EASTON, Pa. - Steve Plunkett, the Director of Strength and Conditioning, received the Maroon Club Staff Achievement Award at Lafayette's annual pre-commencement awards dinner on Thursday, May 16.

The award, which is voted on by the Maroon Club Executive Committee, is given to a full-time athletic department staff member who has demonstrated outstanding service to Lafayette College and its athletics program. It is the highest honor the Maroon Club may bestow upon athletics staff members.

Faculty, administrators, and trustees gathered for a celebratory evening to honor the extraordinary achievements of colleagues throughout the 2023-24 academic year. President Nicole Hurd; D. Christian McCumber '89, trustee; Forrest Stuart, vice president for enrollment management; Sherryta Freeman, director of athletics; Ernest Jeffries, vice president for inclusion; and John Meier, provost, presented awards to the honorees.

"Steve works tirelessly to push our student-athletes to their limits and beyond in the weight room. He has an unbelievable rapport with the student-athletes and builds long-lasting relationships with them. During senior exit interviews, students express gratitude and admiration for his commitment to developing both physical and mental strength," said Freeman. "To make sure all 23 teams are accommodated in the weight room, Steve's days start early in the morning and last well into the evening. As a colleague, he brings positive vibes to our department as he is friendly, personable, and funny. Steve, you are truly deserving of this Maroon Club honor."

Plunkett, completing his 12^th year with the Maroon and White, oversees all Olympic sports strength and conditioning as well as directly training the men's basketball, men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, women's soccer and men's soccer teams.

He received his Bachelor 's Degree in Business Management from Moravian College in 2007 and his Bachelor 's Degree in Sport and Exercise Science from DeSales University in 2010, prior to completing his Master's Degree in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania in 2013.

In addition to his professional experience, Plunkett completed the 140.6 mile Ironman Louisville Triathlon in August 2011.

Andrew Foster, the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations, was last year's recipient and preceded by Billie Weiss, Tickets and Promotion Manager, who was granted the laurel in 2022. Director of Sports Medicine Matt Bayly won the award in 2021 and 2017.

Plunkett and Kaity McKittrick, former Deputy Director of Athletics, received the award in 2019 and 2018, respectively, joining Athletics Business Manager Dave Blasic (2016), retired men's basketball head coach Fran O'Hanlon (2015), former football head coach Frank Tavani (2014) former track and field head coach Julio Piazza (2013) and current women's soccer head coach Mick Statham (2012) as previous recipients.


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