By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE Northern Marianas Sports Association awards banquet celebrated a golden era of sports excellence this past Saturday at the Hibiscus Hall of the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan. What made the evening extra special was repeat winner Tania Tan, who claimed the Female Athlete of the Year award for the third consecutive year. Isaiah Aleksenko joined her as Male Athlete of the Year, honoring their record-breaking achievements following the NMI’s historic year on the regional and international stage.
NMI swimming sensation Isaiah Aleksenko took home the night’s top honor for men after a season that redefined the NMI record books. His 2025 campaign was nothing short of legendary, highlighted by a six-gold-medal haul in individual events at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau. He also set six NMI records in individual events and contributed to four relay records.
Beyond regional dominance, Aleksenko made waves in the U.S. collegiate circuit. Representing Keiser University, he was named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and NAIA Sun Conference Swimmer of the Year and earned six All-American honors in his freshman year alone.
Though unable to attend in person, Aleksenko delivered a heartfelt video message. “I was very proud to represent the CNMI over the summer, and I can’t wait to represent once again in Fiji in a couple of weeks,” he said. He also thanked his mother, friends, coach, and teammates.
For the past two years, Aleksenko was named Male Student-Athlete of the Year. This year marked his first Male Athlete of the Year honor.
The other nominees for Male Athlete of the Year included Lyle Andrew, who won gold in the hammer throw at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, besting competitors from Guam and Fiji; Christian Villacrusis, who topped the men’s aquathlon event at TRAC’s Tide & Stride Aquathlon and 10K Run in October and earlier finished first in the men’s division of the first triathlon qualifier for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games; and Shawn Fleming, who captured overall titles in Men’s Bodybuilding and Classic Physique at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Guam Classic Muscle Showdown 2025. Fleming also won multiple category titles and later claimed the overall Bodybuilding title at the 2025 Dee Clayton Classic & Northern Marianas Bodybuilding Federation competition, where he also placed second in Men’s Physique.
Masterclass
Tania Tan shared the spotlight as Female Athlete of the Year for the third straight year.
Her 2025 campaign was a masterclass in endurance, highlighted by two gold medals (10,000m and half marathon) at the Pacific Mini Games. She also earned bronze in the 5,000m while setting multiple NMI records.
Tan continued to rewrite the record books, setting new NMI marks in nearly every race she entered — from the indoor mile in New York City to the 5,000m at the Portland Twilight. She added a bronze medal in the 5,000m and record-breaking performances in the 1,500m and 3,000m at the Oceania Cup in Tonga.
Like Aleksenko, Tan was unable to attend but shared remarks through a video message. “I hope to continue to make you all proud in future competitions,” she said.
The nominees for Female Athlete of the Year included Denise Myers, who won the women’s aquathlon division of TRAC’s Tide & Stride Aquathlon and 10K Run and later represented the NMI at the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup in Fiji; Heather Brook, who topped the final triathlon qualifier for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games and won the Women’s Road Bike 50K at the 2025 Hell of the Marianas Century Cycle Race, while also placing second at the Grotto 10K and finishing runner-up at TRAC’s “Just Tri-It”; and Shawna Brennfleck, who won the women’s division of TRAC’s “Just Tri-It,” competed for the NMI National Team at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, and later represented the NMI at the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup in Fiji.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
