COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs Department of Athletics is rolling out the 2025-26 CUSPY awards this week, beginning with the Athletes of the Year. UCCS baseball student-athlete
Trevor Dale and volleyball student-athlete
Payton Tompkins have been named the 2025-26 UCCS Athletes of the Year.
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.
Trevor Dale, Baseball (R-Junior, Infield, West Valley City, Utah / Murray / Columbia Basin High School)
2025-26 Season Highlights
- RMAC Player of the Week (April 17, February 17, February 3)
- Leads the RMAC in Triples (5), Home Runs (27), Slugging % (.966), and OPS (1.464)
- Ranks second in the RMAC in Runs (69) and RBIs (66), and third in Walks (31)
- Has started 48 of 49 games
- Batting .394 (69-of-175)
- Career Highs:
- 4 Hits vs. MSU Denver (April 24, 2026)
- 6 RBI vs. Jamestown (Feb. 14, 2026)
- 7 Assists vs. Regis (March 14, 2026)
- 2 Home Runs (April 18 vs. Colorado School of Mines)
Career Highlights & Statistics
- 3-Time RMAC Player of the Week
- Career Stats:
- Ranks in the top-10 of the UCCS record books in Home Runs (2nd, 35), fifth in triples (5), Runs (106), and Walks (49), and seventh in RBIs (93)
- .328 Batting average (100-of-305)
- Appeared in 91 games (88 starts)
- Fielding Stats: 113 Putouts, 298 Assists, and a .945 Fielding %
- Career Highs:
- 4 Runs Scored vs. Colorado Christian (March 10, 2025)
- 4 Putouts vs. Wayne State (Jan. 31, 2025)
Payton Tompkins, Volleyball (Sophomore, Outside Hitter, Dallas, Texas / Lake Highlands High School)
2025-26 Season Highlights
- CSC Academic All-District
- AVCA All-America Honorable Mention
- AVCA All-Region First Team
- All-RMAC First Team
- Academic All-RMAC First Team
- RMAC Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 27)
- Named to the 2025 UCCS Mountain Lion Classic and the Hawaii Challenge All-Tournament Teams
- Team Leader in Kills
Career Highlights
- 2025 CSC Academic All-District
- 2025 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention
- 2025 AVCA All-Region First Team
- 2025 All-RMAC First Team
- 2024 All-RMAC Second Team
- 2025 Academic All-RMAC First Team
- RMAC Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 27, 2025)
- 2025 and 2024 UCCS Mountain Lion Classic All-Tournament Teams
- 2025 Hawaii Challenge All-Tournament Team
- 2025 and 2025 Team Leader in Kills
Career Statistics
- 56 Matches Played (210 Sets Played)
- 742 Kills (3.53 Kills per set)
- 2,135 Total Attempts
- .225 Hitting Percentage
- 49 Aces
- 530 Digs
- 81 Total Blocks (16 Solo Blocks)
- 839.5 Points (4.00 Points per set)
"Payton is the kind of player every coach hopes to have in their gym, and it's incredibly special to see her honored as Athlete of the Year," said UCCS head coach
Tara Hittle. "She's an exceptional athlete who impacts every point, and she's been a major contributor to our success on the court and in elevating our program's culture. What separates Payton even more is her leadership. She sets the standard with her work ethic, brings a relentless competitive edge, and pushes everyone around her to be better. This recognition is a true reflection of the impact she's had on our program."
2025-26 UCCS CUSPYs Awards Schedule
Monday, May 4 - Athletes of the Year:
Trevor Dale (Baseball) and
Payton Tompkins (Volleyball)
Tuesday, May 5 - Student-Athletes of the Year
Wednesday, May 6 - Newcomers of the Year
Thursday, May 7 - Athletic Director Award
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
