The award, named after the former Lebanon Valley College Athletic Director, is presented to the MAC athletics administrator who has had a sustained and influential role in conference and national affairs and embodies the NCAA Division III philosophy. Sorrentino served Lebanon Valley College as a student-athlete, coach, and athletic direct or for nearly 60 years, from 1950 until his passing in November of 2010. The award was established in 2012.

Edkins’ storied career at Misericordia began in 1991 when he was hired as the head coach for both the men’s soccer and baseball programs. On the pitch, he spent 25 seasons at the helm of the men’s soccer program, amassing a prolific record of 283-159-35. Under his leadership, the Cougars captured seven conference championships and earned six NCAA Tournament berths. His excellence on the sidelines was recognized frequently by his peers, as he was named a conference Coach of the Year five times. In addition to his success in soccer, Edkins led the baseball program for 13 years, guiding the team to four postseason appearances.

Transitioning into athletic administration, Edkins served as Assistant Athletic Director for 11 years before being named the Director of Athletics in 2015. Throughout his tenure as AD, he has been a catalyst for growth and modernization at Misericordia. He has overseen the significant expansion of the athletic department’s offerings, adding men’s volleyball, ice hockey, esports, STUNT, and both men’s and women’s wrestling. Beyond sport expansion, Edkins’ leadership has transformed the university’s physical landscape, most notably overseeing the addition of the Brassington Dome.

Edkins has remained a highly engaged leader within the Middle Atlantic Conference infrastructure. He has provided vital leadership to his peers as the Chair of the MAC Athletics Directors group and continues to shape the conference’s legacy of excellence as the current Chair of the MAC Awards Committee.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to the coaching profession, his administrative leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the Division III mission, Edkins joins an elite group of administrators honored with this prestigious conference award.