The Kogod School of Business at American University, in partnership with AU Athletics, has established the Lincoln Ball Athletics Leadership Award, an annual recognition to honor outstanding Kogod student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to community impact.
Generous contributions from Kogod alumnus Brian Friedman (BSBA ’01, MA ’03, MBA ’03) and AU parents George and Georgene Mitsanas, in addition to funds raised by Kogod Dean Dave Marchick through his 2024 Race Across America, will support the award for the next 10 years.
Named in honor of former AU men’s basketball and academic standout Lincoln Ball (BSBA ’24, MS ’25), the Award recognizes the leadership qualities he embodied as both a student and an athlete. Ball was an Academic All-Patriot League selection and appeared on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll four times. A key contributor to the AU Eagles’ 2025 Patriot League-winning team, Ball played in all 35 games and led the Eagles with 5.7 rebounds per game.
"Our student athletes are doing more than competing and studying; they are modeling leadership and grit in every class and every practice," said Dean Marchick.