The event recognized the excellence of the Dolphins who have distinguished themselves both in sports and in their academic fields.
By Institutional Communications
The Athletic Department of Universidad del Sagrado Corazón held its annual Sports Gala on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, recognizing the achievements of its student-athletes throughout the 2025–2026 season.
The event held special significance for the university community following a year of historic victories for Sagrado, made possible by the talent, dedication, and hard work of its student-athletes.
“This year marked a turning point not only for our university, but also within the Interuniversity Athletic League (LAI, per its Spanish acronym). We achieved the best athletic performance in Sagrado’s history, proving that a small institution can be enormous in heart, results, character, and vision,” said Athletic Director Rafael Colón Colón.
The season’s accomplishments included seven championships, two runner-up finishes, three third-place finishes, six MVP awards, the Commissioner’s Cup for the sixth consecutive year, and a third-place finish in the LAI Global Cup. In addition, student-athlete Jennifer Ramírez Posada, captain of the Swimming Team, received the Rebekah Colberg Award, the highest honor granted by the LAI to the Female Athlete of the Year.
Throughout the event, the university community recognized athletes for their competitive impact, dedication, and commitment demonstrated during the season.
Coach of the Year
Eric Delgado Cerra was named Coach of the Year. During his time at Sagrado, he has won championships as an assistant coach for the men’s indoor volleyball team, as head coach of the men’s beach volleyball team, and has also led teams to runner-up finishes in both men’s and women’s beach volleyball. This year, he achieved the historic milestone of winning beach volleyball championships in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
Athletes of the Year
In the women’s category, Sagrado honored Kiara Villa Salgado, a Psychology student in the School of Health and Sciences and a member of the Cross Country Team. She earned a bronze medal in the 4×400 relay and a silver medal in the mixed long relay at the Relay Championships. During the LAI Sports Festival, she achieved a historic milestone by winning the gold medal in the 800-meter event with a time of 2:11.45.
In the men’s category, Sagrado recognized Siul Ayala Quiñones, a member of the Swimming Team. During the season, he won championships in both short-course and long-course swimming and set seven new records across both categories. Beyond his discipline and commitment to the sport, his teammates recognize him for his leadership and dedication to the growth of the team.
Latido Sagrado Award
This year, the Latido Sagrado Award was presented to Lemuel Adriel Sánchez Pérez, who will graduate from the School of Health and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. The award honors graduating student-athletes who exemplify the sacrifice, dedication, and passion of competitors who play with heart.
Sánchez Pérez maintained a perfect 4.00 GPA throughout his academic career and is recognized as a leader by example who draws upon his faith as a foundation for every challenge he faces. His performance as a shooting guard was instrumental in the Dolphins’ historic runner-up finish in basketball.
Sagrado Legacy Award
Rodolfo Falcón Mojorrieta, captain of the Swimming Team, received the Sagrado Legacy Award, which recognizes the student-athlete with the highest academic standing, active involvement in student life, and an exemplary athletic career. His achievements at Sagrado include three LAI championships, historic league records, and more than 40 medals.
Photos by the Communications Center
The Sports Gala also featured a special recognition honoring Sagrado Athletic Director Rafael Colón Colón for his five years of leadership of the university’s athletic department. Colón, a Sagrado alumnus, was recognized for the sense of belonging, commitment, and excellence that have defined his leadership.
As the academic year comes to a close, Sagrado takes pride in the student-athletes who represent the institution with distinction both on and off campus. Their discipline, perseverance, and dedication reflect the human values that remain at the heart of the university’s educational mission.