NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Men's soccer standout Tim Timchenko and women's lacrosse star Kira Varada were honored as the 2025 Joseph E. O'Connell Award recipients at Iona Athletics' Annual Senior Awards Banquet. The duo was recognized as Iona's most outstanding senior student-athletes, as the Class of 2025 was celebrated Wednesday night at the Larchmont Shore Club.

The Joseph E. O'Connell Award is named in honor of Iona's first outstanding athlete. The son of immigrants, Joe O'Connell grew up in Corpus Christi Parish in Morningside Heights and played basketball for the Brothers at All Hallows High School. He enrolled at Iona in 1941 and joined the Gaels' basketball team under head coach Br. Arthur A. Loftus, CFC. Joe led the team in scoring as a freshman, tallying 242 points.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entry into World War II, Joe—like many of his classmates—enlisted in the military. On September 5, 1943, Corporal Joseph E. O'Connell, U.S. Army Air Corps, was killed in action in the South Pacific. He was the first Iona student to give his life in service to his country.

In 1946, Br. Loftus established the Joseph E. O'Connell Award in his memory. On December 7, 1948—the seventh anniversary of Pearl Harbor—the Iona fieldhouse was dedicated as the Joseph E. O'Connell Memorial Gymnasium. Though the gymnasium no longer stands, the legacy of Joe O'Connell—his talent, grace, and courage—continues to live on through every Iona Gael who receives this prestigious honor.

O'CONNELL AWARD WINNERS

TIM TIMCHENKO

• One of the most decorated men's soccer players in Iona history.
• Led Iona to back-to-back MAAC regular season titles (2023, 2024), three straight championship finals (2022-24), and the program's second-ever tournament title in 2024.
• Two-time MAAC Defensive Player of the Year (2023, 2024).
• Three-time All-MAAC selection, including First Team honors in 2023 and 2024.
• Two-time All-ECAC honoree (Second Team in 2023, First Team in 2024).
• Named to the MAAC All-Championship Team in 2023 and 2024.
• Appeared in 65 games with 63 starts, tallying two goals and six assists as Iona's top defender.
• Played all but 14 minutes during the 2024 season.
• Three-time MAAC All-Academic Team and four-time MAAC Academic Honor Roll selection.

kira varada

• One of the all-time greatest women's lacrosse players in Iona history.
• Three-time MAAC Midfielder of the Year (2023-2025).
• Four-time All-MAAC honoree: All-Rookie and Second Team (2022), First Team (2023-2025).
• MAAC Rookie of the Year in 2022 and Preseason Player of the Year in 2025.
• Led team to back-to-back MAAC Championship appearances and the program's first-ever playoff win in 2025.
• Led Iona in goals from sophomore through senior year; second in goals as a freshman.
• Set Iona's single-season and career draw control records; second player in program history with over 200.
• Holds Iona's career records for caused turnovers (first with 150+) and man-up goals.
• Ranks No. 2 all-time at Iona in goals (150+), points (200+), and shots; No. 3 in ground balls.
• Three-time MAAC All-Academic Team and four-time MAAC Academic Honor Roll selection.

NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN STAY AMAZING AWARD WINNER

Women's lacrosse senior Alyssa Castellano was honored with the second annual NewYork-Presbyterian Stay Amazing Award at the 2025 Iona Athletics Senior Awards Banquet. The 2025–26 academic year marked the second year of a remarkable partnership between Iona University Athletics and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

The Stay Amazing Award is presented to an Iona student-athlete who has demonstrated exceptional resilience both on and off the field throughout their career. In the face of adversity, this individual rose above challenges and fully embodied what it means to "Fight the Good Fight."

John G. Driscoll Appreciation Award Winners

The John G. Driscoll Appreciation Award is presented to individuals within the Iona University community who have demonstrated outstanding support for the athletic department. This year's honorees, Joe D'Aloisio and Ana O'Reilly, have made lasting contributions that reflect the spirit of this award.

Joe D'Aloisio, a clinical lecturer in Iona's Media & Strategic Communication Department, has supported Iona Athletics since his days as a student through content creation and live production. Today, he plays a key role in the Sports Communication and Broadcasting program and supervises graduate assistants who help power the department's digital content. Joe's creativity, leadership, and ongoing collaboration have been invaluable to the growth of Iona's storytelling and digital presence.

Ana O'Reilly, a vital manager in Iona's Facilities Management department, works closely with Lucy Gomes and the Facilities & Operations team to ensure the university's athletic spaces are event-ready and running smoothly. With Facilities overseeing more than one million square feet across the 40+ acre New Rochelle campus—including athletic fields, roads, and buildings—Ana's attention to detail and steadfast support are essential to the success of both daily operations and major events.

Their dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts continue to elevate Iona Athletics, making them most deserving of the John G. Driscoll Appreciation Award.

MERIT AWARD WINNERS

Forty-six seniors earned the Merit Award for maintaining a 3.5 or above cumulative grade point average, representing nearly 50% of Iona's graduating class this year.