The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Woman of the Year award was established for the 2005-06 athletics season.
Each year, the winner of the SCAC Woman of the Year award is nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year, one of the most prestigious honors the NCAA bestows.
The award recognizes senior student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership. Each NCAA conference, and independent institutions, can nominate a distinguished female student-athlete for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will select the top 10 winners in each division in August. From those 30 honorees, the selection committee will determine the top three in each division (September). Finally, the members of the CWA will vote from among the top nine finalists to determine the Woman of the Year.
SCAC Woman of the Year - Past Winners:
2023
Kate Brush
Colorado College
Swimming
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Economics and Art major who graduated in May of 2023. Four-Time SCAC Academic Honor Roll Honoree (2020-2023). Colorado College Dean's List (2020-23). Two-Time CSCAA Scholar All-American (2022, 2023). CSC Academic All-District (2023). Colorado College Laura Golden Award - Top Female Student-Athlete (2022-23). Outstanding Thesis in Museum Studies - Art Majors (2022-23). Edith Kirsch Prize (2021-22). Colorado College Female Senior Student-Athlete of the Year (2022-23).
Athletics achievement: Colorado College Newcomer of the Year (2019-20). NCAA First Team All-American - 100 butterfly (2023). NCAA Second Team All-American - 200 butterfly (2022 and 2023). Six-time SCAC Champion (2020 - 100 and 200 butterfly; 2022 - 200 butterfly; 2023 - 500 free; 100 and 200 butterfly). 27-time All-SCAC Honoree (2020-23). SCAC Championship Meet Record Holder - 100 and 200 butterfly. SCAC Open Record Holder - 200 butterfly. Colorado College Record Holder - 200 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 200 and 800 free relay.
Service and leadership: Special Olympics of Southern Colorado - Volunteer (2020, 2022-23). Little Cats Swimming Program - Volunteer (2020, 2022-23). Team Impact (2021-23). Volunteer Swim Instructor - Greenwich, CT (2021-22). Parents Night Out - Colorado College SAAC (2019). Green Athletics Sustainability Committee - Captain (2021-22). Llamapoolza Campus Music Festival Committee - Volunteer (2022-23). Fellowship w/Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center - Project Lead (2023).
Excerpt from personal statement: “These experiences, from my academic pursuits to my volunteer involvement to my leadership activities, have shaped my growth as a student-athlete and broadened my perspective. They have taught me that success is not only measured by the performance in the pool - it is measured by the impact on the lives of others."
2022
Kelly Jurden
Texas Lutheran University
Softball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Mathematics major who graduated in May of 2022. Five-Time SCAC Academic Honor Roll Honoree (2018-2022). Two-Time Texas Lutheran Female Scholar Athlete of the Year (2020, 2021). Four-Time NFCA Academic All-America Scholar (2018-19; 2021-22). CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year (2022). Four-Time CoSIDA Academic All-American - First Team (2020-22); Second Team (2019). Four-Time CoSIDA Academic All-District (2019-22).
Athletics achievement: Two-Time SCAC Offensive Player of the Year (2019, 2021). Three-Time All-SCAC First Team (2019, 2021-22). All-SCAC Second Team (2018). Two-Time SCAC All-Tournament Team (2019, 2022). SCAC 30th Anniversary Team. Five-Time SCAC Softball Hitter of the Week (2019-22). NFCA All-American First Team (2021). Two-Time NFCA All-American Second Team (2019, 2022). Three-Time NFCA All-West Region First Team (2019, 2021-22). NFCA All-West Region Third Team (2018). SCAC Team Regular Season and Tournament Softball Champions (2018-19; 2021-22). NCAA Division III Softball Team National Champion (2019). Two-Time Schutt Sports/NFCA Player of the Year Top 25 Finalist (2019; 2022). Schutt Sports/NFCA Player of the Year Top 15 Finalist (2021). Two-Time All-Tournament Team - NCAA Regional (2021-22). All-Tournament Team - NCAA Super Regional (2022). Most Outstanding Player of NCAA DIII Regional (2022). NFCA Golden Shoe winner (2019).
Service and leadership: Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) - Team Representative (2018-21); Secretary and Treasurer (2020-21). Waggin Tailz Rescue Training Volunteer (2022). Collaborative Learning Assistant Tudor (2018-21). Mission Trip Volunteer (2018).
