University of Massachusets Athletics
Massachusetts Sten Named 2025-26 1-MAC Student-Athlete Recipient
September 03, 2026 | Men's Track & Field
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today the recipients of the 2025-26 1-MAC Administrator and Student-Athlete Awards, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated excellence and made a meaningful impact through their commitment to inclusion, belonging and community. UMass track & field student-athlete Mark Sten was selected as the recipient of the 2025-26 1-MAC Student-Athlete Award.
"It is an honor to recognize Buffalo's Dr. Melanie Bliz and UMass' Mark Sten for their exceptional leadership and their unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive environments, strengthening their communities, and creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes. Their dedication and impact reflect the very best of the Mid-American Conference and the positive difference our members can make on their campuses and in the communities they serve," said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher.
Sten has distinguished himself as a leader throughout the UMass community as President of Black Student-Athletes United (BSAU), captain of the men's indoor and outdoor track & field teams and an honors student in the Isenberg School of Management. His leadership has focused on creating opportunities for student-athletes from different backgrounds and organizations to connect, learn from one another and build community.
Under Sten's leadership, BSAU has developed partnerships with Athlete Ally, the International Student-Athlete Alliance and Athletes in Action, creating programming centered on identity, culture, faith and belonging. He has also expanded BSAU's reach across campus through collaborations with other student organizations, helping create an unprecedented level of visibility and engagement for an athletics affinity group at UMass.
In November 2016, the MAC announced one of the most comprehensive inclusion programs in Division I intercollegiate athletics with the creation of the 1-MAC Program, which began during the 2017-18 academic year.
The 1-MAC Program has continued to evolve, providing education and training, leadership development and advancement opportunities for coaches, administrators and student-athletes throughout the Conference.
Through 1-MAC and other Conference initiatives, the MAC remains committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience and creating opportunities that support student-athlete development, well-being and belonging.
"It is an honor to recognize Buffalo's Dr. Melanie Bliz and UMass' Mark Sten for their exceptional leadership and their unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive environments, strengthening their communities, and creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes. Their dedication and impact reflect the very best of the Mid-American Conference and the positive difference our members can make on their campuses and in the communities they serve," said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher.
Sten has distinguished himself as a leader throughout the UMass community as President of Black Student-Athletes United (BSAU), captain of the men's indoor and outdoor track & field teams and an honors student in the Isenberg School of Management. His leadership has focused on creating opportunities for student-athletes from different backgrounds and organizations to connect, learn from one another and build community.
Under Sten's leadership, BSAU has developed partnerships with Athlete Ally, the International Student-Athlete Alliance and Athletes in Action, creating programming centered on identity, culture, faith and belonging. He has also expanded BSAU's reach across campus through collaborations with other student organizations, helping create an unprecedented level of visibility and engagement for an athletics affinity group at UMass.
In November 2016, the MAC announced one of the most comprehensive inclusion programs in Division I intercollegiate athletics with the creation of the 1-MAC Program, which began during the 2017-18 academic year.
The 1-MAC Program has continued to evolve, providing education and training, leadership development and advancement opportunities for coaches, administrators and student-athletes throughout the Conference.
Through 1-MAC and other Conference initiatives, the MAC remains committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience and creating opportunities that support student-athlete development, well-being and belonging.
Players Mentioned
Sprints
/ Men's Track & FieldMonday, May 06
Wednesday, May 02