Pace University Athletics enjoyed a highly decorated 2025 fall season, with student-athletes across five sports earning postseason accolades. In total, 17 Setters received Northeast 10 (NE10) All-Conference recognition, and 3 were selected to All-Region teams, highlighting a stellar autumn for Pace’s women’s volleyball, football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and field hockey programs. The awards display a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent that fueled each team’s success on the field.
In head coach Chad Walker’s first season at the helm, the Setters football team saw five players earn spots on the NE10 All-Conference Teams. Graduate wide receiver Elizjah Lewis, second-year student punter Decker McNally, and third-year student return specialist Jhamier Howard each earned First Team All-Conference honors, while third-year student linebacker Travis Osterhout and graduate defensive back Ibrahim Diallo were named to the Second Team. Lewis capped his Pace career with a conference-leading 10 touchdown receptions and 797 receiving yards, emerging as one of the NE10’s most explosive offensive weapons. On special teams, McNally led the conference in punting, averaging over 40 yards per punt and, and Howard was a game-changing kick returner with two touchdowns of 95+ yards during the season.
Howard’s electrifying play also earned regional acclaim. Howard was selected to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-Super Region 1 Second Team as a return specialist, placing him among the top playmakers in the entire region. He amassed 698 kickoff return yards with a stellar 33.2-yard average, forcing opponents to account for his speed and scoring two kickoff return touchdowns that ranked among the longest in the NE10.
Overall, the five All-Conference selections for Pace football in 2025 highlight the program’s depth, featuring record-setting offensive performances and a formidable special teams unit.
In total, 17 Setters received Northeast 10 (NE10) All-Conference recognition, and 3 were selected to All-Region teams.
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Brittany Soto, Pace women’s soccer enjoyed one of its most accolade-filled seasons ever. Six Setters earned NE10 All-Conference honors, highlighting one of the largest single-season totals in program history. Leading the way were forward Meredith Klosek and defender Milani Thompson, who each secured First Team selections and spots on the All-Rookie Team. Graduate forward Allison Carr was named to the Second Team, while forward Ava Viebrock and midfielder Andrea Flores garnered Third Team honors. Additionally, forward Bailey Olson joined Klosek and Thompson on the NE10 All-Rookie Team, emphasizing the immediate impact of Pace’s newcomers.
One of those first-year student stars, Milani Thompson, also earned national regional recognition. The Monroe Township, N.J. native was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Third Team, becoming the first Pace women’s soccer player to earn All-Region honors since 2022. Thompson anchored a back line that ranked among the NE10’s best and played every minute of all 18 matches, quickly establishing herself as one of the region’s top young defenders. She even contributed a goal and an assist in her debut season, showcasing two-way versatility. All-around, women’s soccer’s blend of veteran leadership and youth talent resulted in a balanced lineup that propelled the Setters to a standout campaign and an appearance in the NE10 postseason.
Pace women’s soccer enjoyed one of its most accolade-filled seasons ever.
Led by head coach Kayte Biordi, Pace field hockey continued its tradition of excellence with four Setters earning NE10 All-Conference accolades in 2025. Fourth-year midfielders Kyleigh Kearney and Sydney Sims, defender Molly Paterson, and first-year midfielder Feline Rook were all selected to the NE10 All-Conference Second Team, with Rook additionally named to the All-Rookie Team. This formidable group contributed across every phase of the game, from Kearney and Sims providing veteran leadership in midfield to Paterson anchoring the defense and Rook making an immediate impact in her first collegiate season.
Adding to the accolades, fourth-year student Molly Paterson earned a prestigious All-Region honor. Paterson was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division II East Region Second Team, capping off her standout career with regional recognition. A stalwart on the back line, Paterson started all 19 games and logged over 1,150 minutes as the cornerstone of Pace’s defense. Her consistency against a demanding NE10 schedule was key to the Setters’ identity, as she led a defensive unit that shut down opponent attacks throughout the fall. Overall, Paterson and the rest of the squad’s honor reflect a well-rounded unit that featured both experience and fresh talent on their NE10 postseason run.
Led by head coach Amanda Alayon-Wilkins, Pace Volleyball’s youth movement paid dividends as first-year Kadence Ackmann was named to the NE10 All-Rookie Team following a stellar collegiate debut. The outside hitter emerged as one of the league’s most productive newcomers, tallying 214 kills, 193 digs, 23 blocks, and 258.5 points over 77 sets. Ackmann notched seven double-doubles—the highest total among Pace first-year students and one of the top marks for any NE10 rookie—showcasing her all-around impact on both offense and defense. Her consistent performance throughout the season earned her a well-deserved spot among the conference’s top first-year players.
A total of 17 Setters earned All-Conference honors, and three received All-Region awards for their performances.
In the first season of Pace Men’s Soccer since the program’s revival, junior forward Daniel Santos made history for the Setters under the guidance of head coach Edward Evans. Santos earned a place on the NE10 All-Conference Third Team, becoming the first Pace men’s soccer student-athlete to garner All-Conference honors since the sport’s return to competition after 30 years. His breakout campaign saw him lead the Blue and Gold offense with 6 goals and 3 assists (15 points) while starting all 18 matches. A clutch performer, Santos tallied two game-winning goals and consistently sparked the attack, firing 36 shots with 19 on target over the fall. His ability to create and convert opportunities under pressure earned the third-year student a well-deserved spot among the NE10’s best, signaling a bright future for the rebooted program.
Overall, the Fall 2025 season saw Pace University’s student-athletes garner an impressive collection of accolades across multiple sports. A total of 17 Setters earned All-Conference honors, and three received All-Region awards for their performances. These achievements showcase the exceptional amount of talent in Pace’s athletics and the University’s rising profile within NCAA Division II competition.
For 14 years, Mark Brown has led Pace Athletics with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to student success. Now, through a planned gift, he’s ensuring that support continues for generations of Setters to come.
From homes around the world to a new life in Blue and Gold, international student-athletes at Pace face more than competition—they navigate culture, language, and independence.
Pace Athletics celebrated five outstanding alumni during the 2025 Hall of Fame Brunch on Homecoming Weekend. From record-breakers to program builders, these Setters left their mark and now take their place in Pace history.