Excerpt from personal statement: “My time as a student-athlete at Texas Luthean University has allowed me to grow into a better leader, teammate, and woman. Competing at the Division III level for five years, I was able to truly dedicate myself to the sports I love and the people I love, all while getting an excellent education."
2021
Isabelle Aragon-Menzel
Colorado College
Volleyball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Sociology major who graduated in May of 2021. Four-Time SCAC Academic Honor Roll Honoree (2017-2021). SCAC Volleyball Elite 19 Award Winner (2021). CoSIDA Academic All-District Volleyball Team (2021). Colorado College Crown-Goodman Presidential Scholarship (2019-20). Alpha Kappa Delta - International Sociology Honor Society (Inducted 2019-20; Member 2020-21)
Athletics achievement: SCAC Setter of the Year (2020-21). First Team All-SCAC (2020-21). SCAC Tournament Champions (2020-21). SCAC Tournament Most Valuable Player (2020-21). SCAC All-Tournament Team (2020-21). SCAC Regular Season Champions (2020-21). Colorado College Lauren Golden Award recipient; top senior female student-athlete (2020-21).
Service and leadership: Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) - Team Representative (2019-20); Officer (2020-21). SCAC SAAC Institutional Representative (2019-21). Campus Writing Center Peer Tutor (2017-21). TESSA Volunteer (2019-20). Gifted and Talented Tutor at North Middle School (2017-18). English as Second Language Tutor at Palmer High School (2017-18).
Excerpt from personal statement: “I’ve learned that to affect change in an influential and genuine way, you must do it with love. It is this type of love I brought to my academics, athletics and community at Colorado College. I brought a love for the game, for the people around me, and for the pursuit of knowledge in the name of equality and liberation during my time there. It was this kind of love that I believe shaped both myself and those around me, whether that was on the court, in the classroom, or around campus.”
2021
Ally Longaker
Austin College
Basketball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Psychology and Public Health major who graduated in May of 2021. Four-Time SCAC Academic Honor Roll Honoree (2018-21). Austin College Dean's List (2017-21). SCAC Women's Basketball Elite 19 Award Winner (2021). Bo Miller Outstanding Scholar Athlete (2021).
Athletics achievement: Two-Time Second Team All-SCAC (2020, 2021); Honorable Mention All-SCAC (2018, 2019). SCAC Regular Season Co-Champion (2018). SCAC Tournament Champion (2020). Team Captain (2020-21). One-Time SCAC Player-of-the-Week.
Service and leadership: Outreach Paraguay/United Way Intern (2020). Influenza Research and Health Campaign (2020). Austin College Great Day of Service (2020). Austin College Global Outreach Fellowship - Columbia (2019). Austin College Women's Health Forum - Presenter (2019). Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center Internship (2019). Toys for Tots Basketball Clinic Volunteer (2017-18).
Excerpt from personal statement: “I knew that I had a passion for working with and helping others, and that I wanted to do something to give back to my community. That is when I decided to become an intern at the Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center. While there, I worked as a member of a multidisciplinary team to both combat and treat child abuse. This became one of my most influential experiences while at Austin College. I quickly became humbled by the work I was doing and learned that there is always work to be done that is greater than myself.”
2020
DeAnna Hernandez
Texas Lutheran University
Softball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Biochemistry major who graduated in May of 2020. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll, 2017-2020. SCAC Softball Elite 19 Award Winner, 2020. NCAA Division III Softball Elite 90 Award Winner, 2019. Texas Lutheran University President's List, fall and winter semester, 2017-2020. Texas Lutheran University Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, 2019 and 2020. TLU Chemistry Grant Award, 2018.
Athletics achievement: First-Team All-SCAC Softball, 2019. Career .340 hitter with an on-base percentage of .412. Member of SCAC Softball regular season and tournament championship teams, 2017-2019. Member of NCAA Division III Softball National Championship Team, 2019.
Service and leadership: Texas Lutheran University Black & Gold President's Council - Secretary, 2019-20. TLU Campus Activity Board, 2018-19. Peer Mentor, 2017-18. Pre-Health Professions Club - Secretary, 2017-18; President, 2018-19. Research Assistant - Organic Chemistory, 2017. Living Water International - Mission Trip, 2017.
Excerpt from personal statement: "In this (COVID-19) pandemic, it is indeed a scary time because there is so much that is unknown. At the end of the day, my future is in the medical world, and I will learn to deal and adapt with what the world has thrown me and us all. Softball taught me how to adapt and how to work in stressful environments. It taught me how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable, understanding that I can control what I can control. You must learn how be comfortable when those uncomfortable situations arise."
