COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Anna Fauske of the Mountain Lions women's cross-country and track and field programs and Dani Barajas of the men's soccer program have been named the 2024-25 Athletes of the Year, announced Tuesday by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Department of Athletics.   

The Athlete of the Year Award is presented annually to the top male and female student-athletes who have showcased the highest level of accomplishments and contributions to their respective sport and program. 
 
Anna Fauske, Women's Cross Country/Track and Field (Senior, Distance, Sherwood, Wis. / Kaukauna High School)

2024 Cross Country Season Highlights

• USTFCCA All-America
• USTFCCA All-Region
• All-RMAC First Team
• RMAC All-Academic First Team
• RMAC Women's Runner of the Week (Sept. 11)
• Personal best in the 5k at the Louisville Classic (Oct. 5)
• Placed 2^nd overall at the NCAA Division II South Central Region Cross Country Championships (6k, 21:20.7)
• Finished 9^th in the 6k (20:43.8) at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships

2024 Indoor Track Season Highlights

• National Qualifier in the 3,000m and 5,000m
• First Team All-America in 3,000m and 5,000m
• First Team All-RMAC in 3,000m and 5,000m
• RMAC All-Academic First Team
• Season best mile at the Colorado Classic (4:50.03)
• RMAC Champion in the in both the 3,000m and 5,000m
• Season best times in the 3,000m (9:28.74, 5^th place) and 5,000m (16:15.06, 4^th place) at the NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships

Anna Fauske's Career Highlights

• Eight All-America Selections
• Five All-Region Selections
• Ten All-RMAC Selections
• Four RMAC All-Academic Selections
• Three USTFCCCA All-Academic Selections

"Anna has had an incredible impact on the program during her four years," shared Head Women's Cross Country Coach Corey Kubatzky. "She has represented UCCS as an exceptional student and high caliber athlete. She's served as our team captain and will graduate as one of the most accomplished athletes in program history. Anna has been a pleasure to work with and I'm proud of the young woman she's become!"
 
Dani Barajas, Men's Soccer (Senior, Midfielder, Edwards, Colo. / Battle Mountain High School / Laramie County Community College)
 
2024 Season Highlights and Stats

• D2CCA All-America Second Team Selection
• D2CCA All-South Central Region First Team Selection
• All-RMAC First Team
• RMAC Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 17)
• Led the RMAC in Goals (12)
• Second in the RMAC in total Points (29)
• Tied for second most game-winning goals in RMAC (3)
• Scored a brace vs Dallas Baptist (Sept. 14)

Dani Barajas' Career Highlights

• Ranks 3^rd in program history in goals in a Senior Season (12)
• Ranks 8^th in program history for most points in a season (29, 2024)
• Tied for 1^st in program history for most games played in a season (21, 2024)
• Helped the Mountain Lions to eight straight wins this fall, the longest streak in program history
• Helped the Mountain Lions to seven road wins in both 2023 & 2024, tied for best in program history
• Helped the Mountain Lions to their first two NCAA tournament appearances in program history (2023, 2024)

"I am delighted that Dani has won Athlete of the Year," said Head Men's Soccer Coach Lewis Wilcox. "He had a fantastic senior season and he is a great example of someone who continued to work hard and constantly try and prove himself. His hunger and drive is what sets him apart and he was an absolute pleasure to coach. The 2024 fall season was a big one for our team and for Dani. He scored some big goals and created some big moments, but his work rate and passion is what really set him apart. Congratulations Dani, we're extremely proud of you!"


2023-24 UCCS CUSPYs Awards Schedule
Tuesday, May 6 - Athletes of the Year, Anna Fauske, Dani Barajas
Wednesday, May 7 - Student-Athletes of the Year
Thursday, May 8 - Newcomers of the Year
Friday, May 9 - Athletic Director Award