SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State student-athletes were honored Monday night as part of the athletics department's CATSPYs award ceremony at Strahan Arena.

Individual Bobcats were honored in four categories with male and female winners recognized, while a "Moment of the Year" was also selected. Awards were selected from performances during the 2024 calendar year.

Moment of the Year
The Moment of the Year went to Texas State football for becoming bowl eligible following a 58-3 win over Southern Miss on Nov. 16, 2024, and capping the season off with a second consecutive victory in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. The victory gave the Bobcats back-to-back bowl wins and their second straight eight-win season, matching the program's FBS record.

Rookie of the Year

Beau Sparks | Football
Sparks played in all 13 games in his first season as a Bobcat after transferring from Utah Tech. The sophomore registered a team-best 202 punt return yards and a touchdown off four attempts. His combined kick return yards (202) ranked 16th in the NCAA and punt return TD ranked him fourth. Overall, Sparks amassed 471 all-purpose yards, adding 25 catches for 271 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Following the season, he was named a CSC Academic All-District selection.

Lara Roberts | Track & Field
Roberts finished her first season as the No. 1 ranked freshman in the country in the hammer throw en route to All-America honors from the NCAA and USTFCCCA, while also earning Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year accolades. At the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Roberts placed 14th in the hammer throw after finishing second at the SBC Championships.

Athlete of the Year

Joey Hobert | Football
An All-Sun Belt Conference Second-Team selection and member of Biletnikoff Award and Reese's Senior Bowl Watch Lists in 2024, Hobert led the Bobcats with 70 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns. He was second on the team with 680 receiving yards and also finished the season with 738 yards of total offense. Hobert finished his career in the program's top 10 for yards, receptions and receiving touchdowns.

Elisabet Runarsdottir | Track & Field
The 2024 NCAA National Champion in the hammer throw was also named an NCAA and USTFCCCA All-American as well as the Sun Belt Conference Women's Field Performer of the Year and a CSC Academic All-American. Runarsdottir also set the Icelandic National Record in the hammer throw.

Bobcat of the Year

Ryne Farber | Baseball
Farber was selected for his outstanding athletic performance, leadership and national recognition as part of TXST baseball. His .340 batting average, key extra-base hits, and presence as one of the top-ranked college baseball players by D1 Baseball showcase his exceptional talent and work ethic. With major tournament honors, conference success and a leadership role on the team, Farber has made a significant impact on Texas State baseball, making him a deserving candidate for this award.

Maggie Walsh | Volleyball  
Walsh earned Bobcat of the Year accolades due to her unwavering commitment to Texas State volleyball, her academic achievements and her deep-rooted connection to the San Marcos community. Her role in Texas State's success cannot be overstated—she is a selfless, adaptable, and invaluable teammate. Off the court, Walsh's mentorship of young athletes, involvement in local schools and leadership in the community have made her a role model to countless young fans and athletes. With her athletic excellence, academic achievements and community impact, she embodies what it means to be a true Bobcat.

Scholar-Athletes of the Year

Chloe Jones | Soccer
Computer Science (4.0 GPA) 
Dean's List every semester 
2023 and 2024 CSC Academic All-District Team 
Co-author of a published research paper 
Active member of Applied AI Data Lab 12 

Titus Lyons | Football
Pursuing a Master's of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology (4.0 GPA) 
Dean's List – 2022, 2023, and 2024
2025 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society
Member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Class of 2023 
2023 CSC Academic All-District honoree 
Active member of FCA and Athletes in Action 
Graduated Summa Cum Laude with his bachelor's degree in Spring 2024

Emmett Shelton Award (Highest Team GPA)
Women's Golf | 3.79 | Fifth consecutive year
Men's Golf | 3.78 | 11th consecutive year

Additionally, 142 student-athletes were honored for their individual achievements in the classroom, earning the Bobcat Academic Excellence Award, recognizing those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Of those student-athletes, 45 also achieved a 4.0 GPA, earning them the Star of Excellence Award.