WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, May 14, the Catholic University Athletic Department will hold its annual senior celebration in the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center.

During the live event, the department will reveal the winners of its seven major awards. Over the coming days, the nominees for these will be announced, continuing today with the Martin Dowd Role Model Award. This award is presented to the male student-athlete who exudes graciousness in victory, humility in defeat, and rallies his peers to consistently compete at a high level in athletics and beyond.

Student-athletes are nominated for these awards by their head coach, and all nominees are voted upon by members of the department to decide a winner. The winners will be announced live on May 14.

There are six nominees for this year's Martin Dowd Role Model Awards. They are James Earwood, Michael Hopkins, Jamie Ntiamoah, Sam Pikul and Mark Villanueva. 

JAMES EARWOOD
A four-year member of the Catholic men's tennis program, Earwood hails from Augusta, Georgia. He has won a total of 77 matches throughout his career, which is the second most career wins in program history. He also sits in second in both singles and doubles victories with 36 and 41 respectively. Earwood is a two-time All-Landmark First Team selection in doubles and has earned a singles all-conference nod three times. He was also selected to the All-Landmark Sportsmanship Team in 2024. 

"JT has been an integral part of the growth Men's Tennis has seen over the past four years," said head coach Nate Farlow. "As a leader he has helped to create a culture of doing whatever is necessary for the betterment of the team, whether that is playing at the top or bottom of the lineup."

Away from the court, Earwood is earning his degree in biology and boasts a 3.75 GPA. He was a CSC Academic All-District selection in 2025 and has been on the Landmark Academic Honor Roll twice while also earning ITA Scholar Athlete . He has also consistently been on the Dean's List and is enrolled in the school's honors program and he is also a member of the President's Society. During his time in school, he has helped with Remote Area Medical Clinic and has volunteered at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, Capital City Food Bank and Augusta Dream Center.

"Over four years, he has played matches at both #1 singles and doubles each year," said Farlow. " Often facing the opponents toughest test, he has proven to be adaptable, solution oriented, respectful, and ready for any challenge."

MICK HOPKINS
Hailing from Shaker Heights, Ohio, Mick Hopkins is a four-year member of the Catholic football team. He played in 41 games in his career, totaling 255 total tackles, including 29.5 tackles for loss. He has six sacks, and three interceptions as a linebacker.

"On the field, Mick embodies the ideal of a Christian athlete," said former head coach Mike Gutelius. "He plays with a relentless edge, looking to smash through opponents and knock down players to ensure his team's success. Yet, true to his character, he is always the first to reach back and help a player up in a nice way."

Off the field, Hopkins boasts a 3.96 GPA, and is earning his degree in Finance. He has also worked as an assistant for Fr. Maximo at ALFA, co-leading Tuesday night meetings and has led multiple retreats. He has volunteered his time during MLK Jr days, and is a founding member of DOS.

"Serving as a captain this year, Mick's ability to motivate his peers is nothing short of amazing," said Gutelius. "He is a man helped by God who leads by example in every facet of university life. He embodies the spirit of the Martin Dowd Award in every action he takes."

JAMIE NTIAMOAH
A Leesburg, Virginia native, Ntiamoah is a four-year member of the Catholic men's basketball program. He played in 90 games throughout his career, making 47 starts, including playing and starting in all 31 games during the 2024-25 season. For his career, Ntiamoah tallied 503 points, 404 rebounds, 80 steals and 49 blocks. He was a member of the 2023-24 Landmark Championship team and was a part of five NCAA Tournament wins during his career, including a run to the Elite Eight in the 2024-25 season, the program's third time making it that far in the NCAA Tournament. 

"For four years, Jamie arrived at every practice and game the same way: energized, happy, and with a big smile on his face," said head coach Aaron Kelly. "Jamie is among the kindest and most compassionate players I have ever coached.  He is an ideal teammate, he is an energy giver, and he is the first to mentor a teammate who is going through a difficult time."

Off the floor, Ntiamoah carries a 3.61 GPA and is earning his degree in Marketing with a minor in Sales. He has been a Dean's List student throughout his time on campus and has been involved with several different organizations across campus including SAAC, Black Student Union and One Love. Ntiamoah is also a Busch School mentor and Cards Care member.

"For the past few seasons, Jamie has served as the vocal and emotional leader of our team," said Kelly. "He plays with a passion, and enthusiasm for the game like few I have coached before. Jamie is truly a special person, and the best role model I've coached during my time is this profession."  

SAM PIKUL 
Captain and four-year member of the Catholic men's lacrosse program, Sam Pikul, hails from Chanhassen, Minnesota. Pikul has played in 49 games, making 49 starts. He has logged 42 caused turnovers and 75 ground balls, dishing out one assist. Pikul landed a spot on the Landmark Conference All-Conference Second Team twice during his career, first as a freshman, then again in his senior year.

"I believe that Sam is deserving of this Award because of his relentless commitment to our program, to his teammates, and because of the adversity that he has overcome," said head coach Peter Donley. "Sam has started every game in his Catholic lacrosse career that he was healthy for. From the moment that he stepped on campus he has been an impact player for our program."

Off the field, Pikul is part of the Honors Program, and currently holds a 3.71 GPA, and is earning his degree in Accounting. He has volunteered his time for Mother Teresa and MLK Jr. Days of Service and is a member of a leadership group that is involved with Team Impact.

"From the moment that Sam realized he was going to miss his junior season he focused completely on his response and put every ounce of his effort on finding a way to still make an impact on the team," said Donley. "He was at every meeting and every practice making sure that his teammates had a positive mindset and making the most of their day.  From filling up water bottles to coaching up his teammates, Sam made sure that he was there for the team."

MARK VILLANUEVA
A Rockville, Maryland native, Mark Villanueva is a four-year member of the Catholic baseball program. He played in 37 games as a Cardinal, making two starts. He has logged 16 runs, three of which were game-winners during pivotal games for the team. Villanueva also had five hits, and three RBIs. 

"He is someone his teammates trust and rely on, not just for his performance, but for the admirable way he carries himself every single day," said head coach Ross Natoli. "Mark competes with intensity, but always does so with humility. In moments of success, he credits his teammates, and in adversity, he remains composed and focused on the next challenge and opportunity."

Off the field, Villanueva has been named to the Dean's List in every semester at Catholic, and has been on the Landmark Honor Roll for three years. He boasts a 3.60 GPA, and is pursuing a degree in Psychology and Brain Sciences. Villanueva has dedicated his time volunteering with the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, and during the annual Mother Teresa and MLK Jr. Days of Service.

"He is dependable, respectful, and fully invested in the success of his team," said Natoli. "Mark Villanueva embodies the core values of Catholic University Athletics as a true role model and inspirational leader, making him an extremely deserving candidate for this award."