ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict athletic department celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025-26 athletic year in May with its annual student-athlete celebration. Twelve Bennies were announced as finalists for the annual CSB Rookie of the Year award, presented to the top newcomer of the season in each sport.

Wide receiver/safety Avary White (Stillwater, Minn./St. Croix Prep) was selected as flag football's inaugural candidate for the award. 

White helped CSB flag football to a championship in its inaugural season playing on both sides of the ball. She caught five touchdown passes during the season which ranked second on the team behind sophomore Drew Buslee (Eagan, Minn.). 

She, along with Buslee and classmates Lily Ryan (Arden Hills, Minn./Mounds View) and Nora Schmidt (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View) were the first Bennies to be named All-Conference for the Minnesota Women's Collegiate Flag Football League, presented by the Minnesota Vikings. 

White caught the extra-point pass to seal CSB's semifinal victory over St. Olaf, 13-12. She added a touchdown and a two-point conversion in the title game vs. Concordia.

One of many dual-sport athletes on the Bennie flag football team, White also played in a pair of games with the basketball team, scoring four points in 10 minutes with a rebound, an assist and a steal in her rookie season.

Saint Benedict dropped just one game in its inaugural season (7-1 overall), outscoring opponents 202-95. The Bennies won the MWCFL title with a dramatic 26-20 victory over Concordia. The Midwest Women's College Flag Football League enters its third season in 2026-27. The NCAA named it an "Emerging Sport for Women" across all three divisions in January of 2026 and is fast-tracking it toward full national championship status.