2020
Abby Holland
Trinity University
Basketball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Communications major who graduated in May of 2020. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll, 2017-2020. Trinity University Dean's List, 2017-2020. Trinity University Outstanding Senior - Communications Department, 2019-20. Robert O. Blanchard Department of Communication Award for Excellence, 2020. NCAA Jim McKay Scholarship Recipient, 2020. NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Recipient, 2020.
Athletics achievement: SCAC Women's Basketball Player of the Year, 2019-20. Three-time First Team All-SCAC Women's Basketball, 2017-18-2019-20. Third Team All-SCAC Women's Basketball, 2016-17. Two-time SCAC Women's Basketball All-Tournament Team, 2018 and 2019. Eight-time SCAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week, 2017-20. D3hoops.com Third Team All-America, 2019-20. Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Honorable Mention All-America, 2019-20. D3hoops.com First Team All-Region (2019-20); D3hoops.com Second Team All-Region, 2018-19. Four-time SCAC Women's Basketball Regular Season Team Champion, 2017-20. Two-time SCAC Women's Basketball Tournament Team Champion, 2017-18.
Service and leadership: Trinity University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) - Team Representative, 2018-20. Trinity University YoungLife Volunteer, 2016-20. Trinity University Spurs Sorority Member, 2016-20. STRAPS Sports Volunteer, 2016-19. Basketball Camp Volunteer, 2019. NCAA Final Four Social Media Intern, 2017.
Excerpt from personal statement: "At Trinity, I was able to explore who I was and what was really important to me. I was able to be a part of numerous student organizations, hold on campus jobs and work several internships all while being a student athlete. One experience in particular has stuck with me. My freshman year I was introduced to STRAPS Sports, an organization in San Antonio that provides a place for people with exceptionalities to play soccer, football, softball, basketball, and various other sports. As an athlete, I was passionate about working with other athletes and was honored to serve in this organization. This experience continued to show me how sports can impact people's lives. I learned in this experience that serving people was something I was passionate about and I would carry it with me."
2019
Molly McCullough
Trinity University
Cross Country and Track & Field
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Engineering Science major who graduated in May of 2019. USTFCCCA All-Academic Team, 2015-2019. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll, 2015-2019. SCAC Women's Cross Country Elite 19 Award Winner, 2018. Trinity University Engineering Science Department Academic Excellence Award, 2018-2019. Trinity University Engineering Science Department Professional Promise Award, 2019. Trinity University Engineering Science Department Robert V. Andrews Outstanding Junior Engineer Science Student Award, 2018. Trinity University Engineering Science Department Dr. Earl Doderer Award of Excellence, 2017. Phi Betta Kappa, 2018-2019. Trinity University Scholar, 2017-2018.
Athletics achievement: SCAC Women's Cross Country Runner-of-the-Year, 2018. SCAC Women's Track & Field Athlete-of-the-Year, 2019. Four-Time Women's Cross Country First-Team All-SCAC, 2015-2018. SCAC Cross Country Individual Champion, 2018. Two-Time NCAA Cross Country All-American, 2017-2018. Four-Time Cross Country All-West Region, 2015-2018. Four-Time SCAC 3,000-Meter Steeplechase Champion, 2016-2019. SCAC 5,000-Meter Champion, 2019. Women's Outdoor Track & Field All-American (3,000-Meter Steeplechase), 2019. Seven-Time SCAC Women's Cross Country Runner-of-the-Week. Four-Time SCAC Women's Track & Field Athlete-of-the-Week.
Service and leadership: Women's Cross Country Captain, 2016-2018. Trinity University Peer Tutor, 2019. Trinity University Tour Guide, 2016-2019. Trinity University Senior Design Team, 2018-2019. Trinity University Research Assistant (Astronomy, 2016-2018; Mathematics, Engineering Science and Biology, 2018-2019). Society of Women's Engineers, 2016-2018. Holly Blue Acres, 2012-2017.
Excerpt from personal statement: "I guided students both present and future in their journeys as Tigers as a Tour Guide and peer tutor, and I led a group of fierce, fast women to six conference championships. I learned from these experiences to push myself and others to achieve our best and appreciate how the people around me helped me achieve my goals. Cross country taught me to lean on the support of my teammates to keep pushing, using that strength to give my all for my team, and how small efforts, even if they aren't reported in the final results, can make all the difference in the race."
