CANTON, Ga. --- In an announcement made today, 20 student-athletes were recognized as regional winners of the fifth annual Division III Commissioner’s Association Student-Athlete of the Year awards. Recently graduated Shenandoah University football standout Matt Conroy earned Region VI Men's Athlete of the Year laurels.

Each of the winners will advance to the national ballot for consideration for 2025-26 D3CA Men’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year and Women’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year.

Conferences were permitted to submit two nominations for each award if at least one of the nominees was an international student/ethnic minority. Graduating seniors were the only student-athletes eligible for this award.
 

Selection criteria for the awards included considerations based on academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership and a personal statement submitted by each nominee.

Voting was conducted by the commissioners within each of the 10 regions, with the top male and female honoree recognized as finalists for the Awards Committee to select the Division III Commissioner’s Association Men’s Sport and Women’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year. The two national winners will be announced in September.

“At Shenandoah, I challenged myself to learn, lead, and serve with purpose,” explained Conroy in a personal statement as part of his nomination materials for the ODAC's Harry G. "Doc" Jopson Award. “Looking back, I realize these pursuits were never independent of one another. Each value guided my development and shaped who I am today. More importantly, they prepared me for a life dedicated to serving others. As I pursue a career in medicine and service in the United States Navy as a physician, I will carry forward the lessons I learned on the field, classroom, and community. As I begin this next chapter, I will continue to look back and reflect on my experiences at Shenandoah, which have shaped who I am today and will guide my actions for years to come.”

Conroy has been the epitome of a leader throughout his time at Shenandoah, whether that be demonstrating by example on the gridiron and in pursuit of a career in medicine, or actively mentoring those on campus and in his communities.

In the classroom, Conroy graduated as a high-achieving (3.92 GPA) biochemistry major that also earned his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) this spring. The former CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree took another step in that regard, earning the distinction of Second Team Academic All-American this year. He is also a four-time member of the ODAC All-Academic Team.

The Bel Air, Maryland-native augmented his academic pursuits with real world experience both in research and in the professional ranks. Since May 2024, Conroy has worked as an Ophthalmic Technician at Retina Associates, assisting with patient care to the tune of more than 1,400 hours of direct contribution. He also began an internship in August 2025 as a research assistant with C. Elgans to create procedures for further research and analyze lifespan impacts in various environments.

Conroy has extensively served his communities. He has worked in health clinics, furthering his emphasis on patient care. He has also spent time as a peer mentor at Winchester-area Bass Hoover Elementary School and as a volunteer for Relay for Life. He aided his fellow SU classmates as a tutor in biology, chemistry, and physics.

On the field, Conroy was voted in as team captain his sophomore season and has flourished as the most prolific active tackler in Division III from his linebacker position. He graduated as the Division’s active leader in career total tackles (442 - SU record) and assisted tackles (230) and second in solo stops (212). He capped his career with Division III-best 147 total tackles in 2025.

In terms of awards, Conroy is well-decorated for his work between the lines. The four-time All-ODAC honoree – including a trio of first team honors – was named an All-American by both Walter Camp and the Associated Press this season. He was a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation (NFF) Campbell Trophy. He was also a two-time all-region selection by D3football.com.