EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern marked the end of the 2016-17 academic and athletic year with the second annual NESPYs, a celebration of the best moments, highlights and achievements of Wildcat student-athletes, on June 2 at the Hilton Orrington Hotel.
List of Awards
N Club Achievement Award; Isabel Flens (Field Hockey) & Sam Shropshire (Men's Tennis)
Presented to graduating senior letterwinners in recognition of a significant contribution to Northwestern athletics, on the basis of good citizenship, satisfactory academic standing and representing Northwestern well in intercollegiate competition.
Isabel Flens capped her standout career this past season by being named an NFHCA second-team All-American. A two-time All-Big Ten selection and two-time All-West Region honoree, Flens leaves Northwestern ranked fourth in school history with 52 goals and 130 points. After helping the Wildcats to a share of the Big Ten regular season title and an NCAA tournament appearance as a freshman, she tallied the game-winning goal in the Wildcats' victory over Maryland in the Big Ten tournament championship game as a sophomore. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Flens will graduate with a degree in communication studies.
Sam Shropshire brought an immediate spark to Northwestern tennis by earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten in his first season. He never slowed down, earning four All-Big Ten selections in his career, just the third Northwestern player to ever do so. He was twice selected for the NCAA singles tournament. As a senior captain, Shropshire helped lead Northwestern to its sixth straight NCAA tournament and fifth straight 20-win season. He and his fellow seniors leave as the winningest class in program history. He ranks among the top-10 in Northwestern history in single-season doubles wins and career singles and doubles winning percentage.
N Club Performance Award; Nia Coffey (Women's Basketball) & Jordan Wilimovsky (Men's Swimming & Diving)
Presented in recognition of outstanding athletic performance by a graduating senior letterwinner.
Nia Coffey will deservedly be remembered as one of the best players in women's basketball program history. She earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in each of her four years, becoming the first player in Northwestern women's basketball history to do so. Coffey was also named All-America Honorable Mention each of the last two seasons. She holds the program record for both single-season and career rebounds and career free throws made and ranks second in Northwestern history in both points scored and blocked shots. Coffey is just the fifth player in Big Ten women's basketball history with over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. She was drafted fifth overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Stars to become the third-highest draft pick in Northwestern sports history.
Jordan Wilimovsky has had incredible accomplishments in both NCAA and Olympic arenas and leaves Northwestern as one of the most decorated swimmers in program history. While taking an Olympic redshirt during the 2015-16 season, Wilimovsky claimed gold in the men's 10k open water event at the world championships. The Malibu, California, native made United States swimming history last summer when he became the first American to swim in both pool and open water events at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where he finished just outside medal positions. A five-time All-America honoree, he owns Northwestern and Norris Center pool records in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650 free events.
Big Ten Sportsmanship Award; Kacie Komoto (Women's Golf) & Sanjay Lumpkin (Men's Basketball)
Honors student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
Kacie Komoto's career has spanned a golden age of Northwestern's women's golf. The Honolulu native helped lead the Wildcats to a pair of Big Ten championships, and four straight best-in-program-history results at the NCAA championships, culminating in this spring's surge to a national runner-up finish. She owns one of the best career scoring averages in the Wildcats record book, and two of the Top-8 single-season marks. The senior piled up three all-conference honors, earned a 2016 All-America nod from Golfweek, and received Academic All-Big Ten recognition three times.
Sanjay Lumpkin served as a two-time team captain for the Northwestern men's basketball program. Described by head coach Chris Collins as "the heart and soul" of the team, Lumpkin's career coincided with the program's rise to new heights. He ranks second in school history with 137 games played, fourth with 126 games started and 14th with 637 rebounds. This past season, he helped the team earn its first NCAA tournament appearance in school history. Off the court, he was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient while being named to the NABC Honors Court. Lumpkin earned his bachelor's degree in learning and organizational change and is working towards his master's in sports administration.
Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarship; Julia Abelsky (Women's Fencing) & Cooper Wetherbee (Baseball)
The Big Ten awards a $7,500 postgraduate scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete from each conference institution. Student-athletes must have been in their final season of NCAA eligibility, maintained at least a 3.2 GPA, demonstrated leadership qualities, served as a role model and intended to continue their academic work in a graduate degree program.
