Binghamton Honors Triple Triumph: Ilieva, Roberts, and Johnson Crowned Athletes of the Year…Read More…
In a celebration of excellence, resilience, and undeniable athletic prowess, Binghamton University has named Emilija Ilieva, Damian Roberts, and Peyton Johnson as its 2025 Athletes of the Year. The prestigious honor marks a high point in what has been a transformative year for Bearcats athletics, shining a spotlight on three student-athletes who have become the embodiment of hard work, perseverance, and leadership on and off the field.
A Historic Trio of Talent
In a special ceremony held on campus at the Events Center, the announcement electrified the Bearcats community. This year’s recipients come from three distinct programs — volleyball, track and field, and women’s basketball — showcasing the depth and breadth of talent that Binghamton University continues to nurture.
Director of Athletics, Patrick Elliott, praised the trio, saying, “Each of these student-athletes has left a profound mark on their respective programs. Ilieva, Roberts, and Johnson represent everything we value at Binghamton — competitive spirit, academic excellence, and community impact. They are more than athletes; they are leaders, role models, and proud Bearcats.”
Emilija Ilieva: The Powerhouse on the Court
A senior outside hitter on the volleyball team, Emilija Ilieva has become a force to be reckoned with in the America East Conference. Originally from Bulgaria, Ilieva’s transition to the U.S. college game was seamless. This past season, she led the team in kills, aces, and points per set, earning All-America East First Team honors for the second consecutive year.
What makes Ilieva’s journey even more impressive is her academic standing — maintaining a 3.9 GPA in biomedical engineering. She’s also a mentor for international student-athletes, helping newcomers adjust to collegiate life.
“I’ve grown so much in my time here,” Ilieva shared. “Binghamton gave me the platform to become a better player, student, and person. This award means the world to me.”
Her leadership helped guide the Bearcats to their best volleyball season in a decade, including a thrilling run to the America East Championship final.
Damian Roberts: Sprinting Into the Record Books
Junior Damian Roberts took Binghamton’s track and field program to new heights in 2025. The sprinter from the Bronx shattered school records in both the 200m and 400m events, earning multiple America East gold medals and qualifying for the NCAA Regionals.
Roberts’ story is one of determination. Overcoming injuries that plagued his sophomore season, he returned stronger than ever, both physically and mentally. His time of 46.21 in the 400m broke a 12-year-old program record and ranked among the top times in the Northeast region.
“This year was about redemption,” Roberts said. “After last season, I knew I had more to prove. I trained differently, I studied differently, and I prayed a lot. To be named Athlete of the Year is a blessing I’ll never forget.”
Coaches and teammates alike have described Roberts as the heartbeat of the track squad, inspiring those around him with an unmatched work ethic and positive energy.
Peyton Johnson: Court Commander and Culture Setter
On the hardwood, Peyton Johnson has been the anchor of the women’s basketball team. The senior point guard from Syracuse led the team in assists, steals, and minutes played, while also contributing nearly 14 points per game.
But Johnson’s influence goes far beyond statistics. As a four-year starter, she helped transform a struggling program into a playoff contender, serving as team captain for the past two seasons. Known for her poise, clutch performances, and high basketball IQ, Johnson earned First Team All-Conference honors and was recently invited to a WNBA combine showcase.
“Peyton is the definition of a leader,” said head coach Bethany Clarke. “She sets the tone in practice, in the locker room, and during games. Her drive has changed the culture of our team.”
Off the court, Johnson is heavily involved in campus life — from student government to organizing mental health awareness campaigns for athletes.
“I came to Binghamton to grow — not just as an athlete, but as a woman and a leader,” Johnson said. “This recognition is for every teammate who pushed me and every coach who believed in me.”
A Symbolic Moment for Binghamton Athletics
The announcement of Ilieva, Roberts, and Johnson as Athletes of the Year represents a symbolic moment for Binghamton Athletics. It signals the university’s continued ascent in the NCAA Division I landscape and serves as a testament to the student-athlete development model that emphasizes performance, academics, and leadership equally.
“These athletes have rewritten what it means to wear the green and white,” said Elliott. “Their stories will inspire future generations of Bearcats for years to come.”
As the academic year winds down and summer workouts begin, the legacy of Ilieva, Roberts, and Johnson will remain a touchstone for excellence. Whether it’s a game-winning kill, a record-breaking sprint, or a clutch three-pointer in crunch time, these three champions have etched their names into Binghamton history — forever Bearcats, forever legends.
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