University of Colorado Colorado Springs Jessica Madrid (cross country, track and field) and Matteo Moreno Madrid have been named the 2022-23 UCCS Female and Male Newcomers of the Year.  The award is given to the top male and female newcomer student-athletes who have made a significant impact for their program.
 

Jessica Madrid, Cross Country/Track & Field (Freshman, Eagar, Ariz. / Round Valley HS)

"Jessica has come in and exceeded all expectations in her first year at UCCS," said Corey Kubatzky, UCCS women's cross country head coach/track and field assistant coach. "She was an important part of helping us achieve our highest finish at Nationals in cross-country, not just in her athletic performance but in the way she approached training and competition. As a teammate, she showed an ability to make those around her better in a way you don't often see in a freshman. The future is very bright for her and I'm confident she will have a big impact on our program over the next three years!"
 
2022-23 Season Highlights

• Ran an outdoor season best 38:02.47 in the 10k to finish 7^th overall at the RMAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships
• Ran an indoor season best 17:36.57 in the 5000m on February 11 at the 8^th Annual Indoor Gorilla Classic
• All-RMAC Cross Country Second Team
• Set a PR in the 6k (22:35.3) at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships on December 2^nd

 

Matteo Moreno Madrid, Soccer (Freshman, Defender, Brussels, Belgium / RSC Anderlecht Youth Academy)

"Matteo didn't take long to settle into life in Colorado Springs," commented Lewis Wilcox, UCCS men's soccer head coach. "We knew we were getting a high-level soccer player in Matteo, but he surprised us all with just how quickly he adapted to his new environment. He is a solid defender and a constant threat going forward. His relationship on the right side with Marvin Putu was a real spark for us in 2022, and we are excited to build on that going forward. Matteo has not only been a top soccer player but has also thrived in the classroom. This is just the beginning for Matteo!"
 
2022-23 Season Highlights and Statistics

• D2CCA All-South Central Region First Team

• RMAC Co-Freshman of the Year

• All-RMAC Honorable Mention

• Appeared and started in 19 games as a true freshman

• Tallied 1,482 minutes played (3^rd most on the team)

• Registered 19 shot attempts with six landing on goal

• Played the full 90 minutes in ten different matches
   

2022-23 UCCS Award Winners
April 19 – Thomas F. McLaughlin Award (Audrey Bloomquist, Women's Track & Field and Dakota Abbott, Men's Track & Field)
May 1 – Athletes of the Year (Kate Hedlund, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field and Field & Kolby Raineri, Men's Soccer)
May 2 – Student-Athletes of the Year (Evan Graff, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field and Madison McGriff, Women's Lacrosse)
May 3 – Newcomers of the Year (Jessica Madrid, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field and Matteo Moreno Madrid, Men's Soccer)
May 4 – Director of Athletics Award