Julia Abelsky started her Northwestern fencing career immediately contributing to the sabre squad. She finished fourth in her first NCAA Regionals and qualified for the NCAA Championships as a freshman. She ended her distinguished four years with 206 wins, the seventh highest sabre total in program history. She won the Arthur Ashe Scholar Award and a Congressional Gold medal last season, was Academic All-Big Ten in 2015 and 2016, and was a Distinguished Scholar in 2016.
Cooper Wetherbee spent his freshman and sophomore years with Northwestern's marching band and club baseball team before walking-on to the varsity team as a left-handed relief pitcher in 2016. The Piedmont, California, native has shown dramatic improvement from year one to year two. In 2016, Wetherbee appeared in 17 games, throwing 28.1 innings with 13 strikeouts. This season, he has emerged as one of the Wildcats' top starting pitchers, appearing in over 17 games and doubling his innings pitched and strikeout totals from a year ago. A Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, Wetherbee will graduate with degrees in economics and environmental sciences and a minor in transportation and logistics.
Lisa Ishikawa Award; Melissa Postoll (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Presented annually to a graduating female student-athlete who has exhibited outstanding leadership ability and selfless dedication to team goals.
Melissa Postoll rewrote the record books in her four years of competition at Northwestern, setting school records in the 200 meter backstroke, 200 and 400 meter individual medleys and as a part of the 800-yard free relay team. An extremely versatile and talented swimmer, Melissa's leadership this past season was instrumental to the Wildcats improving as a team at the Big Ten Championships and finishing 21st in the country at the NCAA Championships. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Melissa finished fifth in the 200 IM at the Big Ten Championships and qualified for three events at the NCAA Championships.
Billy McKinney Award; Brandon Medina (Men's Soccer)
Presented annually to a graduating male student-athlete whose leadership qualities, constant effort and positive attitude make him an ideal teammate and student-athlete.
Brandon Medina has demonstrated tremendous perseverance throughout his Northwestern career. Medina burst onto the college soccer scene notching 11 goals in his first 8 games for the Wildcats. Despite sustaining a season ending injury, he was still a unanimous All-Big Ten Freshman selection. Medina returned to action in 2014 to lead the team in assists and help Northwestern reach the NCAA Tournament. The Chicago, Illinois product scored two goals in the 2016 season-opener leading the 'Cats to a victory in the program's first game at Martin Stadium. An Academic All-Big Ten selection and team captain, Medina will graduate with a degree in economics.
NCAA Woman of the Year Nominees; Alisha Gomez-Shah (Women's Fencing) & Nandi Mehta (Women's Soccer)
Recognizes individual excellence in three areas: athletics, academics, and community service.
Alisha Gomez-Shah has been a rock for the Northwestern fencing team and sabre squad for four years. Gomez-Shah qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times and finished second in the Midwest Regionals her freshman year. Last year she took home first place in the Midwest Fencing Conference individual sabre competition. A senior captain for the Wildcats, she finished her career with 192 wins, the ninth highest sabre total in program history. She also received Academic All Big Ten honors in 2015 and 2016.
Nandi Mehta was an exemplary leader for the Women's Soccer program for each of her five years on the team, as evidenced by her appointment as Co-Captain for each of her final three seasons. In that period, she started all but three matches, including every match since the 2015 season. In her final campaign, Mehta logged nearly 2,000 minutes and recorded six points while helping to lead the Wildcats to their first ever Big Ten title. She then captained the team to two more wins in the NCAA tournament to earn a spot in the Round of 16. Mehta excelled in the classroom as well, earning NSCAA Scholar All-Region honors in addition to being a first team CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree.
Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year Nominee; Austin Carr (Football)
Given annually to the outstanding male athlete in the Big Ten. Northwestern chooses one student-athlete to represent the University in conference voting.
Austin Carr began his Northwestern career as a walk-on, and ended it as one of the best wide receivers in all of college football. A consensus member of the All-Big Ten First Team, the Benicia, California, native led the Conference in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches as a senior, setting Wildcats records in receptions and touchdowns. The three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree was recognized as the Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year and was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation's best pass catcher. A former winner and host of the Northwestern Student-Athlete Talent Show, Carr signed a free agent contract with the NFL's New England Patriots this spring.
Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year Nominee; Olivia Rosendahl (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Given annually to the outstanding female athlete in the Big Ten. Northwestern chooses one student-athlete to represent the University in conference voting.
