Bruni, Mahaffey Named Bethany's Scholar-Athletes
ALIQUIPPA, Pa. - Bethany College seniors Alexis Mahaffey and Santiago Bruni were honored Tuesday as the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) held its annual Scholar-Athlete of the Year Banquet at the Fez Banquet Center.
With overwhelming support from conference's presidents and athletic administrators, the PAC launched its Scholar-Athlete of the Year Banquet in 2014 as another way to recognize the league's student-athletes for their athletic achievements, excellence in the classroom and outstanding community service efforts. This was the 12th class of scholar-athletes recognized by the conference
"Santiago and Alexis have been pillars of what it means to be a scholar-athlete at Bethany College," said Bethany College Interim Athletic Director Jen Windmiller. "They've seen success in competition, capturing PAC championships in their four-year career as Bison. They've excelled academically and still found time to volunteer and participate in other organizations within the campus community and NCAA."
ALEXIS MAHAFFEY
There is a very good chance you will see senior Alexis Mahaffey on the Bethany College campus being productive, and it's a very good chance it won't have to do with her athletic exploits. That's not to diminish her exploits, but to shine a very bright light on how well-rounded the senior track and field athlete is.
Mahaffey's extracurricular activities are expansive, including being a Kalon Leadership Scholar, a member of the Phi Delta Psi and Sigma Tau Epsilon Honors Societies. She is a student aide for the Bethany College Athletic Training department, while also running the Bethany College Community Closet and being an active member of the Pre-Health Club.
Her helping hands extend beyond the campus as Mahaffey is a volunteer with the Bethany Fire Department.
However, there is a definite athletic reason that Mahaffey is Bethany's nominee for the Presidents' Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
She ended her stellar indoor career by winning the 2025 PAC Weight Throw with a school record distance of 15.62 meters. It came just one year after she finished runner up in the 2024 Indoor Championships. Mahaffey earned USTFCCCA All Mid-Atlantic Region Honors as a junior and senior. She was also eighth in the shot put at the 2024 PAC Indoor Championships.
As she concludes her outdoor career, Mahaffey currently leads the Mid-Atlantic Region in weight throw with the distance of 50.47 meters – which is a school record. She is currently 30th nationally in the event.
Mahaffey leads the Bison in all three of their outdoor events – shot put (11.08 meters), discus (33.50 meters), and hammer throw (50.47). She also holds the school record in discus, set in the 2024 PAC Championships.
She will be attending the University of Lynchburg in August to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy followed by a Master's in Athletic Training.
SANTIAGO BRUNI
Santiago Bruni can be deemed as one of the most likeable and unassuming student-athletes to grace the Bethany College campus this season.
It was highlighted with his election as the campus' Homecoming King. However, that is only scratching the surface of Bruni's impact. The double major in Sports Management and Marketing has been selected for multiple NCAA professional development programs, the Career in Sports Forum and the Leadership Forum.
While earning his 3.89 grade point average, Bruni found time to intern with the Bethany College Athletic Department and at the Oglebay Resort as a Data Analyst. He was also a volunteer video analyst for Southport FC. Bruni has also helped with the Bethany College Soccer Camps and served as the chairperson for the Global Culture's Club and the Sports Studies Honor Society.
On the field, he was a four-year starter and a key member of the 2021 Presidents Athletic Conference men's soccer champions. Primarily a defender, Bruni scored twice in his career, including a late goal against Saint Vincent this season that enabled the Bison to earn a tie.
He will be attending West Liberty University to get his MBA with the future dream to work for an MLS franchise.
