FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (April 22, 2026) - Two Northern Arizona swimmers, Elsa Musselman and Cydnie Perkins, were named recipients of the university's prestigious Gold Axe Award for Spring 2026, recognizing their outstanding contributions both in and beyond the classroom.
The Gold Axe Award has been a symbol of recognition at NAU since the tradition began in 1933, a year after the student body adopted the axe as the symbol for the university's athletics. Presented each semester by Northern Arizona University, the Gold Axe Award honors graduating seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service and involvement across campus and within their communities. The distinction is one of the university's highest student honors, awarded to approximately 1% of graduating seniors.
Musselman and Perkins were two of 50 graduating seniors as part of the Spring Class of 2026 to receive the Gold Axe Award during a ceremony Tuesday night. They are the 63rd and 64th Lumberjack student-athletes to receive the award since 2004.
Musselman currently holds a perfect 4.00 cumulative GPA in biomedical science in the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences. The San Antonio, Texas native graduates from NAU with school records in the 100 butterfly (53.16) and 200 individual medley (1:59.96), both of which she set during her sophomore season. This spring, she earned a podium finish placing third in the 200 butterfly (2:01.70), while also swimming on two podium freestyle relay teams and scoring points in the 200 IM and 100 fly in her final conference championship meet.
Beyond the pool, Musselman has been deeply involved in academic, service and leadership roles across campus and the Flagstaff community. She is an undergraduate researcher in exercise physiology and serves as a teaching assistant for gross anatomy, while also contributing as an international athlete testing coordinator for the Institute of Human Performance. Musselman has been active in several student organizations, including the Exercise Physiology Journal Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a Christian Challenge women's small group. Her commitment to service is reflected through volunteer work with Flagstaff Medical Center, the local food bank and Welcome Jacks, in addition to her role as a medical scribe in internal medicine. She has also worked at the Wall Aquatic Center as a manager, lifeguard, cashier and water safety instructor.
Perkins, a breaststroke specialist from Scottsdale, Ariz., is an active member of The W.A. Franke College of Business while pursuing her degree in hotel & restaurant management. At this spring's MPSF Championships, Perkins set a new school record in the 200 breaststroke, taking silver with a time of 2:12.75. Perkins also earned the silver medal in the 100 breaststroke and swam on two medal-winning medley relay teams.
Perkins has demonstrated extensive leadership and involvement during her time at NAU, particularly through her work with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she served as E-Board chair for student-athlete engagement and previously as keyboard chair. In that role, she helped plan major campus events, including organizing one of the largest Trunk or Treat events in Flagstaff through multi-club collaboration, and contributed to the Louie Awards by writing event scripts. A founding member and executive sous chef of the Gastronomy Club, Perkins helped launch the organization and currently serves on its board, organizing large-scale fundraisers and events, including a full venue takeover that raised more than $1,000.
Professionally, Perkins has gained extensive experience in the hospitality industry as a kitchen manager at Annex Cocktail Lounge, where she led large events, developed menu concepts and contributed to restaurant marketing and social media. She has also worked as a line cook at Tinderbox Kitchen and operates her own private chef and catering business. In addition, Perkins has been recognized for her service efforts, volunteering with organizations such as Swim Buddies and preparing meals for local community members, further reflecting her commitment to leadership and impact beyond athletics.
Gold Axe Award recipients are selected for their dedication to excelling outside the classroom, including leadership in student organizations, community service and active participation within their academic colleges.
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