MANKATO, Minn. – Seven Minnesota State student-athletes were recognized this year as Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year for their sport through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). Winners were honored at various team events this spring with a certificate.
 
The Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year Award program recognizes those collegiate and high school athletes whose athletic accomplishments reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning.
 
Awards have been given since 1998.
 
"These student-athletes are the best of the best in the weight room," said Minnesota State Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Andy Stocks. "They have shown tremendous effort and passion on a daily basis. Their work ethic and dedication to strength and conditioning is undeniable. Their progress and performance during their collegiate career have far exceeded expectations. It is truly an honor to be able to recognize them with this award."
 
2023-24 Minnesota State Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year Winners
Joey Batt (women's basketball)
Carter Aguilera (track & field)
Marshall Foerner (football)
Mack Rath (soccer)
Shane Gibson (wrestling)
Flore Gracia (track & field)
Aidan Byrne (baseball)

Stocks on Joey Batt (basketball)
"Joey has truly set her apart in the classroom, on the court, and in the weight room. Her intensity and hustle on the court are unmatched. Her effort and competitiveness in the weight room are second to none. Joey consistently pushes herself and her teammates to be the absolute best in all aspects of athletics and life. These same intangibles that made Joey an incredible student-athlete will carry her to great success in the future."

Stocks on Carter Aguilera (track & field)
"Carter has truly used the weight room to enhance his performance in the ring. His love for lifting has brought him great improvements in the weight room that have helped produced big throws in competition. He has won conference championships in both weight throw and discus and has also made multiple appearances at the NCAA National Championships. We look forward to Carter sharing his passion with others in the future."

Stocks on Marshall Foerner (football)
"Marshall has set forth a great example of what consistency and long-term progress looks like in strength and conditioning. Beginning his career as a redshirt freshman, he has used the weight room to help him develop into an All-American offensive lineman. Marshall has also earned numerous academic honors including being named to the NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence. We look forward to Marshall reaching even greater heights in the future."

Nelson Mackenzie Rath (soccer, track & field)
"Mack's impact on the Minnesota State soccer program cannot be over stated. The effort and attention to detail that she brings to training has positively influenced everyone on the team. Mack has used her leadership role to help younger athletes learn new movements as well as encourage teammates through challenging workouts."

Nelson on Shane Gibson (wrestling)
"Over the course of his career at Minnesota State Shane has set the standard for hard work and consistency in the weight room during the season and the off-season. Shane constantly pushes himself to the limits of his ability from the beginning to the end of each workout."

Lee on Flore Gracia (track & field)
"Flore's consistent effort and positive attitude have led her to use the weight room to its full benefit. She is always pushing herself to the limit to be the strongest and most powerful athlete she can be. This has led to Flore being one of the best triple jumpers in the entire country across all divisions. She is a role model of what it takes to be a high-level athlete through extreme dedication and hard work. Flore is always a joy to be around in the weight room and will do great things in her event, even after her college career."

Lee on Aidan Byrne (baseball)
"Aidan is one of the most detail-oriented student-athletes that I have been able to work with in the weight room. He consistently trains with a purpose to become the strongest, fastest, and most powerful athlete he can be. He is an amazing leader that has shown his teammates what training with intent truly means. This has led Aidan to being successful on the baseball diamond as he enters his third year starting in the infield. His detailed approach paired with amazing effort is going to propel Aidan into a successful career in the future."