NEW YORK — Four Seton Hall student-athletes have been named 2023-24 BIG EAST Sport Excellence Award winners. Softballs Kelsey CarrKate Cochran in women’s cross country, baseball player Zack Sylvester and men’s swimming Sean Vizzard were selected as the best student-athletes in their respective sports based on their academic and athletic achievements as well as their commitment to the community.

The Hall’s four honorees are the most of any BIG EAST institution.

The Sport Excellence Awards are presented to a student-athlete in any BIG EAST-sponsored sport based on academic record, athletic distinction or achievement, and community volunteerism. Student-athletes who have achieved junior academic status and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 are eligible. Winners are selected by the BIG EAST Faculty Athletics Representative Council.

While the awards format allows for only one declared winner in each sport category, selecting recipients proves to be a challenge for the FAR Council each year as the nominees represent exceptional student-athletes who excel in academic achievement, service and athletics and are outstanding representatives of their schools and the conference.

Carr was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team and NFCA All-Mideast Region Second Team for the Pirates last season. She led the team in wins in the pitcher’s circle with 12, posted a 3.35 ERA and struck out 119 batters in 144.1 innings pitched.

Cochran finished fourth on the team at the Highlander Invitational on October 7 with a time of 21:13.25. She finished ninth on the team at the IC4A/ECAC Championships on October 13.

Sylvester started and played in all 52 games for the Seton Hall baseball team last season. He led the team in batting average (.315), tied for the team lead with six home runs and finished second on the team with 56 hits.

Vizzard won his second BIG EAST title in the 1650 freestyle at the conference championship last season. He also posted personal bests in the 500 freestyle, 1650 freestyle and 400 individual medley at the BIG EAST Championships. Vizzard’s outstanding performance earned him Seton Hall Male Junior Athlete of the Year honors.