2018
Britney Sullivan
Trinity University
Track & Field
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Accounting major who graduated in May of 2018. USTFCCCA All-Academic Team, 2015-2018. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll, 2015-2018. Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, 2017. Sigma Delta Pi National Honors Society, 2017. Senior Accounting Scholars Award, 2018.
Athletics achievement: Two-time SCAC Women's Field Athlete-of-the-Year, 2016 and 2018. USTFCCCA triple jump All-American, 2018. USTFCCCA South/Southeast Region Women's Field Athlete-of-the-Year, 2018. Eight-time USTFCCCA All-Region performer, 2016-2018. Eight-time All-SCAC Track & Field performer, 2015-2018. Three-time SCAC Triple Jump champion, 2015, 2016 and 2018. Two-time SCAC Long Jump champion, 2015-2016.
Service and leadership: Member of Trinity University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, 2017-2018. Women's Track and Field Team Captain, 2017-2018. Trinity University Distinguished Representative, 2016-2018. Trinity University Academic Honor Council, 2015-2018. Residential Assistant, Trinity University Office of Residential Life, 2015-2018. Annual Philanthropy Concert Coordinator - Gamma Chi Delta Society, 2016-2018.
Excerpt from personal statement: "African Americans make up only 9.3 percent of all accountants and auditors, with African American women being represented at an even lower percentage. I want to demonstrate to young black children that we can change this narrative. Last summer, I interned with USAA Real Estate Company as an investment accountant, while this summer I am a tax intern for Deloitte in Houston. I also won the regional competition in the Deloitte Audit Innovation Challenge and gained an opportunity to compete at the national competition. I hope that sharing these experiences will inspire the future generation to break the mold."
2017
Amanda Lochte
Texas Lutheran University
Softball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Exercise Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) major who graduated in May of 2017. CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year for Softball, 2017. CoSIDA Academic All-America, 2016-2017. CoSIDA Academic All-District, 2016-2017. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll, 2014-2017. Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, 2014-2017. Alpha Chi Honor Society, 2014-2017. TLU Honors Program, 2014-2017.
Athletics achievement: Two-time All-SCAC selection, 2016-2017. NFCA Second Team All-Region, 2017. Four-time SCAC championship team member, 2014-2017. SCAC All-Tournament Team selection, 2017.
Service and leadership: Member of Texas Lutheran Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, 2014-2017. Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2013-2017. TLU Black & Gold President’s Council, 2015-2017. Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, 2015-2017). Seguin Special Olympics, 2014-2016. Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, 2015. LULAC Community Garden, 2014-2015. Seguin Outdoor Learning Center, 2013-2015.
Excerpt from personal statement: "Being a scholar, an athlete, and a leader on my campus and in my community has opened up endless opportunities for me and made me the woman I am today. I was blessed to attend Texas Lutheran University and receive an exemplary education. This gave me a strong baseline of knowledge with which I can pursue my future career as a physical therapist. I was taught how to be persistent in my studies, establish working and personal relationships, capitalize on my strengths, and improve my weaknesses.”
2016
Brigette Lee
Trinity University
Golf
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major who graduated in May of 2016. Trinity University/Ian Thompson Award for Academic Excellence for Premedical Students, 2016. Capital One Academic All-America, 2015-2016. Capital One Academic All-America All-District, 2014-2016. Women's Golf Coaches Association All-Ameircan Scholar, 2013-2016. Trinity University Scholar, 2012-2015. Dean's List, 2013-2016. Goldwater Scholarship Nominee, 2014. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll, 2013-2016.
Athletics achievement: 4x All-SCAC selection, 2013-2016. 2x All-SCAC First Team selection, 2013-2014. SCAC Women's Golfer-of-the-Year, 2013. SCAC Women's Freshman Golfer-of-the-Year, 2013. SCAC Women's Golf Championship medalist, 2013. 3x SCAC Women's Golfer-of-the-Week, 2014-2016. SCAC All-Sportsmanship Team, 2016.
Service and leadership: Trinity University American Medical Student Assocation, 2012-2016: Vice-President, 2014-2015; President, 2015-2016. Volunteer with Teen Medical Academy, 2012-2016. Golf Team Captain, 2015-2016. Methodist Hospital volunteer, 2009-2015. Faith Family Clinic volunteer, 2013. First Tee Golf Program volunteer, 2012-2016. General Chemistry Peer Tutor, 2013. Organic Chemistry II Peer Tutor, 2014.
