Notre Dame celebrated its senior student-athletes during the 2026 Golden Dome Awards by presenting the prestigious Kanaley Award to nine honorees. The Kanaley Award, established in 1927, recognizes senior monogram athletes for their leadership and academic excellence. This year's awardees include standout athletes from various sports, such as volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, swimming, fencing, softball, soccer, and football. Chief among them are Cailey Dockery, a four-time All-ACC Academic Team member in volleyball, and Sebastian Dominko, who became the first seven-time NCAA individual championship qualifier in Notre Dame tennis history.

By the Numbers
  • Cailey Dockery recorded 179 digs and 37 assists in her senior season.
  • Sebastian Dominko achieved 85 singles wins and 71 doubles victories during his career.
  • Will Donovan tallied 122 ground balls and 58 caused turnovers throughout his lacrosse career.
Yes, But

While the Kanaley Award celebrates individual achievements, some may argue that team success often goes overlooked. The award focuses heavily on academic excellence and leadership, potentially sidelining contributions that don’t fit within these parameters. Comparatively, awards based on team performance could provide a more comprehensive view of student-athlete success.

State of Play
  • Notre Dame continues to promote a balance between athletics and academics, celebrating students excelling in both fields.
  • The university has a rich history with the Kanaley Award, highlighting its commitment to recognizing student leadership.
What's Next

As the athletic department looks toward future seasons, it may enhance support for student-athletes in balancing academic and athletic demands. Increased transparency in the selection process for awards may also lead to broader recognition of diverse contributions. Future nominees could emphasize both individual academic accomplishments and collective team performance.

Bottom Line

The Kanaley Award exemplifies Notre Dame's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes. Recognizing leadership and academic success is crucial, but an inclusive approach that honors team achievements may further enrich the athletic culture. Celebrating a diverse range of successes could inspire future athletes to excel across all dimensions of their university experience.