Olivia Rosendahl became the first National Champion in Northwestern women's swimming and diving history with her win on the platform at the 2017 NCAA Championships. Rosendahl scored a 335.30 to claim the gold medal, finishing nearly 20 points in front of the runner-up. She also placed 8th in the 3-meter springboard, making her the first Wildcat since the 1999-00 season to earn multiple All-America honors. Rosendahl claimed a pair of silver medals at the Big Ten Championships, setting a school record on the platform with a 368.05.
Big Ten Medal of Honor; Nandi Mehta (Women's Soccer) & Austin Carr (Football)
The Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work."
Comeback of the Year; Vic Law (Men's Basketball)
Recognizes a student-athlete for their comeback after an injury.
Vic Law missed the entire 2015-16 season after undergoing surgery. He returned this past season to start all 36 games, averaging 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. Law led the Wildcats in steals and was named to the All-Big Ten Defensive Team.
Newcomer of the Year; Aubrey Roberts (Cross Country) & Alex Erro (Baseball)
Recognizes one male and one female student-athlete for their performance in their first year at Northwestern.
Aubrey Roberts ran her team's best times in the 5K and 6K events during the fall season. She placed 4th at the NCAA Midwest Regional and 2nd at the US Cross Country Championships, earning a berth on Team USA.
Alex Erro earned the nod as the starting second baseman for the Wildcats, and is second on the team in batting and home runs. He had a 17-game hitting streak this spring, the longest for an NU player since 2008.
Play of the Year; Taphorn to Pardon to beat Michigan at the buzzer (Men's Basketball)
Recognizes the most significant play of the athletic year at Northwestern.
Performance of the Year; Olivia Rosendahl (Women's Swimming)
Award voted on by fellow student-athletes and given to the Northwestern student-athlete who put forth the top performance of the year.
Willie Award; Alisha Gomez-Shah (Women's Fencing) & Matthew Harris (Football)
Presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete who embody P.R.I.D.E. (Perseverance, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication, and Education).
Matthew Harris made an immediate impact on Northwestern football earning a spot on the field for the opening kickoff of his rookie campaign. He earned a starting role as a sophomore, and took home All-Big Ten honors as a junior, recognizing him as one of the best cornerbacks in the conference. The three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree was elected by his teammates as a captain, and by his peers as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. A native of Lyons Township, Illinois, Harris won a 2015 Irving Kabiller Memorial Award for Excellence in Character, Commitment and Community from NU For Life and used his grant to create a two-day program called "Embrace Yours," which paired disadvantaged Evanston youth with role models and mentors, including a number of his teammates.
Community Outreach Award; Lindsay Adamski (Women's Swimming & Diving) & Tommy Doles (Football)
Recognizes one male and one female student-athlete who have made a tremendous impact within Northwestern's Evanston and Chicagoland communities through volunteer service.
Lindsay Adamski has done an outstanding job incorporating giving back into her student-athlete experience, becoming a leader among her peers as a sophomore. As an active member of Athletes in Action, Adamski has participated in Spring Break Mission trips and other volunteer opportunities. She has visited Lurie Children's Hospital on multiple occasions and helped pack backpacks for Blessings in a Backpack, providing food to children who experience food insecurity. As a member of the Women's Swimming and Diving Team, she has participated in Breaststroke for Breast Cancer and helped raise money for local cancer research.
Tommy Doles has been a leader in many areas since he stepped foot on campus, including in the community. He is actively involved in Athletes in Action, is the student-athlete Senator on ASG, and is the President of ROARR, the student-athlete led anti-bullying program. Tommy is a regular at local schools in the Evanston and Chicagoland areas, helping to encourage kids to be healthy and active through the NFL's Fuel Up to Play 60 program. He also is a frequent visitor to children's hospitals. Tommy's Spring Breaks have included a mission trip to Puerto Rico and volunteering in Peru.
Top Team GPA (Women's Soccer)
Awarded to the varsity program with the highest average GPA.
The purple carpet is ?????? at the 2017 #NESPYs.#B1GCats pic.twitter.com/z6PWgnwlXg
— #B1GCats (@NU_Sports) June 2, 2017
List of Awards
N Club Achievement Award; Isabel Flens (Field Hockey) & Sam Shropshire (Men's Tennis)
Presented to graduating senior letterwinners in recognition of a significant contribution to Northwestern athletics, on the basis of good citizenship, satisfactory academic standing and representing Northwestern well in intercollegiate competition.
