STANDISH, Maine – Four Saint Joseph's College of Maine student-athletes have earned Honorable Mention recognition in the 2025 Lead 'Em Up Green 13 Awards, a national honor celebrating high-character leaders in athletics who set the standard for selflessness, integrity, and team-first mentality.
Now in its sixth year, the Green 13 Award recognizes athletes across the country who live out leadership every day. This year saw a record number of nominations, with stories submitted from coaches and educators nationwide. While only 13 individuals were selected as official recipients, honorable mentions like these Monks represent the next tier of standout young leaders who continue to leave a lasting impact on their teams and communities.
The Monks recognized as Green 13 Honorable Mentions are:

• Cadance Gilbert (Keene, NH) – Women's Basketball
• Sadie Tirrell (Naples, Maine) – Field Hockey / Softball
• Madelyn "Maddie" Zordan (New Hartford, Conn.) – Alpine Ski
• Lillian "Lilly" Souwuine (Bangor, Maine)  – Alpine Ski

Cadance Gilbert, a member of the women's basketball team, was praised for her unwavering positivity and presence despite being sidelined by injury. "Ask any of Cadance's teammates and they'll tell you she is a joy to be around," said Head Women's Basketball Coach, Dr. Christopher Woodside. "She is always pouring into others and supporting them. Each day she greets you with a smile that lights up the room around her. Probably most impressively, she continued to do all that this season even as concussions ultimately took away her ability to compete in the sport she loved. While she couldn't compete on the court, she took it upon herself to be the number one coach and supporter of her teammates from the sidelines."

Sadie Tirrell, a dual-sport athlete and team captain in both field hockey and softball, was recognized for her relentless commitment to excellence and leadership. "Sadie's commitment to her team and community shines," said Head Field Hockey Coach,Theresa Arsenault. "She leaned into the importance of Lead 'Em Up and recognized the significance it can play in a team. She always held herself to the highest standard of being a Green Teammate and guided others to do the same. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or in the weight room, you never had to question her integrity, passion, or work ethic."

Maddie Zordan and Lillian Souwuine, both standout leaders on the alpine ski team, were applauded for their quiet consistency and contagious energy, respectively. "From day one, Maddie has shown up with purpose, always striving to improve herself and those around her," shared Head Alpine Ski Coach, Margot Cosentino. "She is a natural leader who others are drawn to simply because she embodies what it means to be a true teammate. She's a role model to those around her by simply being herself. Whether it's being the first to arrive, volunteering to help without being asked, or anticipating the needs of the team to make practices and races go smoothly, Maddie is always one step ahead, setting the tone for excellence."

Cosentino continued, "I recently saw a quote posted on the Lead 'Em Up Instagram—'Leaders make every room they enter better.' That sums up Lilly. She brings an energy and enthusiasm that's contagious and will make you laugh within minutes. She has put in the work to become the best leader she can be over her four years. Despite a grueling schedule with jobs, academics, and athletics, Lilly always makes others feel seen and valued—remembering the smallest details and offering help wherever she can. She makes balancing it all look easy."

These four Monks have proven that leadership is not about titles or accolades—it's about showing up, lifting others, and being consistent in character. Saint Joseph's College congratulates Cadance, Sadie, Maddie, and Lilly on this well-deserved national recognition as Honorable Mentions for the 2025 Lead 'Em Up Green 13 Awards.