Excerpt from personal statement: "My academic, athletic and community involvements have all helped shape the person I am today. School ignited my intellectual curiosity and a thirst to keep learning more. Working on a research project and writing the paper taught me how to collaborate with others. Through golf, I developed patience and discipline. Golf also taught me to never give up.”
2015
Emily Jorgens
Trinity University
Soccer
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Business Administration-Accounting major who graduated in May of 2015. NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, 2015. NSCAA Scholar All-American First Team, 2013-2014. Capital One Academic All-American of the Year, 2013-2014. NCAA Elite 89 Award, 2013. Capital One Academic All-American First Team, 2013-2014. NSCAA Academic All-Region First Team, 2013-2014. Capital One Academic All-District First Team, 2012-2014. Dean's List all 8 semesters. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll, 2011-2014. BKD Accounting Promise Award, 2013. Trinity Murchison Scholarship, 2011-2014. Trinity National Merit Scholarship, 2011-2014. Member of Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society.
Athletics achievement: 3x All-SCAC First Team selection, 2012-2014. 2x SCAC Offensive Player-of-the-Year, 2012-2013. 2x NSCAA First Team All-America, 2013-2014. NSCAA Second Team All-America, 2012. 4x NSCAA First Team All-West Region, 2011-2014. 2x D3soccer.com First Team All-America selection, 2013-2014. D3soccer.com Second Team All-America, 2012. D3soccer.com Third Team All-America, 2011. D3soccer.cocm Midfielder-of-the-Year, 2013. 3x SCAC All-Tournament Team, 2012-2014. NCAA All-Tournament Team, 2013. Member of 2013 NCAA Division III National Runner-ups. Leading scorer in Trinity history and second in SCAC history (206 points).
Service and leadership: Trinity University SAAC, 2013-2015. SAAC Fundraising Co-Chair, 2013-2014. Special Olympics volunteer, 2002-2014. Sunshine Cottage for Deaf Children volunteer, 2012-2014. Habitat for Humanity volunteer, 2012-2013. Volunteer coordinator and coach for Multi-level Educational Youth Outreach (MEYO) and Kick Childhood Cancer Soccer Clinic, 2014. Served as peer leader for the Female Athlete Body (FAB) Project, 2013-2015.
Excerpt from personal statement: "My experiences have surrounded me with individuals who constantly inspire me to pursue excellence in all avenues of my life and I cannot be more grateful for the opportunities that I seized which allowed me to grow and give back to the communities that have provided me so much."
2014
Lilly Duarte
Southwestern University
Cross Country & Outdoor Track and Field
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Physics major who graduated in May of 2014. Dean's List all 8 semesters. Southwestern Mood Scholar and Bishop Earnest T. Dixon Scholar, 2010-2014. Southwestern Director of Athletics Academic Award, 2010-2014. Pirate Anchor Award, 2014. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: 2-time NCAA All-Region Cross Country, 2012-2013. 3-time All-SCAC Cross Country, 2011-2013. NCAA Qualifier, 2013. Fastest 5K and 6K times in Southwestern history. 7-time All-SCAC Track and Field, 2012-2014. 1,500 meters conference champion, 2014. Southwestern record holder in both 800 meters and 1,500 meters. Team captain (cross country and track), 2013-2014. Dr. Carla Lowry Female Athlete of the Year, 2014.
Service and leadership: Member of Sigma Phi Lambda, a Christian sorority. Helped organize "The Locker", a campus service organization dedicated to providing basic need items to local school children. Served as Spanish tutor at Annie Purl Elementary School, 2011-2012. Georgetown High School Mentor, 2013. Boys & Girls Club Spring Break Camp counselor, 2014.
Excerpt from personal statement: "Every moment on the track or in the classroom was an opportunity for me to excel and become a better version of myself; and now I have others to do it for."
2014
Shelby Eaves
Austin College
Volleyball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Psychology major who graduated in May of 2014. CoSIDA First Team All-District, 2013. Dean's List, 2010-2013. Member of Psi Chi Honor Society. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: AVCA Honorable Mention All-American, 2013. AVCA All-South Region, 2013. 2-time All-SCAC First Team selection, 2012-2013. SCAC Newcomer of the Year, 2010. AC's all-time career leader in kills. Team captain, 2012-2013. Gene Day Female Athlete of the Year, 2014.
