Western Iowa Tech Community College wrapped up the 2024-25 athletic season with the annual Comets Athletics Banquet, a special evening dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments, growth, and spirit of WITCC’s student-athletes.

Held in the Dr. Dunker Student Center, the banquet brought together athletes, coaches, staff, and supporters from all Comet sports - including volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, and esports. The event recognized both team and individual successes, highlighted major moments from the year, and reflected on the impact athletics has on campus culture and student life.

Among the evening’s most notable recognitions were three major awards:

  • Comet of the Year was awarded to Jake Watt (Men’s Soccer) and Brenda “Monse” Villacres (Women’s Soccer) for their outstanding leadership, dedication, and performance throughout the season.
  • Impact of the Year went to Brett McDonald, basketball team manager, whose behind-the-scenes support played a vital role in team success.
  • Fan of the Year, a new award for 2025, was presented to Will Jensen for his unwavering school spirit and support of Comet athletics across the board.

Each sport also honored athletes for their contributions on and off the field with awards for Most Spirited, Most Improved, and Most Impactful:

Volleyball

  • Most Spirited: Kiara Willits
  • Most Improved: Paula Baeza
  • Most Impactful: Jagoda Szczepaniak

Men’s Soccer

  • Most Spirited: Joe Lewis
  • Most Improved: Jake Watt
  • Most Impactful: Marcos Lopez Rubio

Women’s Soccer

  • Most Spirited: Marie Edwards
  • Most Improved: Georgina Magana-Valdovinos
  • Most Impactful: Payton McShane

Basketball

  • Most Improved: Bonfils Kawbe

Esports

  • Most Spirited: Benjamin Gallardo
  • Most Improved: Caleb Baker
  • Most Impactful: Davy Tran

The banquet also featured guest speaker Travis Morgan, who shared an inspiring message about leadership, perseverance, and the power of showing up for your team.

As the 2024-25 athletic year comes to a close, Western Iowa Tech extends its sincere thanks to all the coaches, staff, families, and fans who supported Comet Athletics throughout the season. Most of all, we celebrate the dedication, growth, and achievements of our student-athletes, whose hard work made this year one to remember.

Go Comets!