Isabel Flens capped her standout career this past season by being named an NFHCA second-team All-American. A two-time All-Big Ten selection and two-time All-West Region honoree, Flens leaves Northwestern ranked fourth in school history with 52 goals and 130 points. After helping the Wildcats to a share of the Big Ten regular season title and an NCAA tournament appearance as a freshman, she tallied the game-winning goal in the Wildcats' victory over Maryland in the Big Ten tournament championship game as a sophomore. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Flens will graduate with a degree in communication studies.
Sam Shropshire brought an immediate spark to Northwestern tennis by earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten in his first season. He never slowed down, earning four All-Big Ten selections in his career, just the third Northwestern player to ever do so. He was twice selected for the NCAA singles tournament. As a senior captain, Shropshire helped lead Northwestern to its sixth straight NCAA tournament and fifth straight 20-win season. He and his fellow seniors leave as the winningest class in program history. He ranks among the top-10 in Northwestern history in single-season doubles wins and career singles and doubles winning percentage.
N Club Performance Award; Nia Coffey (Women's Basketball) & Jordan Wilimovsky (Men's Swimming & Diving)
Presented in recognition of outstanding athletic performance by a graduating senior letterwinner.
Nia Coffey will deservedly be remembered as one of the best players in women's basketball program history. She earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in each of her four years, becoming the first player in Northwestern women's basketball history to do so. Coffey was also named All-America Honorable Mention each of the last two seasons. She holds the program record for both single-season and career rebounds and career free throws made and ranks second in Northwestern history in both points scored and blocked shots. Coffey is just the fifth player in Big Ten women's basketball history with over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. She was drafted fifth overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Stars to become the third-highest draft pick in Northwestern sports history.
Nia Coffey taking home the hardware from afar: a @bigten Medal of Honor finalist & winner of the N Club Performance Award! #B1GCats #NESPYs pic.twitter.com/cnZZ8VWkGC
— NU Women's Hoops (@nuwbball) June 2, 2017
Jordan Wilimovsky has had incredible accomplishments in both NCAA and Olympic arenas and leaves Northwestern as one of the most decorated swimmers in program history. While taking an Olympic redshirt during the 2015-16 season, Wilimovsky claimed gold in the men's 10k open water event at the world championships. The Malibu, California, native made United States swimming history last summer when he became the first American to swim in both pool and open water events at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where he finished just outside medal positions. A five-time All-America honoree, he owns Northwestern and Norris Center pool records in the 500, 1,000 and 1,650 free events.
Big Ten Sportsmanship Award; Kacie Komoto (Women's Golf) & Sanjay Lumpkin (Men's Basketball)
Honors student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
Kacie Komoto's career has spanned a golden age of Northwestern's women's golf. The Honolulu native helped lead the Wildcats to a pair of Big Ten championships, and four straight best-in-program-history results at the NCAA championships, culminating in this spring's surge to a national runner-up finish. She owns one of the best career scoring averages in the Wildcats record book, and two of the Top-8 single-season marks. The senior piled up three all-conference honors, earned a 2016 All-America nod from Golfweek, and received Academic All-Big Ten recognition three times.
Sanjay Lumpkin served as a two-time team captain for the Northwestern men's basketball program. Described by head coach Chris Collins as "the heart and soul" of the team, Lumpkin's career coincided with the program's rise to new heights. He ranks second in school history with 137 games played, fourth with 126 games started and 14th with 637 rebounds. This past season, he helped the team earn its first NCAA tournament appearance in school history. Off the court, he was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient while being named to the NABC Honors Court. Lumpkin earned his bachelor's degree in learning and organizational change and is working towards his master's in sports administration.
Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarship; Julia Abelsky (Women's Fencing) & Cooper Wetherbee (Baseball)
The Big Ten awards a $7,500 postgraduate scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete from each conference institution. Student-athletes must have been in their final season of NCAA eligibility, maintained at least a 3.2 GPA, demonstrated leadership qualities, served as a role model and intended to continue their academic work in a graduate degree program.
Julia Abelsky started her Northwestern fencing career immediately contributing to the sabre squad. She finished fourth in her first NCAA Regionals and qualified for the NCAA Championships as a freshman. She ended her distinguished four years with 206 wins, the seventh highest sabre total in program history. She won the Arthur Ashe Scholar Award and a Congressional Gold medal last season, was Academic All-Big Ten in 2015 and 2016, and was a Distinguished Scholar in 2016.
