Virginia Union University recognized two standout student-athletes with its highest athletic honor during the 2025 VUU Athletic Banquet, held Thursday, April 24, at Hovey Field.

Taniyah Greene and R.J. Rosales were named recipients of the Athletic Director Trophy, awarded annually to athletes who demonstrate excellence both on and off the field or court.

Rosales, a redshirt sophomore quarterback from Immokalee, Fla., helped lead the Panthers to their first NCAA playoff victories this past season. A health sciences major, he completed 43 of 75 passes for 811 yards and nine touchdowns, while also rushing for 157 yards and four more scores.

Among his standout performances, Rosales passed for a career-best 233 yards against Kentucky State, earning CIAA Player of the Week honors. He also threw for 179 yards in VUU’s playoff win over Lenoir-Rhyne and rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers’ historic postseason win against Wingate. 

Greene, a graduate student from Cheltenham, Md., studying for her master’s in social work, led the Lady Panthers basketball team in scoring. She averaged 14.9 points per game and earned All-CIAA honors. Greene also scored her 1,000th career point this season.

Her top individual performances included a 25-point game against Mount Olive and a 14-rebound effort against Bowie State. Greene notched five double-doubles and had six games with at least 10 rebounds and six games with 20 or more points.

“The athletic banquet provides an opportunity for the university to celebrate and thank our coaches, student athletes, leadership for the commitment and dedication exhibited throughout the year,” said Joe Taylor, vice president for intercollegiate athletics and community wellness. “We appreciate the value that they bring to our brand.”