed second in the hurdles at both the indoor and outdoor conference meets to earn All-Conference.

JayCee Richter (volleyball, women’s basketball) and Avery Thorsgard (football) received the Viking Impact Award. This award goes to standout upper classmen student-athletes who have made a major impact on the VCSU campus and community during their time at VCSU.

Macy Fridgen (volleyball) and Jordan Mount (track and field) were named the VCSU Newcomers of the Year. Fridgen was named 1st Team All-Conference after ranking 4th in the North Star with 333 kills on a .215 hitting percentage. Macy was named AVCA 1st Team All-Region and AVCA Honorable Mention All-American for the 2024 season. As a freshman, Mount set school records in the indoor 200m and 400m. He also earned four All-Conference finishes including conference titles in the 400m for both indoor and outdoor, as well as third place in the indoor 200m and outdoor long jump.

The Iron Viking Award went to Makenzee Stone (softball) and Judson Seliskar (baseball). This award is presented by the VCSU Strength and Conditioning staff to standout student-athletes in the weight room.

Avery Thorsgard (football) received the Golden Crutch Award, which is presented by the VCSU athletic training staff. This award goes to a student-athlete who has been a model patient for VCSU’s athletic trainers, encourages others in the training room, and continually works hard at making their health a priority.

VCSU also introduced its inaugural class of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society including 45 student-athletes. Chi Alpha Sigma recognizes undergraduate college student-athletes who participate in a sport at the varsity intercollegiate level, achieve junior academic standing or higher after their fourth full time semester, and earn a 3.5 and higher cumulative grade point average.

The VCSU athletic department also recognized its senior student-athletes and NSAA Champions of Character representatives, along with school record breakers at the event.