TicketsCINCINNATI -- University of Cincinnati student-athletes Yu-Wei "Winnie" Chiang (women's golf) and Luke Sefcik (baseball) were named the Jean Stephens Memorial Award honorees for this school year.
ABOUT THE JEAN STEPHENS AWARD
In 1999, UC Athletics lost one of its most loyal and dedicated staff members, Jean Stephens. Two years later, to recognize and promote the qualities Stephens exemplified in her 15 years of service, the Jean Stephens Memorial Award was instituted to recognize a female and male student-athlete for their high integrity, high ethical standards, respect for all persons and commitment to both UC Athletics and the University of Cincinnati.
The complete list of all-time honorees can be found here.
YU-WEI CHIANG (WOMEN'S GOLF)
Chiang is in her third season in the program, competing in nearly every tournament over that time. She is from Taiwan and began her career at Barton Community College in Kansas.
From her nomination
"Yu-Wei consistently brings a positive and uplifting presence throughout the building. She makes a conscious effort to ensure that everyone feels included and valued in all activities and interactions. Her enthusiasm and kindness contribute greatly to a supportive environment, and she continually shares her positive energy with her teammates, strengthening the overall team culture...On the golf course, she consistently shows respect for her opponents, exemplifying strong sportsmanship and representing our program with grace and integrity. Her respectful attitude is a hallmark of her character and contributes positively to the environment around her."
LUKE SEFCIK (BASEBALL)
The redshirt-junior only appeared in seven games due to injuries in 2025 after 27 starts across three positions on yet another good Bearcats squad in 2024.
From his nomination
"A transfer from Central Michigan, his own personal goals have always taken a back seat to the success of the team. Now in his third year in the program, you would never know he played anywhere other than UC. He is all in on our program and is now doing an internship in the department as well...Luke is one of the most internally motivated players I have ever coached. Over the course of four years, Luke has worked his way from a walk-on at Central Michigan to an impactful, everyday Big 12 player."
2025-26 JEAN STEPHENS NOMINEES
Ben Blevins (football)
Yu-Wei Chiang (women's golf)
Brenden Garula (baseball)
Gabby Guenther (tennis)
Juliette Laracuente-Huebner (track and field)
Sydney Nolan (volleyball)
Luke Sefcik (baseball)
Isaac Shachleiter (track and field)
Coley Sidloski (women's soccer)
Thea Work (lacrosse)