NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona University men's and women's water polo celebrated a milestone evening on Saturday night at Burke Lounge in Spellman Hall, honoring its alumni and student-athletes at the annual reunion and end-of-season banquet while commemorating the 30th anniversary of women's water polo.

The centerpiece of the evening was the recognition of Elizabeth Lovat, who became the first student-athlete in program history to have her cap number retired. Honored by the program, Iona University Athletics, and the Iona University Board of Trustees, Lovat's impact extends far beyond her decorated career in the pool. A former standout for the Gaels, Lovat suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury while working as a lifeguard in Huntington Beach, California, an incident that left her paralyzed and has required extensive recovery and rehabilitation.

In the face of that adversity, Lovat has demonstrated remarkable resilience, determination, and leadership. Her journey has continued to inspire both the Iona community and a broader audience, as she has remained active, engaged, and committed to giving back while navigating her recovery. Her perseverance and strength were recognized with the NewYork-Presbyterian Stay Amazing Award following her senior season in 2024, presented to a student-athlete who exemplifies the ability to overcome challenges while embodying the spirit to "Fight the Good Fight."

Lovat's cap retirement not only honors her achievements as a student-athlete, but also recognizes the lasting impact of her character, courage, and influence on the program and its extended family.

The program also presented the Distinguished Gael Award to Omar and Rebecca Tovar, recognizing their unwavering support and commitment to Iona water polo.

Among the team awards, Matthew Mischlich and Rastko Jevdjovic were honored for their captainship for the men's program this season.  The duo led the Gaels with both performance and presence throughout the 2025 season. Mischlich totaled 49 goals and 31 assists while drawing 77 exclusions, consistently creating opportunities for the offense. Jevdjovic added 38 goals and a team-high 41 assists to go along with 22 steals, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the pool. On the women's side, Lola Trujillo served as captain and posted a dominant all-around season that included 47 goals, 25 assists, and a team-leading 52 steals. She also controlled possession with an 80-10 mark in swim-offs, setting the tone from the opening sprint.

Samson Williams was named Men's Rookie of the Year after contributing 17 goals and drawing 22 exclusions in his first season, making an immediate impact with his physical play and offensive presence. MJ Metzdorf earned Women's Rookie of the Year honors after anchoring the cage with 129 saves while adding eight assists and 29 steals, finishing the year with a 30 percent save percentage and emerging as a key piece in goal.

Ryan Tannus was recognized as the Men's Most Improved player after increasing his production to 21 goals and 13 assists, a significant jump from his four goals and five assists the previous season. On the women's side, Maleah Penman earned Most Improved honors after totaling 21 goals and 19 assists for 40 points, a major step forward from her four goals and two assists a year ago.

Jevdjovic also earned Men's Defensive Player of the Year honors, recording 22 steals while continuing to contribute offensively with 38 goals and 41 assists, proving to be one of the team's most complete players. Trujillo was named Women's Defensive Player of the Year after leading the team with 52 steals and adding 11 field blocks, anchoring the Gaels' defensive efforts while remaining a top offensive contributor.

Pavle Musikic was selected as the Men's Most Valuable Player following a standout campaign in which he led the team with 86 goals, 94 exclusions drawn, and 96 total points, serving as the focal point of the offense throughout the season. On the women's side, Trujillo and Sadie Sallas shared Most Valuable Player honors. Trujillo's all-around impact was complemented by Sallas, who led the team with 72 goals while adding seven assists, 40 exclusions drawn, 18 steals, and nine field blocks, giving the Gaels a dynamic and balanced offensive and defensive presence.

The evening also reflected on three decades of excellence in women's water polo at Iona while celebrating the individuals who continue to shape the program's legacy.