TAMPA, Fla. – The Sun Conference announces its major award winners for the 2025 women’s lacrosse season.

Hannah Shaffrey of Ave Maria has been named the Sun Conference Offensive Player of the Year. A veteran leader for the Gyrenes, Shaffrey played a key role in guiding the team to a third-place finish in the regular season. She led the conference in both total assists and assists per game, while ranking second in total points during the regular season. In Tuesday’s quarterfinal matchup, the senior from Reisterstown, Maryland added six goals and four assists, moving her to third in the NAIA in total assists and seventh in total points. Shaffrey is a three-time First Team All-SUN selection and was a Second Team honoree in the Mid-South Conference in 2022.

Bailey Dykes of Warner has been named the Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Year. The sophomore from Haines City, Florida, has had a standout season for the Royals, leading the league in ground balls and caused turnovers while ranking third in draw controls. A two-time First Team All-SUN honoree, Dykes also made an impact on the offensive end, finishing fifth in goals scored (23) and ninth in total points (27).

Hailey Joselyn of St. Thomas has been named this year’s Freshman of the Year. In her debut season at attack for the Bobcats, Joselyn led both her team and the conference in goals scored (25), while ranking third in total points (33). She also led the league in total shots and shots on goal.

Bailey Lightsey of Warner has received this year’s Champion of Character award. Lightsey, a senior at Warner, has been a driving force in developing lacrosse programs at both her university and Lake Wales High School, blending her passion for sports with her commitment to leadership and mentorship. An 8th-generation rancher, she actively promotes agriculture through her involvement with the Polk County Cattlewomen, where she volunteers at fairs and teaches students about Florida’s ranching heritage and the importance of conservation. Bailey also serves as a lacrosse advocate with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and works with the Outdoor Dream Foundation to create meaningful hunting experiences for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Her wide-ranging efforts reflect a deep commitment to service, leadership, and making a lasting impact in both her community and the sport.

Lauren Chizmar of Keiser has been named the Sun Conference Coach of the Year. In her ninth season at the helm, Chizmar has guided the Seahawks to a 15-0 overall record so far this season, including a perfect 7-0 mark in conference play to capture the Regular Season Title. This marks Keiser’s second Sun Conference championship in just the league’s third year of sponsoring the sport. Under her leadership, five players earned First Team All-SUN honors, with three more named to the Second Team. Currently ranked No. 1 in the latest NAIA Top 10 Coaches’ Poll, KU will play in the SUN Tournament Semifinals as the top overall seed, aiming to secure its second title of the season.
 
2025 Sun Conference Women’s Lacrosse Award Winners
 
Offensive Player of the Year
Hannah Shaffrey, Ave Maria

Defensive Player of the Year
Bailey Dykes, Warner
 
Freshman of the Year
Hailey Joselyn, St. Thomas

Champion of Character
Bailey Lightsey, Warner
 
Coach of the Year
Lauren Chizmar, Keiser

Click here to view all of this year's All-Conference honorees.

The 2025 Sun Conference Women’s Lacrosse Tournament continues Friday, April 18, with the semifinals and championship held at Memorial Stadium in Savannah, Ga. Top-seeded Keiser takes on No. 4 Life at 11:00 a.m., followed by No. 2 SCAD Savannah vs. No. 3 Ave Maria at 2:00 p.m. The championship game is set for Saturday, April 19, at 12:00 p.m. For more information on the 2025 Sun Conference Women’s Lacrosse Tournament, click here.
 
ABOUT THE SUN CONFERENCE
Now in its 35th year, The Sun Conference, a 501c3 organization, continues to be one of the most successful intercollegiate athletic conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Under the guidance of Commissioner Dustin Wilke, the league sponsors championships in 24 NAIA sports. Learn more at thesunconference.com