The N2 award, created and paid for by Dr. Syed Naseeruddin and Dr. Jamie Natalie came to fruition during the 2017-2018 season when it was realized by the organizing physicians that there was a need to recognize the accomplishments of an outstanding senior GymACT (non-varsity) gymnast.  These amazing athletes are ineligible for consideration for the Nissen-Emery award due simply to the fact that they are not members of a varsity-level program and are not invited to attend or participate in NCAA level award recognitions. 

With the formation of the GymACT conference in 2018, an outstanding Senior GymACT Gymnast trophy is able to be awarded. This trophy is on par with NCAA gymnastics’ highest honor, the Nissen-Emery Award, which has been presented annually to the outstanding Senior NCAA Collegiate Gymnast since 1966.  

The Naseeruddin-Natalie Award, also called the N2 Award, would not only honor the GymACT senior gymnast who has established an outstanding record of athletic achievement during his college career; it would recognize sportsmanship, community service, leadership or overcoming adversity while maintaining outstanding performance.  More than simply an award for gymnastics excellence, the winner must also meet these requirements:

• He must be an example of good sportsmanship and fair play…a champion in defeat as well as in victory.

• He should maintain a high standard of scholarship throughout his college career, with a minimum of a B average

• He MAY have suffered adversity or personal tragedy which he has managed to overcome without impacting his athletic performance

• He MAY have served as a leader either within or outside of gymnastics

• He MAY have served as a champion of gymnastics, working within the community or with youth to keep the sport of gymnastics vibrant and vital, spurring grassroots growth.