Cooper Wetherbee spent his freshman and sophomore years with Northwestern's marching band and club baseball team before walking-on to the varsity team as a left-handed relief pitcher in 2016. The Piedmont, California, native has shown dramatic improvement from year one to year two. In 2016, Wetherbee appeared in 17 games, throwing 28.1 innings with 13 strikeouts. This season, he has emerged as one of the Wildcats' top starting pitchers, appearing in over 17 games and doubling his innings pitched and strikeout totals from a year ago. A Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, Wetherbee will graduate with degrees in economics and environmental sciences and a minor in transportation and logistics.
Lisa Ishikawa Award; Melissa Postoll (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Presented annually to a graduating female student-athlete who has exhibited outstanding leadership ability and selfless dedication to team goals.
Melissa Postoll rewrote the record books in her four years of competition at Northwestern, setting school records in the 200 meter backstroke, 200 and 400 meter individual medleys and as a part of the 800-yard free relay team. An extremely versatile and talented swimmer, Melissa's leadership this past season was instrumental to the Wildcats improving as a team at the Big Ten Championships and finishing 21st in the country at the NCAA Championships. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Melissa finished fifth in the 200 IM at the Big Ten Championships and qualified for three events at the NCAA Championships.
Billy McKinney Award; Brandon Medina (Men's Soccer)
Presented annually to a graduating male student-athlete whose leadership qualities, constant effort and positive attitude make him an ideal teammate and student-athlete.
Brandon Medina has demonstrated tremendous perseverance throughout his Northwestern career. Medina burst onto the college soccer scene notching 11 goals in his first 8 games for the Wildcats. Despite sustaining a season ending injury, he was still a unanimous All-Big Ten Freshman selection. Medina returned to action in 2014 to lead the team in assists and help Northwestern reach the NCAA Tournament. The Chicago, Illinois product scored two goals in the 2016 season-opener leading the 'Cats to a victory in the program's first game at Martin Stadium. An Academic All-Big Ten selection and team captain, Medina will graduate with a degree in economics.
NCAA Woman of the Year Nominees; Alisha Gomez-Shah (Women's Fencing) & Nandi Mehta (Women's Soccer)
Recognizes individual excellence in three areas: athletics, academics, and community service.
Alisha Gomez-Shah has been a rock for the Northwestern fencing team and sabre squad for four years. Gomez-Shah qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times and finished second in the Midwest Regionals her freshman year. Last year she took home first place in the Midwest Fencing Conference individual sabre competition. A senior captain for the Wildcats, she finished her career with 192 wins, the ninth highest sabre total in program history. She also received Academic All Big Ten honors in 2015 and 2016.
Nandi Mehta was an exemplary leader for the Women's Soccer program for each of her five years on the team, as evidenced by her appointment as Co-Captain for each of her final three seasons. In that period, she started all but three matches, including every match since the 2015 season. In her final campaign, Mehta logged nearly 2,000 minutes and recorded six points while helping to lead the Wildcats to their first ever Big Ten title. She then captained the team to two more wins in the NCAA tournament to earn a spot in the Round of 16. Mehta excelled in the classroom as well, earning NSCAA Scholar All-Region honors in addition to being a first team CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree.
Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year Nominee; Austin Carr (Football)
Given annually to the outstanding male athlete in the Big Ten. Northwestern chooses one student-athlete to represent the University in conference voting.
Austin Carr began his Northwestern career as a walk-on, and ended it as one of the best wide receivers in all of college football. A consensus member of the All-Big Ten First Team, the Benicia, California, native led the Conference in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches as a senior, setting Wildcats records in receptions and touchdowns. The three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree was recognized as the Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year and was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation's best pass catcher. A former winner and host of the Northwestern Student-Athlete Talent Show, Carr signed a free agent contract with the NFL's New England Patriots this spring.
Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year Nominee; Olivia Rosendahl (Women's Swimming & Diving)
Given annually to the outstanding female athlete in the Big Ten. Northwestern chooses one student-athlete to represent the University in conference voting.
Olivia Rosendahl became the first National Champion in Northwestern women's swimming and diving history with her win on the platform at the 2017 NCAA Championships. Rosendahl scored a 335.30 to claim the gold medal, finishing nearly 20 points in front of the runner-up. She also placed 8th in the 3-meter springboard, making her the first Wildcat since the 1999-00 season to earn multiple All-America honors. Rosendahl claimed a pair of silver medals at the Big Ten Championships, setting a school record on the platform with a 368.05.
