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DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU Athletics Department, in conjunction with the Lettermen's Association and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, honored its student-athletes at the Pony Awards, an annual banquet that recognizes teams and individuals for their successes on the field and in the classroom.

The Athletic Director's S.P.I.R.I.T Award, the most prestigious award, was given to Holly Archer of the women's cross country and track and field teams, and Courtland Sutton. Sutton was an All-American Athletic Conference First-Team award winner and Bilitnekoff Award Watch List selection as a wide receiver on the football team. Archer earned her fourth cross country all-conference accolade after leading the Mustangs to the American Athletic Conference championship. The award honors student-athletes who are an inspiration to others, giving unselfishly of their time and talents for the betterment of the team and who epitomize the values of service, passion, integrity, respect, innovation and teamwork.

Morgan Heise, from the volleyball team, and men's basketball's Semi Ojeleye were named SMU Student-Athletes of the Year. Heise was a three-time American Athletic Conference Libero of the Year and All-America Honorable Mention selection, while Ojeleye was named American Athletic Conference Player and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and was an All-America Honorable Mention selection. He was also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team.

The Newcomer of the Year Award was given to junior transfer Jonathan Gomez, a member of the men's swimming and diving team, and freshman Kendall Patterson, who was named volleyball Freshman of the Year in the American Athletic Conference. Gomez was named conference Swimmer of the Year and was an NCAA Championships qualifier. This award is earned by student-athletes making their presence known on the field of competition, and being a vital part to their team's success in their first year with the team.

The Meyer Brothers Award, which is named after long-time Mustang supporters Jim and Mark Meyer, is awarded to the male and female student-athletes who most exemplify SMU through athletics, academics and service to the community. This year, women's soccer player Taylor Barg and men's golf's Andrew Buchanan earned the honor.

Justin Bertelsman, a member of the men's swimming and diving team, and Gel Greene, a member of the rowing program, were presented with the FCA Faithful Service Award. The award salutes those who follow the mission of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who have shown dedicated service to the FCA huddle at SMU.

Women's basketball's Morgan Bolton and men's golf's Ben Baxter were awarded the Red and Blue Award. The award honors student-athletes who exhibit the greatest passion and dedication to their programs and the department as a whole.

Men's soccer's Abdul Yassine and track and field's Anna Novosadova earned the Perseverance Award for demonstrating an exceptional degree of determination in overcoming personal, medical or other obstacles while maintaining good academic standing.

Agnes Sjostrom of the track and field team and men's basketball's Ben Moore took home the Sportsmanship award. Bryce Klein, a member of the men's swimming and diving team, was honored with Student-Athlete Choice Award, presented to the student-athlete whose peers believe they serve as an outstanding role model for the community.

Football's Darrion Millines was the recipient of the Academic Momentum Award, which recognizes the student-athlete who has shown persistence in his/her quest for academic success in the classroom and in competition.

The women's swimming and diving team posted the highest GPA on the women's side, while the men's soccer team had the highest men's GPA. The men's basketball team had the most improved GPA. Sylvia de Toledo was recognized for earning the Presidential Award of Excellence. A senior on the equestrian team, de Toledo is a five-time NCEA All-America honoree and three-time NCEA Academic All-America selection.

The senior administrative athletics staff selected winners of the awards from nominees by athletics staff, head coaches and academic support staff.