WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Big Ten Conference unveiled the Outstanding Sportsmanship Award recipients, honoring a male and female athlete per each institution, including Purdue volleyball’s Bianka Lulić and baseball’s Aaron Manias.
The pair were among the 36 student-athletes across the Big Ten receiving the honor, having distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. To be considered for this elite award, they must have received their respective team’s Sportsmanship award, announced as part of the All-Big Ten release. In addition, these honorees must be in good academic standing and must have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports competition setting.
Lulić, a 6-5 redshirt sophomore in her first year at Purdue, came to West Lafayette from Miami (Florida). During the middle blocker’s inaugural year with the program, Lulić exemplified a positive attitude and a team-first mentality, helping to set the tone for one of the best seasons in program history. Starting in 15 matches and coming off the bench in five more, Lulić continuously stepped up when her number was called, including at the NCAA Regional Semifinal vs. SMU. As the difference-maker off the bench, she contributed five major blocks, a perfect 1-for-1 on the attack, and a dig as the No. 3 seeded Boilermakers took down the No. 2 seeded Mustangs to advance to Purdue’s third Regional Final in the last six years.
Manias, recently named an Academic All-American and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, competed through a back injury for much of the season. Despite injury, the redshirt senior averaged an 1.000 OPS with 22 of his 47 starts at designated hitter. The senior also made eight starts in left field and 17 at first base, including the last 14 games of the season. As a respected team leader and consistent performer wherever he was asked to play, Manias guided the Boilermakers on and off the field as the squad finished the 2026 campaign with a 37-20 (18-12 Big Ten) record, including 20-6 at home.