Service and leadership: Austin College SAAC, 2010-2014. SAAC Vice-President, 2010-2012. Ignite Student Leadership team member, 2012-2014. Volunteer aid for CP Child, 2010-2014. ACES After School Program volunteer, 2013-2014. Special Olympics volunteer, 2013-2014. Mentor programs (DNow and Xtreme Camp) for junior high school girls, 2013. Multiple volunteer projects serving seniors, women's shelters and the homeless, 2012-2014.
Excerpt from personal statement: "In the classroom, I was challenged to be a well-rounded student and more importantly, an individual. As an athlete, I was challenged each and every day to never settle. As a leader, especially in volleyball, I was challenged to lead by more than example and I slowly learned to embrace that throughout my career at Austin College."
2013
Rachel Thibodeau
Southwestern University
Volleyball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Psychology major who graduated in May of 2013. NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, 2013. Phi Betta Kappa. CoSIDA First Team All-America, 2012. Southwestern Department of Psychology Outstanding Achievement in Psychology Award, 2013. Southwestern Michael Sheam Writing Award, 2012. Southwestern Director of Athletics Academic Excellence Award, 2009-2012. Southwestern Cody Scholar, 2009-2013. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: 2-time AVCA All-American, 2011-2012. SCAC Player of the Year, 2012. 2-time All-SCAC First Team selection, 2011 and 2012. 2-time AVCA All-South Region First Team selection, 2011 and 2012. 2-time NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team, 2010 and 2011. SCAC All-Tournament team selection, 2012. Southwestern Team MVP, 2012. Southwestern SAAC Standout Female Athlete, 2012. Team captain, 2012.
Service and leadership: President of Psi Chi, a Psychology National Honor Society. Vice-President of Alpha Chi National Honor Society and Secretary of Sigma Phi Lambda Christian Sorority. Member of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership society. Served as teaching assistant within Southwestern Department of Psychology. Summer intern at University of Texas at Dallas Center for Brain Health. Volunteer with King of Glory Youth Group, Relay for Life, Angel Tree, a Week of Hope and Special Olympics.
Excerpt from personal statement: "If you were to ask me before my time at Southwestern what quality an individual must possess in order to face challenges, I would have said motivation. Although this quality is important, I have come to find that the key to success in challenging situations is being selfless. One of the most important lessons I have learned as a student-athlete is that when faced with a challenge, it is selfish to fear the situation, leading you to hold back all you have to offer."
2012
Sharwil Bell
Rhodes College
Basketball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Biology major, Business minor who graduated in May 2012. NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, 2012. Phi Beta Kappa, Gamma Chapter. Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society. Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society. 2-time Captial One Academic All-American, 2011 and 2012. Rhodes College Student Hall of Fame. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: Josten's Trophy Finalist, 2012. 2-time All-SCAC First Team, 2011 and 2012. 3-time Rhodes College team MVP, 2010-2012. 2-time D3hoops.com All-South Region, 2011 and 2012. Rebecca Rish Award (Rhodes College Female Athlete of the Year), 2012. SCAC Newcomer of the Year, 2010.
Service and leadership: Vice President of Mortar Board National Honor Society. Vice President of Rhodes’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Peer Mentor, 2010-2012. Served as Physical Therapy Shadow at both Methodist University Hospital and the Campbell Clinic for Orthopedics.
Excerpt from personal statement: "My extensive involvement in academics, athletics and service to my campus and community has allowed me to realize a new sense of balance in life. By engaging in competition on the court and in the classroom, I gained an appreciation for consistently putting my best foot forward."
2012
Abigail Loar
Trinity University
Soccer
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Anthropology and Environmental Sciences major who graduated in May 2012. NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, 2012. Margaret Mead Award for top Trinity senior in Anthropology Major. Recipient of Murchison Research Scholarship for Biology and June Cook Scholarship in Creative Writing. Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. Member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society. Lambda Alpha Anthropology Society. 2-time NSCAA Academic All-American. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: 2-time NSCAA All-American, 2010 and 2011. 2-time D3soccer.com All-American, 2010 and 2011. D3soccer national Forward of the Year, 2011. 2-time SCAC Offensive Player of the Year, 2010 and 2011. SCAC Newcomer of the Year, 2008. 4-time First Team All-SCAC selection, 2008-2011. 3-time NSCAA All-Region, 2009-2011. Member of NCAA Elite Eight team, 2009. Trinity all-time leader in goals and overall points scored.
