CLEVELAND, Tenn. - It came as no surprise when seniors Anna Muhonen and Ryan Lovelace were presented plaques by Lee University President Dr. Phil Cook as winners of the annual Dr. Charles Paul Conn Student Athlete of the Year award. The honor is bestowed upon the top male and female who have achieved success in their sport, in the classroom, in their faith and in service to the community. The award honors former Lee University President and current Chancellor, Dr. Charles Paul Conn.
Muhonen averaged 17 points and nine rebounds in being named All-GSC and All-South Region this past season. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in May (2025) and will wrap up her Masters in July. She was able to maintain a 4.0 while playing basketball and taking part in student teaching.
Muhonen was selected by The College Sports Communicators to the 2025-26 Academic All-District® Basketball Team. They recognize the nation's top student athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.
"Winning the Dr. Conn award feels like a testament of the work I have consistently put in over the last five years. It is also a testament of how much the people around me have poured into me and shaped me into the person I am," said Muhonen.
"I will never openly talk about being a 'great player' but something I take a lot of pride in is who I have become as a person. I feel blessed that I have had a positive impact on those around me.
Being deeply rooted in my relationship with Christ is what changed my life, surrounding myself with people who make me better, and trusting the plan God has is what has put me in this position. All the glory goes to God, and all the credit goes to those that surround me."
Praised Coach Marty Rowe, "I am so proud of Anna and the amazing year she had both on and off the court. This award symbolizes excellence, so anytime you can be recognized for excellence in sport, in the classroom and then make an impact on the community, it is special. I think receiving this award just caps off a wonderful year for Anna and we are so happy for her."
Dr. Jason Robinson, Professor of Education said. "Anna's impact goes far beyond the game. She is preparing to make a difference in classrooms and in the lives of students for years to come. Anna is the complete student athlete. She competes with excellence, leads with integrity, and is preparing to make a lasting impact as a future educator,"
Ryan Lovelace enjoyed an outstanding four-year career in cross country and track. He won the GSC Cross Country Championship four times and was First Team All-GSC in 2024-25 and All-Region in 2024.
The success continued in track where he won the GSC Indoor Track and Field Championship twice and was a 2025 NCAA Second Team All-American. In Outdoor Track and Field, he claimed the GSC Outdoor Track and Field Championship twice and was a GSC Top Ten member last year.
Lovelace did not slow down when it came to academics. He graduated this past December with a double major in Political Science and Public Administration. He walked across stage as a Summa Cum Laude with a 3.92 GPA and is currently getting his master's in business.
Outside of athletics, he is president of the Lee University SAAC and the GSC SAAC, serves as a member of NCAA Division II SAAC and is also on the NCAA Division II Executive Board. A member of Phi Sigma Alpha and Chi Alpha Sigma, he works as an Intern at Logan-Thompson law offices.
"It is truly an honor to receive the Paul Conn Award," said Lovelace. "Seeing the list of past recipients and being recognized alongside them is a surreal experience.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Lee University the last four years. I am grateful for all the opportunities our athletic department has provided me. I am excited for one more year as a Lee Flame."
Said Coach Caleb Morgan, "Ryan winning the Conn Award is incredibly well deserved and a reflection of who he is far beyond his performances. From the moment he joined our program, he has approached everything with consistency, humility, and a commitment to doing the little things right every day.
What stands out most about Ryan is his leadership. He leads by example in everything he does. He does not chase recognition, he chases improvement—and that mindset has elevated not only his own performance but the standard of our entire team. His teammates trust him, respect him, and follow him because of how he carries himself on and off the track."
