Award winners named

Boston, Mass. - Head coach Brooke Freeburg handed out awards to three student-athletes Sunday night. Elise Ordile received the Coach's Award, Sarah Brown received the Wildcat Award, and Sharrell Brown (not pictured) was named the Most Improved Player.

Associate Vice President for Academic Services Mary McCormack, Math and Science Instructor Jud Hill, and senior student Michaela Francis each received the Willy Award, given annually to three members of the Wheelock community in recognition for their support of Wildcat  athletics.

The athletic department instituted for 2009 the Courage Award, inspired by the late Alexander "Lex" Rothman, who passed away in January of this year. Senior softball captain Valerie Cook received the award, which will recognize one male and one female athlete each year. 

Each of the nine sports honored athletes in three respective categories; the Most Improved Player, The Coach's Award, and the Wildcat Award.

The Wildcat Award is given to the student-athlete who has made significant contributions to the program athletically and demonstrated leadership through his or her athletics prowess and skill.

The Coach's Award is given to the student-athlete who has made a significant contribution to the program, through actions off the field, and has demonstrated a positive and enthusiastic approach to the challenges they have faced. This person should be a good example of a team player and embody the values of the department: Respect, Commitment, Balance, Teamwork, Integrity and Communication.