COLONIA, N.J. – The East Coast Conference (ECC) has announced that Roberts Wesleyan University graduate student Jackson Doran is the recipient of the 2026 John Smillie, Jr. Award. The award is presented annually to a student-athlete who has overcome personal or physical challenges and hardships while pursuing an intercollegiate athletic career.
 
Named in honor of former ECC member NYIT athletic trainer John Smillie, Jr., who passed away after a battle with cancer, the award recognizes perseverance, resilience, and dedication in the face of adversity.
 
Doran, a member of the Roberts Wesleyan men's cross country and track & field programs, redefined resilience after overcoming two significant injuries that sidelined him for nearly two full years, including his entire cross country season.
 
After suffering a stress fracture in one foot, Doran endured another stress fracture in the opposite foot during the spring of 2024, forcing him to miss an additional year of competition. The possibility of another lengthy recovery weighed heavily on him, creating both physical and mental challenges as he worked toward a return.
 
Throughout the process, Doran leaned on the guidance and support of his coaching staff, particularly his head coach, who consistently reminded him to focus on one day at a time and not allow fear of reinjury to define his future. That advice became a turning point in his recovery and helped him regain confidence as he progressed through rehabilitation and back into competition.
 
"Coach told me not to let everything happen at once and to take it one day at a time," Doran said. "That advice helped keep me grounded and moving forward throughout the fall semester, winter break, and the following track seasons. Eventually qualifying for NCAAs during outdoor season, which was a goal I had dreamed about since I was in high school, felt so rewarding because of all the work, teammates, friends, and especially my family who supported me along the way."
 
Doran credited his support system for helping him persevere through the most difficult moments of his recovery.
 
"I have my coaches, teammates, friends, and family to thank for helping me stay focused and motivated," he said. "Because of them, I've been able to make it this far, and it is because of them that I can keep going, even when I can't see the end of whatever obstacles might be in my way."
 
For many student-athletes, the physical demands of injury rehabilitation can be overwhelming. For Doran, the mental challenges of overcoming back-to-back setbacks proved just as difficult. His determination to return to competition, combined with his unwavering commitment to his teammates and goals, exemplifies the spirit of the John Smillie, Jr. Award.
 
By overcoming adversity with perseverance and courage, Doran serves as an inspiration to student-athletes across the ECC and beyond.