RICHMOND, Va. — The CAA announced the 19 recipients of the prestigious Leadership and Sport Excellence Award for the 2025-26 academic year, naming Stony Brook's Robbie Smith as the men's lacrosse recipient.

The award mimics the Chuck Boone Leadership Award in football and the Dean Ehlers Leadership Award in men's and women's basketball. One student-athlete, who represents the highest standards of teamwork, integrity, leadership, and sportsmanship in his or her academic and athletic achievements, was selected in each of the other sports sponsored by the conference. Nominees must be at the junior, senior or graduate academic level.

After an evaluation of the nominees, the CAA's Faculty Athletic Representatives voted on the winners.

Smith earned a 3.95 GPA while completing a double major in Business Management and Economics and minoring in Real Estate and Insurance. A Stony Brook Society of Distinguished Scholar Athletes member, he made the Dean's List in seven semesters. Smith participated with the SAAC Community Outreach Committee and has taken part in a variety of service projects. 

On the field, Smith helped the Seawolves capture their first CAA championship in 2026 by leading the team with 122 face-off wins and 67 ground balls. He earned second-team All-CAA accolades in 2025 after leading the league with 128 face-off wins and ranking second in face-off percentage (.604) and ground balls (82).