Kunshan, China – April 27
Applause, anticipation, and a shared sense of pride filled the AB Ballroom on April 27 as the DKU community came together for the 2026 DKU Athletics Awards.
Opening Remarks
Dean of Student Experience-Christopher Van Velzer
Christopher talks about the true value of DKU’s campus sports experience. He states that taking part in sports teams is priceless: students gain personal growth while also contributing to the DKU community.
He mentions team sports bring together students with different backgrounds and views. Players go through hard training, tight schedules, busy study life and away games. They learn to compromise, support one another, push themselves hard, and take responsibility for both themselves and their teammates, which is a unique and precious experience at DKU.
The whole campus takes pride in student athletes. Fans share their efforts and struggles, cheer for them sincerely, and benefit a lot from their spirit and teamwork.
Christopher also honors senior athletes. As one of the early generations of DKU, they have built and led sports teams, shaped the school’s sports culture, and left a valuable legacy. He expresses deep gratitude and best wishes to the graduating seniors, acknowledging their great contributions to making DKU a better university.
Director of Athletic Department-Zarko Krkeljas
Zarko points out senior student-athletes spend at least 560 hours on practice over four years, plus numerous games and trips. Instead of only focusing on becoming better players, athletes gain leadership, communication and conflict-solving skills through long-term training.He shares the idea that people, relationships and careers will regress without constant growth and practice.
He also reviews DKU’s amazing athletic development over eight years, with many teams and students achieving great success in regional, European and international competitions.He asks the school sports department to keep improving standards and encourages graduating seniors to reflect on their growth from sports, not just keep memories.
He also reminds underclassmen to cherish the athletic experience and strive for self-improvement.At last, he thanks the seniors, wishes them well, and hopes undergrads will keep working hard for better achievements next year.
As a proud DKU tradition, the Athletics Awards honor not only achievements on the field, but also the bonds, leadership, and dedication that shape the athletic community. Year after year, the event continues to bring together student-athletes, student staff, and supporters—creating moments that leave a lasting mark on the identity of DKU.
DKU Moves Program
Presented by Senior PE Instructor Bingfang Li
Group photos of DKU Moves Awardees
Commitment & Consistency Award
- Mengtian Chen
Most Diverse Engagement Award
- Jinhua Li
Student Staff Awards
Group photos of award-winning student staffs
Presented by Athletics Assistant Director
Peter Zhao
Sports Complex Associate Of The Year
- Hongliang Li
Climbing Wall Associate Of The Year
- Doston Rustamov
Event Associate Of The Year
- Maocheng Xiao
Presented by Athletics Admin Coordinator
Shisen Ding
Media Associate Of The Year
- Annie Tong
Recognition of Graduating Seniors
A particularly moving highlight of the evening was the recognition of graduating senior student-athletes. As they took the stage, sharing stories of perseverance, growth, and camaraderie, the room was filled with both laughter and emotion.
Their journeys—shaped by early morning practices, tough competitions, and lasting friendships—have become part of the foundation of DKU Athletics. Their legacy will continue to inspire those who follow.
Group photos of graduating seniors
Cheer Club
- Angarag Gantogoo
Chinese Dance Club
- Ruixin Yang
Equestrian Club
- Kexuan Nie
Kendo Club
- Yuqian Zhang
Running Club
- Hanyang Zhou
Swimming Club
- Jaden Zhang
Volleyball Club
- Annie Tong
Badminton Varsity
- Jincheng Yang
Men’s Basketball Varsity
- Tinghao Zhang
- Changchen Guo
Women’s Basketball Varsity
- Boya Weng
- Kyaira Boughton
- Tanan Purevdorj
- Xinhe Li
- Yujia Zhou
Men’s Football Varsity
- Felipe Silvestri
- Jaden Zhang
- Johann Asmus Leon
- Shu Pu
Women’s Football Varsity
- Dalia Guerrero Flores
- Enkhjin Purevsukh
- Faith Anderson
- Kate Elosta
- Khongorjin Barbaatar
- Tomiris Bagdatkyzy
- Yutong Chi
- Oumaima Berrada
- Jingting Sun
- Meibin Yang
- Disty Mahmud
- Undran Enkhbaatar
Street Dance Varsity
- Linh Pham
- Emily Xiao-Qi Khoo
- Xueling Li
Table Tennis Varsity
- Haojie Yin
- Yilin Zhou
Tai Chi Varsity
- Xinyi Ma
Tennis Varsity
- Rabin Mahatara
Ultimate Frisbee Varsity
- Ethan Deal
- Kailani Wang
- Michael Cornell
- Palpasha Karki
- Penelope Danant-Fung
- Qiushuang Qu
- Xander Hughes
Individual & Team Awards
Sportsmanship Award——Corinne Moran
Female Scholar-Athlete of the year——Dalia Guerrero Flores
Male Scholar-Athlete of the year——Johann Diego Asmus León
Student-Athlete Leadership Award——Xinhe Li
Community Engagement Award——Cheerleading Club
Most Improved Team Award——Ultimate Frisbee Varsity
Academic-Athletic Dual Pursuit Award——Running Varsity, Street Dance Varsity, Tai Chi Varsity
Sports Club of the Year——Fencing Club
Varsity Team of the Year——Men’s Basketball Varsity
Closing Remark
As the ceremony came to a close, what remained was more than applause—it was a shared understanding of what DKU Athletics truly represents.
Beyond competition, it is about community. Beyond results, it is about growth. And beyond the game, it is a celebration of us. See you next year!
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