BUCKEYE BRILLIANCE: Michael Adedokun and Makenna Webster Named Ohio State Athletes of the Year After Historic, Record-Breaking 2024 Seasons in Soccer, Field Hockey, and Ice Hockey
The 2024 athletic season at Ohio State University has been one for the history books, not only for the teams but also for two remarkable individuals whose achievements have elevated the Buckeye brand to unprecedented levels. Michael Adedokun and Makenna Webster have been named Ohio State Athletes of the Year, an honor that recognizes more than just talent—it celebrates historic feats, transformative leadership, and relentless pursuit of greatness across multiple sports. Their contributions on the pitch, the turf, and the ice have not only shattered records but also redefined what it means to wear scarlet and gray with pride.
For Michael Adedokun, 2024 was a crowning year that cemented his legacy in Buckeye men’s soccer history. The standout forward made headlines across the nation when he became the first Ohio State player ever to win the MAC Hermann Trophy, collegiate soccer’s highest individual honor. In a sport historically dominated by programs with deeper roots and more decorated pasts, Adedokun’s emergence was a testament to raw talent, hard work, and a burning desire to put Ohio State on the national soccer map. His technical brilliance, vision, and unrelenting drive made him a nightmare for defenders and a shining beacon for a Buckeye program on the rise.
The journey to this historic achievement wasn’t without obstacles. Adedokun, who had steadily grown into his role over previous seasons, exploded in 2024 with an astonishing run of form. He led the Big Ten in goals and assists, orchestrating some of the most electric offensive performances seen at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in recent memory. His performances were not just dominant—they were inspiring. Teammates rallied behind his leadership, and younger players looked up to him as a model of professionalism and commitment. As the accolades rolled in, from First-Team All-American honors to the MAC Hermann Trophy, Adedokun remained grounded, often crediting his coaches, teammates, and the university community for their support.
Meanwhile, Makenna Webster was carving out her own chapter in Ohio State lore—one that spanned not just one sport, but two. In field hockey, Webster was simply unstoppable. She recorded 42 points in the 2024 season, leading the Buckeyes and making history as the first player in nearly three decades to notch back-to-back 40-point seasons. Her play was defined by intelligent movement, precise execution, and an uncanny ability to control the tempo of the game. Webster’s dominance helped elevate Ohio State field hockey into national relevance, with the team riding her performances deep into postseason contention.
What makes Webster’s achievement all the more remarkable is that she did not confine her excellence to just one field of play. She was also a key contributor to the Ohio State women’s ice hockey team, finishing fourth in team scoring with 35 points despite appearing in only 30 games. Balancing the rigorous demands of two Division I sports would break most athletes. For Webster, it seemed to sharpen her competitive edge. Whether slicing through defenders on the field or gliding past them on the ice, she brought the same fierce intensity and elite skill set to every game she played. Her split-sport excellence captured the imagination of fans, coaches, and even opponents, who marveled at her stamina, versatility, and commitment.
What sets Adedokun and Webster apart isn’t just what they accomplished statistically—it’s how they carried themselves through the weight of expectation and pressure. Both were not only the best players on their respective teams but also role models for what Ohio State athletics strives to be: determined, inclusive, resilient, and proud. Their success stories serve as reminders of the power of college sports to change lives, shape futures, and inspire communities.
Adedokun’s influence extended well beyond the stat sheet. He was often seen mentoring younger teammates, helping them adjust to the collegiate game and the demands of representing a major university. His humility in interviews and eagerness to highlight team achievements over personal ones earned him respect across the athletic department. More than just a soccer player, Adedokun became a campus leader whose impact was felt in classrooms, community events, and alumni functions. He often spoke about the importance of representation in sports and his hope that young Black athletes would see in him a pathway to both athletic and academic excellence.
Similarly, Webster has become a shining example of balance, discipline, and excellence. Her dual-sport commitment required not only physical endurance but also mental strength and time management skills that few could match. Coaches marveled at her ability to switch mindsets so seamlessly—from the fast-paced, physical game of ice hockey to the strategic, high-intensity nature of field hockey. Her efforts did not go unnoticed by fans, many of whom flocked to support both programs with renewed enthusiasm. Webster’s story lit up social media, inspired local youth teams, and even earned her national media attention as one of the most versatile and accomplished female athletes in collegiate sports today.
Behind every great athlete is a support system, and both honorees have been quick to acknowledge the role of coaches, trainers, family, and academic advisors in helping them reach their full potential. For Adedokun, the Ohio State soccer staff played a critical role in developing his game, trusting him with more responsibility each season and giving him the freedom to express himself on the field. Webster credited her coaches in both sports with helping her find the balance she needed to succeed. Their belief in her abilities made it possible for her to pursue excellence across two demanding sports, and their flexibility in scheduling, training, and travel logistics was crucial to her success.
Their stories also highlight the evolving landscape of college athletics, where name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, academic pressures, and heightened performance expectations are the new norm. In this environment, the achievements of Adedokun and Webster become even more impressive. They managed to excel athletically while remaining academically eligible and maintaining an unwavering focus on team goals. Their leadership helped shape a winning culture in their respective programs, laying the foundation for continued success even as they move on to the next chapters in their careers.
Adedokun is expected to explore professional soccer opportunities, with scouts from both Major League Soccer and European clubs already expressing interest in his services. His combination of pace, technical ability, and tactical intelligence makes him an intriguing prospect at the next level. Whether he chooses to pursue a career in the MLS or take his talents overseas, his name will be forever etched in Ohio State history as the first Buckeye to win the MAC Hermann Trophy—a symbol of excellence and a beacon for future generations of soccer players in Columbus.
Webster’s future is equally bright. She has the talent to pursue professional opportunities in either field hockey or ice hockey, and given her track record, she may very well do both. Some speculate that she could become one of the rare athletes to represent her country in international competition in multiple sports. Whether she continues her playing career or shifts into coaching, broadcasting, or advocacy, Webster’s influence on Ohio State athletics will endure for years to come.
The 2024 Ohio State Athletes of the Year are more than just statistical leaders; they are cultural pillars who elevated the standard for what it means to be a student-athlete in today’s complex and demanding collegiate environment. They inspired teammates, thrilled fans, and brought honor to a university steeped in tradition and hungry for innovation.
As the university celebrated their achievements with awards, ceremonies, and well-earned tributes, one thing became clear: Adedokun and Webster didn’t just win games—they won hearts, defined eras, and left legacies that will serve as benchmarks for greatness at Ohio State for decades to come. Their time as Buckeyes may eventually come to an end, but their stories will be told as long as the scarlet and gray fly proudly over Columbus.
