George Smyth, Jr., of the men's basketball team and Sanaa Hadjeb of the women's volleyball team are this year's recipients of the Helen Belden Sportsmanship Awards.
From 1963 to 1997, Helen Belden was an instrumental figure in Baruch Athletics. As the first Baruch Senior Women's Athletic Administrator, she provided direction for student-athletes and was responsible for all aspects of Baruch's NCAA women's varsity teams. As Archery Coach, she coached the co-ed teams and helped them rise to full varsity status.
She was also an outstanding teacher who was able to generate student interest and address the needs and issues that relate directly to the lives of Baruch students. Belden was a supportive and popular administrator who led by example with sportsmanship.
The Helen Belden Sportsmanship Award is given to a male and female student-athlete every May who exemplify her spirit and sportsmanship.
George Smyth, Jr. was a four-year player on the men's basketball team who held the title of team captain during his senior season. He helped raise a championship banner during 2018-19 and also played in the NCAA Tournament. This past 2019-20 season, he was named to the All-CUNYAC Tournament Team after grabbing 20 rebounds in the championship contest against Brooklyn College. George will finish his career having played in the post-season during each of his four seasons (3 ECAC, 1 NCAA) as a Bearcat.
Off the court, the native of Kearny, New Jersey majored in Finance. He juggled a difficult major along with undertaking a big role on the basketball team. George was popular and a student-athlete that displayed great sportsmanship as a proud Bearcat.
Sanaa Hadjeb was a setter on the women's volleyball team. In just two years with the Bearcats, she already ranks fifth in school history for all-time assists with 902. In addition to 2019 CUNYAC Player of the Week Honors on October 15, Sanaa also finished the season by being named to the CUNYAC All-Star Second Team. She helped create team history after leading the Bearcats to their first-ever win in the Postseason after defeating Rutgers-Newark in the first round of the ECAC Division III Championship Tournament.
Off the court, Sanaa majors in Pyschology and was a popular teammate helping the Bearcats to 19 total wins, which was the most since the 2013 season. Her positive attitude and sportsmanship helped rub off on her team and other student-athletes.
Helen Belden Sportsmanship Awards
2019-20: Sanaa Hadjeb, Women's Volleyball
George Smyth, Jr., Men's Basketball
2018-19: Markella Giannakopoulos, Women's Swimming & Cross Country
Jacob Mareschal Rudin, Men's Volleyball
2017-18: Jaclyn Thammakhoune, Women's Basketball
Marlon Samwaru, Men's Swimming
2016-17: Veronica Ganzi, Women's Basketball
Brendan Murphy, Men's Volleyball
2015-16: Rose Lee, Women's Swimming
Brady Ambro, Men's Volleyball
2014-15: Jacqueline Gioia, Softball
Brian McMahon, Men's Basketball
2013-14: Maria Vlahopoulos, Softball
Joshua Vital, Men's Basketball
2012-13: Melinda Santiago, Women's Volleyball
Ryan Flynn, Men's Swimming
2011-12: Carmen Pagan-Colon, Softball
Samuel Park, Men's Volleyball
2010-11: Andrea Tepfer, Softball
Aliaksea Misitau, Men's Tennis
2009-10: Shalanda Graham, Women's Tennis
Jonathan Tuwaidan, Men's Volleyball
2008-09: Staren Soanes, Women's Volleyball
Brian Ramirez, Men's Swimming
2007-08: Temi Arijeloye, Women's Cross Country
Caner Yilmaz, Men's Soccer
