DeLand, FL - This Saturday, Nov. 22, Stetson Football will honor its 2025 senior class at Spec Martin Stadium, celebrating the student-athletes, cheerleaders, and staff who have made a lasting impact on Hatter Nation. These leaders have left their mark on the program through dedication, perseverance, and team-first leadership — both on and off the field.
The Stetson cheer team will lead the way, starting with senior captains Alyssa Melani and Nautia Dudash. Alyssa, a Communication & Media Studies major with minors in Sport Business and Food Sustainability from Lake Mary, Florida, has brought confidence, energy, and professionalism to every performance. Nautia, a history major from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, with a minor in Sociology, has spent four years bringing heart and consistency to the squad while planning for a future in archaeology and education. Senior Addison Gunn, a Communication & Media Studies major from Ocala, Florida, has been a positive, steady presence and quick learner, while junior Allison "Sunnie" Capps, a psychology major from Yreka, California, has stood out for her leadership, uplifting attitude, and ability to connect with the Stetson community.
Behind the scenes, Athletic Training student worker Olivia Rodriguez will be recognized for her tireless support of the football program, providing care and dedication that has not gone unnoticed by the team.
On the field, the football seniors have made their marks in different ways. Team captains Cayden Betts, Gavin Rupp, and Dawson Harrington have been the leaders of this group. Betts, a Business Administration major from Corinth, Mississippi, has rushed for 502 yards and four touchdowns this season and added a receiving touchdown against Presbyterian, proving himself a versatile offensive threat. Quarterback Gavin Rupp, who opened the season as the starter, demonstrated resilience and leadership even after injury altered his role, helping guide the team and mentor younger players. Offensive lineman Dawson Harrington, a Computer Science major from Olathe, Kansas, has been a powerful, steady force up front, anchoring the line with his size and dependability.
Will Secker, Stetson's primary return man, has electrified the special teams all season, amassing 92 punt return yards, 235 kickoff return yards, and contributing 130 receiving yards, showcasing his speed and vision. Trey "Walter" Lockhart Jr., a Business Administration major from Huntsville, Alabama, has been a defensive standout, recording 47 tackles, a sack, an interception, and forcing two fumbles across all 11 games. Safety Gabe Gray, majoring in Exceptional Education, has been a hard-hitting presence in the secondary, compiling 39 tackles (24 solo), an interception, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Kellen Madison contributed in all 11 games during his first and only season with the Hatters, making an immediate impact on defense.
Other seniors have added depth and leadership in meaningful ways. Wide receiver Austin Hill, a Muncie, Indiana, native, made 10 appearances and hauled in six catches for 67 yards, including a career-long 53-yard reception. Andrew Thompson, a 6-foot-1 defensive end from Apopka, Florida, recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and two quarterback hits this season, giving him 3.5 career sacks, while defensive lineman Zachary Goodwin contributed 24 total tackles over 11 games. Seniors with limited playing time, including Brysson Stouffer, Chris Heckel, Daniel Marsh, Jabriel Muhammad, and Victor Santana, have all played important roles in practice, preparation, and team culture, leaving their own legacy behind the scenes.
Stetson will also take a moment to honor Trenton Stewart, a cybersecurity major whose life and character continue to inspire the program. Though Trenton tragically passed away after his freshman year, his motto, "Quitting Is Not an Option," and his commitment to integrity and hard work remain a part of Hatter Nation through the Trenton Stewart Foundation and scholarship.
Fans are encouraged to join the Hatters this Saturday at Spec Martin Stadium to celebrate these seniors, whose dedication, leadership, and spirit have left a lasting impression. From the cheerleaders and staff to the players on both sides of the ball, the 2025 senior class exemplifies the Hatter motto: once a Hatter, always a Hatter.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
