HAVERFORD, Pa. – Jonah Hoffmann-Weitsman '26 and Carly Priest '26 were announced as Haverford's 2026 recipients of the William W. Ambler '45 Award at the annual awards ceremony on Thursday evening. The honor is presented by the Haverford College Department of Athletics to the senior student-athlete or student-athletes with the highest cumulative grade-point average.
Ambler honorees must have participated and started in at least one sport throughout their college careers, while also demonstrating commitment, sportsmanship, and leadership. Hoffmann-Weitsman and Priest are the first co-recipients of the award since 2001, joining a distinguished list of scholar-athletes recognized for excellence across both academics and athletics.
Hoffmann-Weitsman, a chemistry major from Lancaster, Ohio, has been a key member of the track and field program while pursuing rigorous academic work. His path to Haverford began in an unexpected way, discovering the College while noticing its location on Lancaster Avenue, which mirrored the name of his hometown. A visit to campus solidified his decision, as he found a community that balanced challenge with support.
Throughout his time at Haverford, Hoffmann-Weitsman has embraced the demands of being a student-athlete. He described the experience as one that requires full presence, focusing on academics during the day before shifting entirely to track in the afternoon. That structure, he noted, provided both discipline and a meaningful outlet from academic intensity.
His academic journey has been highlighted by his thesis work in chemistry, where he has taken an active role in shaping his research direction. Under the guidance of his advisor, he has explored independent ideas while contributing to ongoing work in the field.
On the track, one of his most memorable moments came during his sophomore season, when he qualified for the conference championships with a personal best performance, a milestone made more meaningful by celebrating with teammates.
Following graduation, Hoffmann-Weitsman plans to pursue a PhD in materials science and engineering, with a focus on sustainability and research into novel materials.
Priest, a neuroscience major with a minor in classical culture and society from Columbus, Ohio, has also built a standout career on the track and in the classroom. Drawn to Haverford's academic environment and emphasis on community, she committed early in her college search and has remained confident in that decision throughout her four years.
As a student-athlete, Priest has relied on structure and consistency to manage her responsibilities. She credits the rhythm of practices and competition with helping her stay organized and productive, often finding that she performs at her best academically during the season. The support of her teammates has also been central to her success, both in competition and in the classroom.
Her academic experience culminated in a thesis that deepened her understanding of research and reinforced the value of persistence. She embraced the challenges of the process, learning to view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
On the track, a defining moment came earlier this year when she recorded a lifetime personal best in the 800 meters at the Widener Indoor Classic, a race made especially meaningful with her family in attendance.
After graduation, Priest will work as a medical assistant in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, before pursuing graduate studies with the goal of becoming a physician associate.
Together, Hoffmann-Weitsman and Priest reflect the spirit of the Ambler Award through their steady commitment to both their studies and their teams. Their work over four years speaks to a thoughtful approach to growth, shaped by the values of trust, concern, and respect, and grounded in a genuine engagement with the life of the College.
