After receiving hundreds of applications from talented and hardworking amateur athletes from across the nation, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is proud to announce 10 recipients of the 2026 AAU National Scholarship. AAU awarded scholarships to five female and five male athletes valued at $10,000 each. These scholarships are awarded directly to the recipient’s college/university. 

The AAU is committed to providing opportunities to develop athletes both on and off the playing surface. The winners of this year’s scholarships are truly the complete athlete, excelling not only on the field, but also as students in the classroom and as model citizens in their community. Join us in celebrating our 10 winners!

Connor Harshany – AAU Hockey

Connor has been playing hockey since he was 5 years old and has been an AAU member for the past four years, playing ice hockey and officiating AAU Hockey games. Connor is a 4-sport athlete, playing Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, and running Track & Field. He was named the All Western New York Scholar Athlete for soccer. Connor Harshany will be attending the University of Rochester this coming school year.

Daniela Staton – AAU Volleyball

AAU has been an integral part of Daniela’s life since 2020 when she competed in her first AAU Volleyball tournament. She has competed at the AAU Junior Volleyball National Championships every year since, with plans to compete one final time this year. Through AAU, Daniela says she has developed discipline, resilience, communication, and teamwork skills that extend far beyond the court. She has served as a team captain and has received All-County honors all four years of her varsity career. Daniela Staton will purse college athletics as she takes the next step in her journey at Stanford University. She will take the supportive and competitive community skills that helped shape her athletically and personally as she pursues great things.

Eliot Schliewenz – AAU Karate

Eliot has been an active member with AAU Karate since 2021. AAU has offered Eliot the opportunity to compete on the regional, state, national, and world championship level. During his time competing, Eliot became a two-time AAU National gold medalist in Kumite. AAU Karate has also allowed Eliot a chance to work as a coach and a referee, sharpening his leadership skills. Eliot Schliewenz will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

Jet Dickerson – AAU Track & Field

Jet has been competing at AAU Track & Field events since 2015 and has earned multiple national accomplishments, including gold medals in the Long Jump and 60m Hurdles at AAU Indoor National Championships. Since 8 years old, Jet has consistently qualified for the AAU Junior Olympic Games, where he earned a bronze medal in the triple jump and achieved multiple top 10 national finishes in both the javelin and long jump. These experiences with the AAU have helped teach Jet dedication, versatility, and commitment to excellence both on and off the track. Jet Dickerson will attend Hillsdale College next year.

Lia Estela Gonzalez – AAU Volleyball

Lia has been a part of the AAU Volleyball community since she was 8 eyars old, first competing throughout the state with her team, Miami Select Volleyball. She would develop stronger skills and begin to compete nationally with Miami Hype, Tribe, and Miami Volleyball Academy. Participating in AAU events taught Lia that success is earned through consistent effort, resilience, and the willingness to step outside of her comfort zone; it wasn’t just about being the best player, but working hard to be the best version of herself, even through adversity. AAU has provided Lia with an opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes across the nation, develop communication skills, and learn how to use constructive criticism to help grow. Lia says her biggest accomplishment throughout her 10-year journey has been learning to lead teammates with passion, represent her club with pride, and play the sport with joy. Lia Estela Gonzalez will continue her journey at Babson College.

Lizzy Wolf – AAU Wrestling

Lizzy has been participating in AAU Wrestling events for the past 5 years and has quickly honed her skills in the sport. Lizzy has earned first place in 2025 and 2026 at the AAU State Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. These opportunities have also awarded her the chance to compete at the AAU Scholastic Duals while also adding great accolades to her name. Lizzy earned All-American honors for four years while competing in the AAU Twin River Duals and has built her passion for perfection in the sport. Lizzy Wolf will follow her love of wrestling and continue her educational journey at Iowa State University. 

Mikaela Nichols – AAU Cross Country/Track & Field

Mikaela learned just how big the sports world is once she had the opportunity to compete in AAU events. During her sophomore year in high school, one of Mikaela’s coaches brought some of the team together to created a small club, Wright Athletics. This would create an impactful experience as Mikaela began to put in endless effort and time into training, and she began to see the progress as she competed at AAU events. After two years of running with Wrights Athletics, Mikaela came back a third year and ran unattached purely for the love of the sport. She will continue her story next year at the University of South Florida in Tampa. 

Michael Komer – AAU Volleyball & AAU Basketball

Michael has competed in AAU Volleyball and AAU Basketball since the 7th grade, building a true love for sports. Throughout his youth, I have competed in numerous AAU tournaments across the nation for both sports. Since joining the AAU Volleyball club, Pinnacle, Michael has participated in the AAU Volleyball Junior Nationals in Orlando each summer, and he is looking forward to his final trip to the tournament this year. In November Michael helped lead his team to a 3rd place finish in Chicago in the AAU Chi-Town Challenge for boys’ volleyball. Michael Komer will attend Golden West Community College.

Simone Hall – AAU Diving

Simone has been competing in AAU Diving events since 2020 while also focusing on her studies as a top student-athlete. Simone has been a finalist in multiple events at the AAU Diving National Championships, including: 1M Springboard, Platform, and 3M Springboard. Simone Hall has also been heavily focused in the classroom, which earned her an acceptance letter to Harvard.

Tiger Combest – AAU Track & Field and AAU Basketball

Tiger has been competing at AAU events for the past five years, with AAU Track & Field and AAU Basketball. Tiger has worked hard and earned his spot as one of the top triple jumpers and javelin throwers in the DMV area. This coming school year, Tiger Combest will attend Emory University where he will continue to mold himself into a high-level student and citizen.

All ten scholarship recipients have shown hard work, resilience, and determination, all whilst staying humble, through various challenges. The AAU is honored to celebrate these exceptional student-athletes for their impact on their respective communities. We look forward to seeing where they go from here and are grateful to be able to aid them in beginning their collegiate journey.