Special Olympics New York Announces 2025 Athlete of the Year Nominees

Winner to be Honored June 20 at State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies

Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York is pleased to announce nine finalists for the 2025 Athlete of the Year Award. The winner of this prestigious honor will be celebrated at State Summer Games in Ithaca, during Opening Ceremonies Friday, June 20, at Ithaca College.

“These nine athletes are some of the most dedicated, inspiring, and hardworking people in our movement today,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are so proud of them all, and we look forward to honoring them—and announcing the winner—in Ithaca.”

To qualify for this award, nominees must fulfill several criteria, including at least five years of training and competition experience with Special Olympics NY as well as participation in at least three sports and at least two competitions throughout the year. The winner will be anonymously selected by their peed.

The nominee are:

Liza Ambrosini, Capital District Region: As a fierce competitor in skiing and tennis, Liza has competed at every level, from local competitions to the 2025 World Games in Turin, Italy. No matter where she is or what sport she’s playing, Liza leads with sportsmanship and heart, often cheering loudest for her opponents. Outside of competition, Liza spearheads fundraising campaigns, speaks at public events, and volunteers at competitions.

Diane Budnar, Central Region: With more than 15 years of competition, fundraising, and leadership experience in the Central Region, Diane is a mainstay of her local community. When she’s not busy training and competing in bowling, bocce, snowshoe, golf, and volleyball, she’s hard at work defending her title as top fundraiser for her local Polar Plunge. Diane also serves on both the Central Region and Statewide Athlete Leadership Councils.

Thomas Gaun, Genesee Region: For those who know him best, Tommy is the epitome of a committed athlete. Whether he’s assisting coaches, event directors, or his fellow athletes, he’s always available to lend a helping hand. He has also been inducted into the Myderse Sports Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award thanks to his three decades of competition with Special Olympics NY.

Morgan Trautmann, Hudson Valley Region: Although Morgan is this year’s youngest nominee, she’s already achieved enough success to last a lifetime. As a competitor in track & field, bowling, and basketball for more than 10 years, she gives her all to her fellow athletes both on and off the field, whether tabling at fundraisers or advocating with her regional Athlete Leadership Council. In the words of those who nominated her, Morgan is, “A wonderful human being, a great teammate, and a talented athlete.”

Matthew Schuster, Long Island Region: As an athlete, fundraiser, leader, and volunteer for 34 years, Matt has made an incredible impact. In addition to medaling consistently in his favorite sports of swimming, floorball, softball, golf, and basketball, Matt is a role model other athletes aspire to emulate. In the words of local staff, “Matthew isn’t just one of our athletes—he’s the heart of Special Olympics New York on Long Island.”

Conrad Chiang, New York City Region: Five sports, 20 years, and one amazing athlete. Conrad is always the first to sign up for any opportunity, whether it’s sports, fitness, or fundraising. That’s on top of his day job, where he works five days each week at the DMV. Despite this busy schedule, Conrad always finds the time to message friends and fellow athletes for holidays and special occasions.

Tara Sayward, North Country Region: Tara has participated in Special Olympics NY for more than half of her life. During that time, she’s competed in skiing, track & field, and swimming, where she always practices kindness and sportsmanship. She’s even been known to share her equipment with those who forget their own. When Tara isn’t competing, she’s advocating for Special Olympics NY throughout her local community.

Brandy Bush, Southern Tier Region: No matter the time or distance, Brandy is willing to help with anything needed. She attends every fundraiser in her region, on top of her already busy schedule of pursuing a college degree and competing in softball, tennis, floorball, golf, and Unified basketball. According to her nomination, “Brandy is an excellent teammate, leader, and inspiration to her peers.”

Julia Harris, Western Region: Julia is a testament to everything Special Olympics NY is about. She has trained and competed in both bocce and swimming for 14 years, earning the respect of her fellow athletes who nominated her to represent them on the Statewide Athlete Leadership Council. Outside of Special Olympics, Julia founded her own public speaking company, where she’s delivered inspirational speeches to more than 15,000 people, including Special Olympics NY’s own staff.

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