Colorado University Athletics
From left, Luke Dry, Alaina Fantaski, and Danny Tragarz Have Earned University Leadership Honors
Trio of CU Track Athletes Earn Leadership Accolades
April 30, 2026 | Track and Field, Scripps Leadership & Career Development
With the spring semester coming to a close, three University of Colorado Boulder track and field student-athletes are excelling beyond the track, earning prestigious leadership awards. Senior Luke Dry and juniors Alaina Fantaski and Danny Tragarz have each been recognized for university accolades, through their participation in CU Athletics' Scripps Leadership and Career Development department.  Â
Â
Dry, who will be graduating on Saturday with a degree in Computer Science and Finance Integration has been recognized as Graduating Leader of the Year, one of just 14 students across campus to earn that honor. This past year, Dry served as President of CU Athletics' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and also served as CU's representative on the Big 12's SAAC. Last fall, Dry met with members and staff of Colorado's congressional delegation to talk about the challenges student-athletes face in this new era of college athletics with Name, Image, and Likeness and revenue sharing. The Graduating Leader of the Year is determined by the CU Boulder Center for Leadership and is awarded to students who have exemplified the transformative power of leadership education and demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities.
Â
Meanwhile, Fantaski and Tragarz have both been selected to the prestigious Newton Fellowship Cohort for the 2026-27 academic year. Fantaski and Tragarz will join just 24 other students from across campus who have been selected by the Center for Leadership to recognize and develop CU Boulder's most exceptional student-leaders. As members of the cohort, the two student-athletes will receive personal coaching, experiential leadership intensives, leadership training and workshops, and networking and ambassador opportunities, among other benefits.Â
Â
These life-changing opportunities for CU student-athletes are facilitated by the department's Scripps Leadership and Career Development (LCD) department, which provides numerous opportunities for leadership growth throughout a student-athlete's journey at CU Boulder.Â
Â
"Our student-athletes dedicate countless hours to excelling both academically and athletically, and we're proud to see their commitment reflected in their leadership and engagement across campus," said Lauren Unrein, Associate AD/Leadership & Career Development. "Luke stands out as one of the most exceptional leaders in our program's history, leaving a lasting impact on CU Athletics. We're equally excited for Aliana and Danny as they continue to develop their leadership skills as part of this highly selective cohort. Through the Scripps Leadership and Career Development program, we're committed to providing the resources and opportunities our student-athletes need to grow beyond their sport and become the leaders of tomorrow."
LCD offers programming for student-athletes year-round, including throughout the summer. With graduation approaching, the Gamble Family Successful Transition and Exit Planning for Seniors (STEPS) program equips graduating student-athletes with essential resources and skills as they prepare for life after CU.
Incoming first-year student-athletes will begin their LCD experience this summer through the First Year Program (FYP). This program introduces them to the full range of resources and opportunities within CU Athletics while helping them build a strong support network both within and beyond their teams.
Additional summer programming includes a Downtown Boulder career tour and shadow day, financial literacy bootcamps, and Women with Altitude sessions.
Â
Â
Dry, who will be graduating on Saturday with a degree in Computer Science and Finance Integration has been recognized as Graduating Leader of the Year, one of just 14 students across campus to earn that honor. This past year, Dry served as President of CU Athletics' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and also served as CU's representative on the Big 12's SAAC. Last fall, Dry met with members and staff of Colorado's congressional delegation to talk about the challenges student-athletes face in this new era of college athletics with Name, Image, and Likeness and revenue sharing. The Graduating Leader of the Year is determined by the CU Boulder Center for Leadership and is awarded to students who have exemplified the transformative power of leadership education and demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities.
Â
Meanwhile, Fantaski and Tragarz have both been selected to the prestigious Newton Fellowship Cohort for the 2026-27 academic year. Fantaski and Tragarz will join just 24 other students from across campus who have been selected by the Center for Leadership to recognize and develop CU Boulder's most exceptional student-leaders. As members of the cohort, the two student-athletes will receive personal coaching, experiential leadership intensives, leadership training and workshops, and networking and ambassador opportunities, among other benefits.Â
Â
These life-changing opportunities for CU student-athletes are facilitated by the department's Scripps Leadership and Career Development (LCD) department, which provides numerous opportunities for leadership growth throughout a student-athlete's journey at CU Boulder.Â
Â
"Our student-athletes dedicate countless hours to excelling both academically and athletically, and we're proud to see their commitment reflected in their leadership and engagement across campus," said Lauren Unrein, Associate AD/Leadership & Career Development. "Luke stands out as one of the most exceptional leaders in our program's history, leaving a lasting impact on CU Athletics. We're equally excited for Aliana and Danny as they continue to develop their leadership skills as part of this highly selective cohort. Through the Scripps Leadership and Career Development program, we're committed to providing the resources and opportunities our student-athletes need to grow beyond their sport and become the leaders of tomorrow."
LCD offers programming for student-athletes year-round, including throughout the summer. With graduation approaching, the Gamble Family Successful Transition and Exit Planning for Seniors (STEPS) program equips graduating student-athletes with essential resources and skills as they prepare for life after CU.
Incoming first-year student-athletes will begin their LCD experience this summer through the First Year Program (FYP). This program introduces them to the full range of resources and opportunities within CU Athletics while helping them build a strong support network both within and beyond their teams.
Additional summer programming includes a Downtown Boulder career tour and shadow day, financial literacy bootcamps, and Women with Altitude sessions.
Â
Players Mentioned
Sprints/Hurdles
/ Track and Field
Throws
/ Track and Field
Sprints
/ Track and Field2026 Jerry Quiller Classic
Wednesday, April 01
Colorado T&F/XC: 2016 HOF Sara Gorton Slattery
Monday, August 12
Bailey Hertenstein @baileyh_ Wins the Pac-12 5k Championship @cubuffstrack #gobuffs
Monday, May 13
Pac-12 TRACK Championships - Wrap Up
Monday, May 13