Service and leadership: Served as the Epidemiological Data Survey creator, implementer and analyst on HIV/Syphilis Task Force. Volunteer with Project Cure and Co-representative for Two Degrees. Additional volunteer efforts with Habitat for Humanity, St. PJ's Children's Home and Haven for Hope. Initiated service project with Trinity SAAC for Black Out Breast Cancer.
Excerpt from personal statement: "In my work in the classroom, community and on the field, I've come to learn that success is best derived through the collection of skilled, passionate and driven individuals. I must be selfish enough to invest the time to be the best person I can possibly be while simultaneously always putting my best foot forward in the name of others."
2011
Hayley Emerick
Trinity University
Diving
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Business Administration major who graduated in May 2011. NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, 2011. 3-time NCAA Academic All-American, 2009-2011. Member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Member of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: NCAA 3-meter diving champion, 2010. NCAA 1-meter runner-up, 2011. NCAA 3-meter runner-up, 2011. 8-time NCAA All-American (2008-2011). Record holder in the NCAA 3-meter board. 2-time SCAC Diver of the Year (2008 and 2011). 3-time SCAC Diver of the Meet (2008, 2009 and 2010). SCAC record holder for both the 1-meter and 3-meter. 7-time SCAC champion (2008-2011). Team captain (2010-2011).
Service and leadership: Co-founder and member of Delta Sigma Pi, business fraternity. Member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Alpha Lambda Delta, an honor society. Service projects with Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA and the Food Bank of San Antonio. Cross Cultural Solutions Volunteer abroad, 2010.
Excerpt from personal statement: "My academic experience taught me hard work, perseverance and determination while my athletic experience taught me to set my goals high and to create a plan for reaching them step by step. It has given me patience and the ability to plan well into the future, and I have realized that rigorous preparation, though tough, eventually pays off."
2010
Lauren Reich
DePauw University
Cross Country & Outdoor Track and Field
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Biology major who graduated in May 2010. Bob Harvey Senior Student-Athlete Award, 2010. USTFCCA All-Academic Team (Cross Country and Track), 2008. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: 2-time USTFCCA All-American, cross country, 2008-2009. 2-time NCAA All-American, indoor track (mile, 800 m), 2010. 4-time NCAA All-American, outdoor track (800m, 1500m, 5000m) 2008-2010. 2-time SCAC Runner of the Year, cross country, 2006 and 2009. SCAC Rookie of the Year, cross country, 2006. USTFCCA Indoor Track Great Lakes Region Athlete of the Year, 2010. DePauw Most Valuable Runner (cross country and track), 2007-2010. Amy Hasbrook Award (DePauw Female Athlete of the Year), 2010. Cross County team captain, 2008-2010.
Service and leadership: Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member, 2007-2008. Volunteer with DePauw Global Health Initiative and Mesa (Ariz.) Bird Rescue. Biology mentor as member of Alpha Phi. Counselor with Camp Red Arrow.
Excerpt from personal statement: "After four years, it is still an honor to wear my Tiger-striped uniform because I know I had to earn them. Those stripes required growth, leadership, learning and competing for my school. Those stripes represent more than any of my accomplishments could: confidence from stripes."
2009
Melanie Auguste
Colorado College
Basketball
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Economics major who graduated in May 2009. Rhodes Scholar Nominee, 2009. NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, 2009. ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-America, 2009. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: Josten's Trophy Winner - Most Outstanding D3 Women's Basketball Player, 2009. SCAC Basketball Player of the Year, 2009. DIII News All-American, 2009. D3Hoops.com All-American, 2009. WBCA All-American, 2009. 2-time First-Team All-SCAC, 2008, 2009. 4-time team MVP, 2005-2009. Three-time team captain, 2007-2009. CC's all-time leader in assists and steals.
Service and leadership: Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member. SAAC President, 2008-09. Founding student editor Rocky Mountain Undergraduate Review. Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life volunteer.
Excerpt from personal statement: "The lessons I learned in a classroom made me a better athlete and the lessons I learned on the court made me a better student. The sum of both experiences made me a better person. One day I will no longer be a basketball player or a student, but I have always been and will always be a member of my community."
