RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Union University recognized two of its most accomplished student-athletes on Wednesday, April 22, as Bruni Martinez and Curtis Allen were named recipients of the prestigious Athletic Director's Award at the annual VUU Athletic Awards Banquet, held on campus.

The Athletic Director's Award is presented annually to the top male and female student-athletes who exemplify excellence in performance, leadership, and impact within their respective programs. Martinez and Allen each delivered standout seasons that placed them among the elite in the CIAA and on the national stage.

Martinez capped her final season with the VUU women's basketball program by earning CIAA Player of the Year honors, along with First-Team All-CIAA and CIAA All-Tournament Team recognition. She ranked among the conference leaders across multiple statistical categories, finishing third in scoring (14.3 points per game), fifth in rebounding (9.1 rebounds per game), and third in field goal percentage (48.0%). Defensively, she remained a force, ranking among the CIAA's top 10 in both blocks and steals.

Allen delivered a historic 2025 campaign for the Panthers football program, establishing himself as one of the premier players in NCAA Division II. He made history as the first HBCU player to win the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the nation's top Division II football player, and also earned the Deacon Jones Trophy as the top HBCU football athlete.

A consensus national standout, Allen was named an AFCA Division II First-Team All-American and participated in both the American Bowl and Legacy Bowl. He led the nation in rushing, set school records with 369 rushing yards in a single game and 30 rushing touchdowns on the season, and recorded four games with over 200 rushing yards. Allen consistently delivered in key moments, producing multiple 100-yard performances while leading the Panthers in total offensive output and helping guide the program to a championship-contending season.
In addition to his national accolades, Allen was named CIAA Player of the Year, earned All-CIAA honors, and was recognized as the RVA Sports Male Athlete of the Year.

"It is truly a gratifying moment to sit and witness our student-athletes, coaches and supporters celebrating an historic year in VUU Athletics," said Vice-President for Intercollegiate Athletics Joe Taylor. "Personally, I could not be more proud of all our student athletes, but two are celebrated each year for ascending to the top. Players of the Year Bruni Martinez and Curtis Allen were awarded the Athletic Director Award for 2025-26. Both will be crossing the stage on May 9 to receive their degrees from the Sydney Lewis School of Business. Congratulations and continued success to you both and thanks for elevating our brand."

Martinez and Allen will graduate on May 9, marking the culmination of their academic and athletic careers at Virginia Union University.