Ohio State Athletes of the Year ⚽️

At a university defined by excellence, tradition, and relentless pursuit of greatness, being named an Ohio State Athlete of the Year means more than awards on a shelf or stats in a program. It means embodying the Buckeye spirit—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community.

In 2025, that honor belongs to Michael Adedokun and Makenna Webster, two elite athletes whose seasons—and careers—left a mark not just on Ohio State, but across their respective sports.

Michael Adedokun: Power on Ice, Leadership in the Locker Room

For men’s hockey standout Michael Adedokun, the 2024–25 campaign was the culmination of years of hard work, patience, and explosive growth. The senior forward didn’t just lead the Buckeyes in points—he became the emotional heartbeat of a team that surged late in the season to earn a coveted NCAA Tournament berth.

Adedokun, a native of Toronto, posted 19 goals and 27 assists, anchoring the top line and leading the Big Ten in plus-minus. But his numbers only tell part of the story. His ability to elevate his teammates, kill penalties, and dominate in late-game situations earned him the respect of players and coaches across the league.

“He plays like a pro,” said head coach Steve Rohlik. “Every practice, every shift, he brings it. He sets the tone. He’s earned everything that’s come his way.”

Adedokun’s impact extended beyond the rink. As one of the few Black players in Big Ten hockey, he’s used his platform to advocate for diversity in the sport, partnering with the Hockey Diversity Alliance and organizing community skate events in Columbus.

“I want kids who look like me to know they belong in hockey,” he said. “That’s part of my purpose.”

As captain, he led Ohio State to a 23–12–3 record and a Frozen Four appearance for the first time since 2018. His OT winner in the regional semifinal against Denver is already legend—an end-to-end rush that split two defenders and sent the Buckeyes into delirium.

“That moment was for everyone who believed in me when I was a kid with a dream and a stick,” Adedokun said, fighting emotion.

Off the ice, he’s a business major with a focus on entrepreneurship, already launching a hockey training startup aimed at underserved communities in Toronto. With an NHL contract likely coming after graduation, his next chapter is just beginning.

“I’ve always said success is about impact,” he said. “And I hope I’ve made one here.”

Makenna Webster: Dominance, Redefined

In a program that has quietly grown into a national force, Makenna Webster took Ohio State field hockey and launched it into the national spotlight. The Wisconsin native transferred from Northwestern in 2022 with a championship pedigree—and left Columbus as arguably the most decorated player in program history.

This season, Webster recorded 31 goals and 17 assists, shattering Ohio State’s single-season scoring record and leading the nation in points per game. But more than her stats, it was her sheer control of every match that separated her from the rest.

“Makenna’s on another level,” said head coach Jarred Martin. “She dictates pace, she draws attention, and she makes everyone better. She’s the rare kind of player who changes how opponents game-plan entirely.”

A two-time First Team All-American, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and Honda Award finalist, Webster powered the Buckeyes to their first Big Ten Tournament title since 2001 and an appearance in the NCAA Final Four. Her 4-goal performance against Maryland in the conference final was a display of precision and willpower that will live in Ohio State lore.

“She’s like a quarterback in cleats,” said teammate Olivia Page. “She sees the game before it happens. It’s wild.”

Webster’s dedication to detail—film sessions, recovery, nutrition—became a model for the entire team. Her leadership resonated with younger players, many of whom said her example helped them believe they could play at the national level.

Her legacy is both statistical and cultural. Under her leadership, Ohio State went from fringe contenders to a national force—and brought record attendance along with it.

“She changed what people thought Ohio State field hockey could be,” said Coach Martin. “She made us believe.”

Webster also excelled in the classroom as a kinesiology major, maintaining a 3.9 GPA and volunteering with pediatric mobility programs in her spare time. She’s currently weighing pro offers from Europe and Team USA development invites, with the 2028 Olympics a real possibility.

“I’ve given everything I have to this game,” she said. “And I’m proud of how far we’ve come together.”

Adedokun and Webster represent the full spectrum of what it means to wear scarlet and gray. They came from different corners of the sports world, dominated in different ways, but shared a common approach: total commitment.

Their impact will be felt long after the final whistles of their careers. They’ve set records, broken barriers, and most importantly, elevated the expectations for what’s possible in Ohio State athletics.

As the university celebrates these two standouts, fans and teammates alike are already feeling their absence—but also their legacy.

“Michael and Makenna didn’t just play here,” said athletic director Gene Smith. “They led here. They changed what leadership looks like in modern college sports.”

Both athletes will be honored at the university’s annual Scarlet and Gray Celebration this summer and will serve as mentors to incoming athletes through OSU’s Buckeye Futures leadership program.

As they prepare for the next stage—whether in the NHL, international competition, or beyond—Adedokun and Webster leave Columbus with more than awards.

They leave with a legacy etched in excellence.