2009
Amanda Stier
DePauw University
Swimming
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: Kinesiology - Sports Medicine major who graduated in May 2009. Four-time College Swim Coaches Association Academic All-American Award, 2006-2009. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: 11-time NCAA All-American (Individual & Relays), 2006-2009. 16-time SCAC conference champion, 2006-2009. 26-time All-SCAC performer, 2006-2009. Holder of 7 school records (100 and 200 fly; 200 free; 200 and 400 free relays; 200 and 400 medley relays). Highest point scorer ever at DePauw (2192 pts). 3-time team MVP (2006, 2008, 2009). Team captain 2008-2009. Amy Hasbrook Award (DePauw Female Athlete of the Year), 2009.
Service and leadership: NSCA personal trainer, 2008-2009. Member of Kappa Omicron Nu; served as KON secretary, 2008-2009. Member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, 2006-2009. Led volunteer efforts for victims of domestic violence.
Excerpt from personal statement: "I am proud to have represented my school in national level competition. Swimming has taught me leadership as our team's captain, and that teamwork is the only way an "individual athlete" can succeed."
2008
Katie Doogan
DePauw University
Swimming
SCAC Release
Academic achievement: English Writing major who graduated in May 2008. National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Media Fellow, DePauw University Program of Distinction. Four-time College Swim Coaches Association Academic All-American Award, 2005-2008. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: 3-time individual NCAA All-American (400 IM - 2007 and 2008; 200 IM - 2007), 8-time relay NCAA All-American (200 free relay; 200 medley relay; 400 free relay; 400 medley relay - 2006 and 2008). Team MVP - 2005 and 2007; school record holder: 100 and 200 free; 200 and 400 IM. Member of school record holding relays: 200, 400 and 800 free relays; 200 and 400 medley relays. School record for most points scored in a career (2033.5 pts). SCAC Swimmer of the Year, 2008. SCAC High Point Swimmer of the Meet, 2005, 2007, 2008. DePauw Senior Female Athlete of the Year, 2008.
Service and leadership: Executive producer for TV show on D3TV (DePauw student television). Served as DJ and newscaster on student radio station WGRE. Managing editor of A Midwestern Review, a biannual literary magazine. Mentor for 14 incoming first-year students as part of depauw.year1 Mentor Program.
Excerpt from personal statement: "As a student-athlete, I strive for my own personal records while supporting my competition. I have gained team friendships, precise mental discipline, and intense respect for my competition thanks to my NCAA student-athlete experience."
2007
Liz Bondi
DePauw University
Basketball & Tennis
Academic achievement: Kinesiology major who graduated in May 2007. ITA Academic All-American. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Athletics achievement: Basketball Team captain 2006-07. Tennis Team captain 2005-07. Two-time Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Basketball Player of the Year, 2006-2007. Two-time Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tennis Player of the Year, 2005-2006. Honda Division III Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year, 2007. ITA Fall National Champion (Singles) 2006. ITA Fall National Champions (Doubles) 2004, 2006. NCAA National Champion - Tennis (Singles) 2007. NCAA Final Four MVP - Basketball, 2007. Two-time D3hoops.com All-American, 2006-2007. D3News All-American, 2007.
Service and leadership: Interned with Illinois Bone and Joint Institute and OrthoIndy. Member of DePauw Wellness Center Advisory Board. Little Sisters Basketball and DePauw Kids Basketball volunteer.
Excerpt from personal statement: "Participating as both an individual and a team athlete, I have learned the importance of selflessness. It is not about who gets the most points, the most wins, or the best grades. It is about the success of the team and the group."
2006
Christyn Schumann
Trinity University
Track and Field
Academic achievement: Business management major who graduated in May 2006. Recipient of NCAA Women’s Enhancement Program Postgraduate Scholarship. NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, 2006. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll. Recipient of Trinity University Division of Student Affairs Presidential Award of Excellence for campus leadership and excellence.
Athletics Achievement: Team captain, 2004-06. NCAA champion in high jump (outdoor), 2004-06. NCAA champion in high jump (indoor), 2005. Three-time Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference team champion. Holds Trinity and conference high jump records.
Service and leadership: Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member. Mentor in Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program. Interned with the San Antonio Sports Foundation. Resident assistant for 40 students in dormitory on Trinity campus. Red Cross and UNICEF volunteer.
Excerpt from personal statement: "It is difficult to delineate all I have gained as a student-athlete, for I cannot imagine my college years without that experience. Division III athletics enabled me to compete at the top level while focusing on other aspects of my life and developing life skills necessary to excel after college."