ANNVILLE, Pa. (Conference News) – The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has announced Stevens Institute of Technology’s Gavin Maute as one of the 2022 recipients of the MAC Giant Steps Award.
 
The MAC Giant Steps Award is presented to individuals who have overcome adversity while still succeeding in life, who use sports as a vehicle for positive social change, who break down barriers to provide opportunities to those who follow behind them, and individuals who inspire us to do great things using the positive aspects of sport.
 
“Gavin has been an incredible inspiration to not only his teammates and coaches, but to many others at Stevens,” Director of Athletics Russell Rogers said. “Gavin’s ability to overcome the challenges he has faced and his desire to serve as a positive example for others facing similar circumstances has brought a special perspective to our day-to-day lives at Stevens. Our campus is a better place because we have someone like Gavin as a member of the university community!”
 
After a year-long battle with Stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma that ended with the junior being declared cancer-free on Feb. 22, Maute made a triumphant return to the DeBaun Athletic Complex turf on Wednesday, Apr. 6. The men’s lacrosse program affectionately dubbed the Wednesday evening contest with Delaware Valley as the “4-6 Game,” which was appropriate for Maute’s return as the Mountain Lakes, New Jersey native wears No. 46.
 
“His Stevens community, the Mountain Lakes community, and obviously his family, rallied around Gavin, but the energy came from Gavin,” head men’s lacrosse coach Gene Peluso said. “The whole thing was a grind for Gavin and his family, but throughout the journey, we were reminded of what true toughness and determination is!”
 
“Gavin’s journey galvanized our locker room,” Peluso continued. “The idea of ‘Get To’ versus ‘Have To’ rang so true. Gavin’s teammates and coaches put things in perspective and appreciated that we ‘Got To’ play lacrosse and Gavin would have to wait to ‘Get To’ play again.”
 
Maute’s journey began in March of 2021 when he felt a lump near his collarbone. Originally diagnosed with mononucleosis, he continued to undergo testing until the unfortunate diagnosis was received. Further testing and a pet scan ultimately revealed in July that the cancer was in Stage IV and had spread into his lungs.
 
“It was just amazing to see the focus and positive approach that Gavin had from Day 1 of his diagnosis,” Peluso said. “It was always about what was next and how he was going to win this battle.”
 
Maute began chemotherapy in August. He went through 12 rounds of treatment, traveling from his home in Mountain Lakes to Hackensack Hospital every other Thursday. He remained in constant contact with his teammates and coaches, who celebrated with him as he “rang the bell” on Jan. 13 after completing his final chemotherapy session.
 
“The day he rang the bell brought us to tears,” Peluso continued. “We were relieved, but we were also so amazed by his fight and his achievements. Collectively, we knew that No. 46 was the toughest person we knew.”
 
After his final scans returned clear on Feb. 22, Maute worked diligently alongside both the Ducks’ coaching staff and the Office of Sports Medicine to ease his way back into playing shape. With a large contingent of family and friends, along with plenty of support from Mountain Lakes High School, he took to the home turf for the first time. Maute’s journey was complete.
 
“With an amazing support system behind me of friends, family, teammates, coaches and doctors, I couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to get on the field once again and put on a Stevens uniform,” Maute said.
 
Following a pregame ceremony, Maute heard his name called over the public address system as the lone member of Stevens’ starting lineup, rose from his seat on the bench, and ran through a tunnel of his teammates and onto the DeBaun Athletic Complex turf to an eruption of cheers. In a game that the Ducks would ultimately go on to win, the real victory had already taken place before anyone took the field.
 
“When we spoke to the team in August about Gavin and the journey he was facing, I was overwhelmed with the calls and the texts I received from the team about things we can and should do,” Peluso reflected. “It was an immediate rallying of 50 men all focused on helping their teammate.”
 
Once play finally began, however, the final chapter of this story couldn't have been written with any other ending.
 
Maute netted his first collegiate goal on a nifty back-hander in the second quarter to a huge ovation. He also caused one turnover and picked up a ground ball in the Ducks’ 23-4 victory over Delaware Valley. 
 
“The wins are special, but they pale in comparison to the win that Gavin had already achieved,” Peluso offered. “That will always be what we remember about 2022!!”
 
Prior to taking the field, Maute was presented with a medal from the HEADstrong Foundation in the locker room for successfully overcoming his illness and returning to competition.