USA Lacrosse has approved our nominees for their awards.

The Head Coaches of Section V considered players who had been nominated for All-American and All-Academic awards. The awards identify some of the best players from each area around the country. Each of the head coaches in the Section is allowed to vote on each of the awards. The selections from our area were then submitted to the USA Lacrosse for final approval.

The All-American awards are given to excellent lacrosse players from the area. The national program allows one award for each six teams in the area but this year there were six awards available. Fifteen players were nominated. Section Five coaches require that players who are in leagues must make first team league honors to be considered.

For the All-Academic award, an emphasis has been placed on the academic qualification of the nominees, but players were required to be assets for their teams. Where, in the past, nominees for this award were first considered for their skill on this field, this year, although skill was considered important, nominees did not need to be "All-American" quality players. Academically, nominees needed to have an average GPA of 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale). There were also six awards available in Section V and there were seven nominees. Some players were nominated for both awards and in the end five were selected.

The Head Coaches also selected a USA Lacrosse Coach of the Year for NYS Section V. This year the coaches selected Bill Buttaro, Head Coach at Spencerport. The Rangers were 13-6 this year and advanced to the Sectional Finals for the first time in program history.

In 2012, USA Lacrosse added an award named for the long-time Johns Hopkins lacrosse coach and Athletic Director, Bob Scott. The annual award is given to a senior of outstanding character, good academic standing and one who demonstrates good sportsmanship and safe play. The winner from Section V, this year, is East United-Eastridge senior Keenan Edwards.

Head Coach, London Booker says, "As a volunteer for RocE6 lacrosse, Keenan has devoted countless hours to supporting the growth and development of young athletes. Whether it's coaching, mentoring, or organizing events, Keenan goes above and beyond to ensure the success of the program.

What sets Keenan apart is his unwavering commitment to doing what needs to be done, even when no one is watching. His integrity and strong work ethic make him a standout among his peers. Keenan's actions serve as a shining example of character and dedication. His remarkable efforts serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of selflessness and the importance of giving back."

• Jack Faiola- Canandaigua senior goalie - Hobart
  Head Coach Deven York says: "Jack is the best goalie I have seen at Canandaigua. He has built himself in the off season weightroom. Attending our 5:00 am Breakfast club. He hones his craft at goalie camps and club, has never missed an optional workout. He sets the standard. No one outworks him. For our defense to perform like it has this year is a direct result of Jack's ability and leadership." 
  
  
• Thomas Gravino - Victor senior midfielder - Maryland
  Gravino returns as a two-time All-American. Head Coach Dan Stone says: "Thomas leads by example on and off the field. He is the first to congratulate teammates on good plays and to remain calm in challenging circumstances. He challenges teammates to let our play speak for us. Thomas was selected to participate in the Section V Student Athlete Advisory Committee based on his leadership skills and is one of a small group of athletes selected for the All-Greater Rochester First Team in two varsity sports in the same year." 
  
  
• Robert Kinslow IV - Pal-Mac senior defenseman - Hobart
  Head Coach Joe Hill says: "Robert is a model citizen, he not only follows rules but he expects others to as well. He holds everyone to a high standard. Robert has been a Captain since he was a Sophomore at Pal-Mac where he started playing Varsity Lacrosse as a starter in 8th grade. Robert is also instrumental in our youth program working with our future defenseman that have looked up to him as leader for years. Robert is our coach on the field!" 
  
  
• Sam Ricci - Victor senior face off specialist - Cornell
  Head Coach Dan Stone says: "Sam Ricci is a student-athlete any coach could use as a textbook example of what they want members of their program and school community to become. His work in the classroom earned him a GPA of 93.1, Scholar Athlete and Team Captain honors for multiple seasons in Wrestling, Lacrosse, and Football. Sam is well-respected by teammates, peers, and teachers and goes out of his way to support everyone in achieving success by meeting their needs first and leading by example." 
  
  
• Preston Steve - Newark senior attackman - Roberts Wesleyan
  Head Coach John Hicks says: "Take away his playing ability which is outstanding he just is a great young man that plays this game with honor and respect and gives it his all and never backs down. He's not big but he plays like a giant. His stats are great but take them away and you still have the makings of a All-American young man. He has done everything ever asked of him and more. He's always trying to help his teammates get better and genuinely cares about how they are doing. I've coached for nine years now, and Preston is by far the best overall player and young man I have ever had the pleasure to coach."
  
  
• Mike Valent - Rush-Henrietta senior face off specialist - Last Year as selected as an All-Academic - Hobart
  Head Coach Tom MacMillan says: "Mikey is one of the best kids that I have ever coached. He has been a captain for me for the past 2 years and I trust that he will always make the right decisions. He is a responsible player and a great teammate. He is always willing to help out his younger teammates and is always willing to share his skills with our youth players. He is also just a great person who is respectful of others and the rules of lacrosse. I think above else he honors the game of lacrosse. He always gives 100% no matter what. In drills and in games Mikey is always the hardest working player."
  
  

• Sam Gotham - Victor senior attackman - Stony Brook
  Head Coach Dan Stone says: "As a student-athlete, Sam's achievements on and off the field are remarkable. He has earned High Honor Roll 15 consecutive semesters while completing challenging courses with electives intended to challenge himself. Sam is a member of the National Honor Society and the Business Honor Society. He is a voice for teammates and actively seeks their ideas and opinions, and also advocates for others when they may not feel comfortable doing so themselves. Sam's advocacy makes a positive difference for the entire team. These same qualities are present in the work he does as a leader with many school and community groups." 
  
  
• Jackson McEnerney - Livonia-Avon senior attackman - RIT
  Head Coach John Sciera says: "Jackson has taken a leadership role on this team starting his sophomore year. It is not easy to take athletes from two schools and mend them together as a cohesive unit. Jackson has stepped up in many ways in helping both on the field and off organizing activities to bring his team mates together as a cohesive unit. Jackson is fiercely competitive on the field but demands that his teammates honor the game and each other with their play on the field."
  
  
• Andy Mcfadden - Bloomfield-Honeoye senior defenseman - Uncommitted
  Head Coach Joe Sidari says, "As a captain this year, he has been a positive and uplifting voice for our younger players and goes out of his way to make sure they are getting the help they need and understand what they are supposed to do. He is also a student who is taking full advantage of his senior year by taking a full course load of AP and IB classes and still maintaining a high weighted GPA. Andy is part of the National Honor Society and is the recipient of the College Board National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Program Award."
  
  
• Cameron Mesh - Spencerport senior midfielder - Uncommitted
  Head Coach Bill Buttaro says, "Cam Mesh is a rare talent. He faces off, he plays offense, he plays defense... He's on man up and he's on man down. Cam is the true definition of a midfielder. He plays almost 48 minutes a game and never says a word. He does whatever it takes to win and is everything our section and area could want to represent us. He is one of the hardest working players I have ever seen play the sport. The younger kids on the team look up to him and feed off of his energy. He is an outstanding citizen who puts in time with the Youth in our community."
  
  
• Ben Steingass - Pittsford senior midfielder - Amherst
  Head Coach Andrew Whipple says, "Ben has been an Honor Roll Student throughout every semester in high school. He has a 4.0 unweighted GPA with a very rigorous coarse load. He is a member of the National Honor Society at Mendon High School. He was also selected as Mendon High School's sole nominee for the Harvey E. Anderson Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students who have participated in Section V sports, have been diligent in academics and athletics and exhibit self-motivation and extraordinary effort. He is an amazing young man and one of the best in lacrosse."