COLONIA, NJ – The East Coast Conference (ECC) has announced the University of District of Columbia’s senior track & field student-athlete
Emmanuela Katou Kouami (Bronx, NY) and Roberts Wesleyan’s senior cross country/track & field student-athlete
Jessica Montemorano (Clyde, NY) have been selected as the 2025-26 winners of the ECC's Dr. Robert Dranoff Excellence in Community and Character Award.
Recipients of the ECC's most prestigious award are student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through positive actions and behaviors that are consistent with the NCAA Division II attributes of learning, service, passion, sportsmanship, balance, and resourcefulness. The award is named after former ECC Commissioner Robert Dranoff, whose relentless work at the helm of the ECC for 16 years enhanced the student-athlete experience, made athletic competition accessible to thousands of friends and families, and showcased the positive impact student-athletes have on colleges and communities.
Emmanuela Katou Kouami – University of the District of Columbia
Senior, Track & Field
A biology major with a 3.4 GPA, Katou Kouami has become one of the most respected student leaders at the University of the District of Columbia through her unwavering commitment to service, advocacy, and athletic excellence. As President of UDC’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for the past two years, she has transformed the organization into a driving force for community engagement and campus involvement.
“Being selected for this meaningful award is a huge honor and allows me to reflect on the journey that I have embarked on while at UDC,” commented Kouami. “UDC has opened many doors for me, but it was encouragement from people around me that gave me the confidence to walk through them.”
Under her leadership, UDC student-athletes organized non-perishable food drives benefiting the university’s student food pantry, coordinated clothing drives, and volunteered with Martha’s Table in Washington, D.C., preparing and serving meals to individuals experiencing homelessness. She spearheaded fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, organized International Day celebrations that highlighted the university’s diverse student population, and developed Mental Health Awareness initiatives that educated and supported members of the campus community.
She also coordinated projects supporting the Ronald McDonald House, encouraging student-athletes to create cards and messages for children receiving medical treatment. This spring, she volunteered at the Hyrox Global Fitness Challenge at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, continuing her commitment to serving others beyond the university community.
Kouami’s impact extends far beyond organized service projects. Affectionately known as “Emma,” she is recognized across campus for her infectious enthusiasm, positivity, and genuine care for others. One of her most memorable initiatives was creating a senior recognition display in the lobby of the UDC Sports Complex. The display featured every graduating student-athlete and encouraged classmates, coaches, faculty, and staff to leave handwritten notes of encouragement and appreciation. The project became a powerful symbol of community and connection, reflecting her commitment to ensuring every student-athlete feels valued and celebrated.
Her dedication to athletics is equally inspiring. Kouami is an All-East Region hammer thrower who has consistently excelled at the ECC Championships. Despite the challenges of competing without an on-campus throwing facility, she has continually found ways to succeed. Alongside her teammates, she regularly traveled to a nearby high school facility to train and, during the winter months, transformed an unused racquetball court into a practice space. Her determination and resourcefulness have become defining characteristics of her athletic career.
The ability to balance academics, athletics, campus leadership, and community service has earned widespread recognition. In 2025, she was selected to the Winter NACDA Good Works Team, becoming the first student-athlete in UDC history to receive a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement through the program. She was also elected Miss Senior by the student body, a reflection of the respect and admiration she has earned from her peers. Most recently, Kouami received the prestigious 2025-26 Reslyn Henley Memorial Award, presented annually to the senior student-athlete who exemplifies character, loyalty, leadership, and the ability to inspire others. Established in 1953, it remains the highest honor awarded by the UDC Department of Athletics.
Kouami added, “In November 2024, Mr. Jonathan Sprinkles taught me and other incredible student-athletes how to light our torch. Since then, I have found numerous ways to "light my torch," which has given me the ability to help light the torches of others. I am especially thankful to the people who trusted me with responsibilities, projects, and opportunities that challenged me, helped me grow, and contributed to my character development. To my coach, athletic director, Marlena, and my teammates: your warmth and unwavering support have helped shape me into the woman I am today, and for that I am deeply grateful.”
Jessica Montemorano – Roberts Wesleyan University
Senior, Track & Field and Cross Country
Jessica Montemorano has distinguished herself as one of Roberts Wesleyan University’s most accomplished and influential student-athletes through her outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. A Homeland Security major and member of the Roberts Wesleyan Global Honors Program, Montemorano has consistently excelled in the classroom while balancing the demands of a rigorous three-season athletic career in cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field.
“I am extremely grateful to have been chosen to receive this award by the East Coast Conference,” said Montemorano. “My student-athlete experience at Roberts Wesleyan University has shaped many aspects of my life including leadership, sportsmanship, and service. Stepping into the role of SAAC President challenged me to support student athletes from a leadership position in a way I have never had before.”
Her academic accomplishments include repeated Dean’s List recognition, induction into Chi Alpha Sigma—the National College Athlete Honor Society—and selection as both an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete and an ECC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll recipient. Through her studies and honors work, she has applied critical thinking and intellectual curiosity to complex global and institutional challenges while maintaining the academic standards expected of an elite scholar-athlete.
Montemorano’s leadership has been equally impressive. A four-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, she rose to serve as Co-President during her senior year while also representing Roberts Wesleyan on the East Coast Conference SAAC. In those roles, she has been a passionate advocate for student-athletes and a driving force behind initiatives designed to strengthen community engagement and enhance the student-athlete experience. Her efforts have included organizing Make-A-Wish events, National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrations, and numerous community service projects that connected student-athletes with the broader Rochester community.
Known for her “can-do, will-do” attitude, Montemorano has consistently demonstrated a willingness to step forward and lead. As SAAC’s social media content manager, she has helped amplify student-athlete voices and promote campus engagement. She has also contributed to the university yearbook committee, preserving the stories and achievements of her peers, while remaining actively involved in Campus 180, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and numerous other campus organizations.
One of Montemorano’s most impactful contributions has been her commitment to building community among student-athletes. Through initiatives such as “Athletes Supporting Athletes,” she has encouraged student-athletes to attend and support competitions outside of their own sports, creating a culture of unity and shared pride throughout the athletic department. Her leadership style is rooted in inclusion, kindness, and respect, and she is widely recognized as a mentor and role model for younger student-athletes. Whether welcoming new students, encouraging teammates, or representing her peers at the conference level, she consistently works to ensure every individual feels valued and supported.
Balancing the demands of year-round athletic competition with extensive leadership responsibilities requires exceptional discipline and resourcefulness. Montemorano has demonstrated both throughout her collegiate career, successfully managing a full schedule of practices, competitions, academic obligations, and service commitments. Her ability to navigate challenges, solve problems, and bring people together has earned the admiration of coaches, administrators, teammates, and fellow students alike.
“Pushing forward campus and community initiatives was one of my favorite ways to involve athletes across campus and our work had a great effect,” added Montemorano. “I am appreciative of the recognition of how I have impacted student athletes, not only at Roberts Wesleyan University, but within the East Coast Conference. Being a part of conference SAAC was a great experience and allowed me to create lasting friendships. Thank you to those who nominated me for this award and my incredible team of staff and athletes at Roberts Wesleyan who supported me endlessly!”