LAKELAND, Fla. – Southeastern University Athletics is proud to announce its annual department award winners for the 2024–25 academic year, recognizing outstanding contributions from staff and coaches who exemplify excellence, leadership, and service to the Fire athletic community.
Rachel Wilkens, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, has been named Staff Member of the Year, a recognition of her exceptional leadership, attention to detail, and dedication to supporting student-athletes through the challenges of balancing academics and athletics. Wilkens plays a critical role in ensuring SEU remains compliant with NAIA regulations and institutional policies, while also serving as a trusted resource for coaches and staff across all sports.
"Rachel is the type of person who quietly makes everything better," said Athletic Director Drew Watson. "She is positive, leads by example, works tirelessly behind the scenes, and has earned the respect of our student-athletes, coaches, and peers. Most importantly, her heart for student-athletes is apparent in the hours she spends meeting with them in a role of support and encouragement."
Head Baseball Coach
Gabe Grinder has been named Coach of the Year after leading the Fire to a 47-15 record and an appearance in the NAIA World Series Championship Game. Under Grinder's leadership, Southeastern powered through the postseason, sweeping through the NAIA Opening Round then recording victories over Webber International and twice over No. 2 Georgia Gwinnett, two of those wins by mercy rule, earning a rematch with undefeated LSU-Shreveport in the national title game.
"Gabe did an outstanding job this year guiding our baseball program through adversity and back into the national spotlight," said Watson. "His leadership, preparation, positivity, and ability to bring the best out of his players were evident throughout the season. His dedication to healthy culture was obvious to anyone who watched his team compete. This honor is well deserved."
Wilkens and Grinder were chosen by vote of their peers from a list of finalists for the two awards. They each will receive a bonus, $500 in Adidas gear, and their own parking spot for the 2025-26 school year.
Betsy Billings and
Ethan Sullivan were finalists for Staff Member of the Year, while Drew Dickens, Nick Dodson, and Adam Waugh were finalists for Coach of the Year.
Fire Athletics had another banner year in 2024-25, as six programs won Sun Conference championships, and 11 programs advanced to NAIA national tournaments.
