POMONA, Calif. – The Cal Poly Pomona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics celebrated its student-athletes, coaches, and staff at the annual Night of Excellence awards presentation on Tuesday night in the Bronco Student Center in recognition of accomplishments by the Broncos during the 2024-25 academic year.
 
As a department, CPP currently has an overall record of 117-55-9, good for the fourth-highest winning percentage in school history. This also includes a .646 winning percentage in CCAA games, and a .682 winning percentage at home. The Broncos have now had a department winning percentage above .500 for the past 16 consecutive years.
   
Student-Athlete of the Year
This award, in which individuals are nominated from each of the head coaches, then voted on by department administrators and staff, represents the highest athletic acclaim a student-athlete at Cal Poly Pomona can earn. While CPP produces dozens of All-Conference, All-Region, and All-American performers every year, just two individuals can say they were selected as CPP's Athlete of the Year.
 
Tara Oper – Women's Soccer
Oper was named National Player of the Year, First Team All-American, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, All-West Region First Team, All-CCAA First Team, and CCAA Player of the Week. She broke the all-time CPP assists record, and helped her team win it's first national title with goals in both the semifinals and national championship game. She was also named a finalist for D2 Honda Athlete of the Year.
 
From Head Coach Jay Mason: "Tara's commitment to excellence helped elevate our program's competitive environment to new heights. Her energy and desire set the tone for what an elite program should look like. Her relentless work rate was something that I believe inspired others to reach higher than they ever thought possible."  
 
Fin Jackson – Men's Soccer
Jackson was named an All-American, All-West Region First Team, All-CCAA First Team, and team captain. He ranked second on the team in minutes played and starts, and CPP outscored opponents 43 to 16 in matches he appeared in. In the classroom, he was named CSC Academic All-District, and a Scholar All-American.
 
From Head Coach Matt O'Sullivan: "Fin has been an outstanding leader in his time at CPP. His leadership was second to none that I've seen in this program, and he is one of the most reliable student-athletes I've ever coached. He put the team first at every opportunity and I could not speak high enough of him as a person."  
Freshman of the Year
This is the fourth year the department has honored one male and one female as Freshman of the Year. Individuals are nominated by their head coach, then voted on by the athletics department administrators and staff members.
 
Kiarra D'Arcangelo – Women's Soccer
D'Arcangelo appeared in 23 games, totaling the most points and minutes played of any freshman on women's soccer. She scored two goals while taking 10 shots, and played 36 minutes in the final game of the season, helping her team win it's first national title.
 
From Head Coach Jay Mason: "Her unwavering mindset and courage is something that stood out as she came into the team at a crucial point and attacked it like she was a seasoned veteran. Her attention to detail and tireless effort on and off the field endeared her to her teammates as someone they can always count on."
 
Anthony Cosme - Baseball  
Newcomer of the Year
Just like the Freshman of the Year award, this is the fourth year the department has honored one male and one female as Newcomer of the Year. Individuals are nominated by their head coach, then voted on by the athletics department administrators and staff members. This award is given to the student-athlete deemed to have made the most impact on their team after transferring from another institution.
 
Vanessa Cruz – Women's Soccer
Cruz was named a First Team All-American, All-West Region First Team, and All-CCAA First Team. She was named CCAA Player, Forward, and Newcomer of the Year, the first time that has happened in CCAA history. She was named to the NCAA Tournament Team, and recorded the 24th hat-trick in program history.
 
From Head Coach Jay Mason: "Vanessa came in and helped create one of the most dangerous attacking units in program history. Her work ethic and commitment to her team instilled a level of confidence and belief that I have never seen before. Her humility and compassion set her apart, allowing her to influence our program in a profound way."
 
Demarreya Lewis-Cooper – Men's Basketball  
Iron Bronco
The second year of the award, the Iron Bronco is given to one male and one female student-athlete that showcased sheer dedication, strength, and unwavering perseverance in the pursuit of excellence in health and fitness. Individuals were nominated and voted on by the CPP Sports Performance staff.
 
Trinity Moseby – Women's Track & Field
From Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Senyo: "Trinity is one of, if not the strongest female sprinter. She leads by example and is not afraid of the challenge to get better. She has shown a lot of growth as a person and an athlete in the weight room. Trinity currently holds the top max for squat at 249 and deadlift at 360 pounds and routinely does her pullups weighted."
 
Evan Adolphus - Baseball
From Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Senyo: "Evan is the strongest pitcher on staff with a 365 front squat and 259 clean. He is tied with his teammate for the top clean number on the team. He comes in early; he does extra, and loves the weight room. His technique is flawless."  
Additional Award Winners

• Terri Brown Bronco Spirit Award – Craig Dunkin
• Female Hal Charnofsky Award – Hanna Schneider
• Male Hal Charnofsky Award – Kailen Smith
• Female Senior Scholar Award – Amelia Adamson
• Male Senior Scholar Award – Eric Pearce
• Team Academic Excellence – Women's Basketball (3.56 GPA)
• SAAC Presidential Appreciation Award – Madison Novak
• 2,000 Win Milestone – Director of Athletics Brian Swanson