No surprise here. Olivia Rosendahl's National Championship wins Best Performance! #NESPYs #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/l9kTGVFmHg
— NorthwesternSwimDive (@NUSwimDive) June 3, 2017
Big Ten Medal of Honor; Nandi Mehta (Women's Soccer) & Austin Carr (Football)
The Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work."
Comeback of the Year; Vic Law (Men's Basketball)
Recognizes a student-athlete for their comeback after an injury.
Vic Law missed the entire 2015-16 season after undergoing surgery. He returned this past season to start all 36 games, averaging 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds. Law led the Wildcats in steals and was named to the All-Big Ten Defensive Team.
Newcomer of the Year; Aubrey Roberts (Cross Country) & Alex Erro (Baseball)
Recognizes one male and one female student-athlete for their performance in their first year at Northwestern.
Aubrey Roberts ran her team's best times in the 5K and 6K events during the fall season. She placed 4th at the NCAA Midwest Regional and 2nd at the US Cross Country Championships, earning a berth on Team USA.
Alex Erro earned the nod as the starting second baseman for the Wildcats, and is second on the team in batting and home runs. He had a 17-game hitting streak this spring, the longest for an NU player since 2008.
SADDLE UP. @aerro7 is voted @NU_Sports Best Male Newcomer by his peers. #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/ZUPDfUVoEB
— #B1GCats Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) June 2, 2017
Play of the Year; Taphorn to Pardon to beat Michigan at the buzzer (Men's Basketball)
Recognizes the most significant play of the athletic year at Northwestern.
Play of the Year? No surprise. #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/8IrN3TS6Lr
— #B1GCats (@NU_Sports) June 2, 2017
Performance of the Year; Olivia Rosendahl (Women's Swimming)
Award voted on by fellow student-athletes and given to the Northwestern student-athlete who put forth the top performance of the year.
Willie Award; Alisha Gomez-Shah (Women's Fencing) & Matthew Harris (Football)
Presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete who embody P.R.I.D.E. (Perseverance, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication, and Education).
Matthew Harris made an immediate impact on Northwestern football earning a spot on the field for the opening kickoff of his rookie campaign. He earned a starting role as a sophomore, and took home All-Big Ten honors as a junior, recognizing him as one of the best cornerbacks in the conference. The three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree was elected by his teammates as a captain, and by his peers as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. A native of Lyons Township, Illinois, Harris won a 2015 Irving Kabiller Memorial Award for Excellence in Character, Commitment and Community from NU For Life and used his grant to create a two-day program called "Embrace Yours," which paired disadvantaged Evanston youth with role models and mentors, including a number of his teammates.
Community Outreach Award; Lindsay Adamski (Women's Swimming & Diving) & Tommy Doles (Football)
Recognizes one male and one female student-athlete who have made a tremendous impact within Northwestern's Evanston and Chicagoland communities through volunteer service.
Lindsay Adamski has done an outstanding job incorporating giving back into her student-athlete experience, becoming a leader among her peers as a sophomore. As an active member of Athletes in Action, Adamski has participated in Spring Break Mission trips and other volunteer opportunities. She has visited Lurie Children's Hospital on multiple occasions and helped pack backpacks for Blessings in a Backpack, providing food to children who experience food insecurity. As a member of the Women's Swimming and Diving Team, she has participated in Breaststroke for Breast Cancer and helped raise money for local cancer research.
Tommy Doles has been a leader in many areas since he stepped foot on campus, including in the community. He is actively involved in Athletes in Action, is the student-athlete Senator on ASG, and is the President of ROARR, the student-athlete led anti-bullying program. Tommy is a regular at local schools in the Evanston and Chicagoland areas, helping to encourage kids to be healthy and active through the NFL's Fuel Up to Play 60 program. He also is a frequent visitor to children's hospitals. Tommy's Spring Breaks have included a mission trip to Puerto Rico and volunteering in Peru.
Top Team GPA (Women's Soccer)
Awarded to the varsity program with the highest average GPA.
On the field: defending @bigten champs.
— Northwestern Soccer (@NUWSoccer) June 2, 2017
In the classroom: #B1GCats highest team GPA.#NESPYs pic.twitter.com/CXAOwB1kxZ