SWEET BRIAR – The 2005-06 athletic season officially came to an end Thursday, as Sweet Briar Athletics held its annual Varsity Sports Awards Ceremony. The night featured the presentation of five major awards, as well as participation and team awards.
The ceremony’s emcee, Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President Jenn Wiley ’06 (Williamsburg, VA/Jamestown), received both the Crysler Four Year Achievement Award and Athlete of the Year Award for her performance on the field hockey and lacrosse fields.
The Crysler Four Year Achievement Award has been given since 1979, and was named after its first recipient, Cannie Crysler Shafer '79, a three sport, four-year varsity athlete at Sweet Briar. It honors an outstanding four-year varsity athlete who has demonstrated commitment, sportsmanship and achievement in sport.
In 2003, Wiley received the Pschirrer Freshman Athlete Award, signaling the beginning of her stellar four-year career in field hockey and lacrosse.
By the end of hockey season this fall, Wiley became the conference and national Division III career saves leader with 1042. She earned All-Conference and All-State honors for the fourth year, and was voted Player of the Year by ODAC coaches.
In lacrosse, Wiley has been a solid and aggressive defender, playing with intensity from the first draw to the final whistle. Coach Missy Ackerman says, "JW's intensity and aggressiveness has been a catalyst for both teams. Her pursuit of the ball or a win is consistent from minute to minute, game to game. " This spring, she was named to the All-Conference second team.
The Athlete of the Year Award is given to a varsity athlete from any class who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in sport this year. Wiley received the honor after recording a conference-leading 263 saves and stopping 80 percent of opponents’ shots in goal. On the lacrosse field, Wiley was second on the team in ground ball pickups and helped the Vixens finish near the top among conference teams in caused turnovers.
Wiley spent part of her winter break in Mexico doing research on the migratory habits of Monarch butterflies, and this spring will graduate with a major in biology.
The Class of 1977 Sportsmanship Award has been awarded since 1979, and is presented to a student athlete selected with regard to her sportsmanship, team spirit and commitment to varsity sports. This year’s honoree was senior field hockey player Michelle Badger (Plymouth, MA/Plymouth South).
A quiet leader by example, Badger has played every position but goalkeeper, and coach Jennifer Crispen says, “I believe she would put on pads, and play there if we needed her.”
Badger has spearheaded team fundraising efforts, and is active in leadership roles on campus. This year, she was academic chair of the Judicial Committee, and was named to Who‘s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
Senior lacrosse player Joanna Wood (Hopkinton, MA/Hopkinton) was presented the Whiteman Scholar Athlete Award. The award is presented to a student athlete with a high scholastic average, sportsmanship and outstanding achievement in sport.
Wood will graduate in May with a bachelor of arts in philosophy and a minor in biology. Her honors include the National Honor Society, the Betty Bean Black Scholarship, first year’s honors and the dean’s list. This spring she was awarded the Presidential Medal, the highest honor a member of the senior class can receive.
Coach Missy Ackerman says, "Woody's contribution to lacrosse is best described as reliable and dependable. Her approach to lacrosse is not unlike her academic performance—she is focused, committed and strives to leave an impression. Woody returned to the lacrosse team after a year abroad and immediately picked up where she left sophomore year. "
The Pschirrer First Year Athlete Award honors dedication, motivation, sportsmanship and love of sport, and was presented this year to soccer and lacrosse player Kristen Johnson '09 (Federal Way, WA/Decatur).
In the goal for the soccer team, Kristen turned back three of four penalty shots taken by the opposition. She picked up 10 or more saves in all but one conference game, leading all ODAC goalies with 175 saves this season and was named to the All-Conference honorable mention team.
Coach Paul Shaw says, "To be honored by conference coaches as a first year athlete is tremendous, especially as a goal keeper, and it shows the level our program has risen to. We have selfless players who are committed to making us successful. I know KJ would give away any personal accolades for a run in the playoffs."
Joe Malloy was honored with the Barlow Faculty Staff Award, given by the student athletes of Sweet Briar College to a member of the faculty or staff who has shown spirited support of Vixen Athletics throughout the year.
Malloy was seen at almost every home athletic competition this year. Sitting in his green chair, he cheered on the Vixens win or lose.
Sweet Briar Pink and Green Awards, honoring the MVP of each varsity sport, were presented to Jenn Wiley ’06 (Williamsburg, VA/Jamestown) Field Hockey; Emily Fitzpatrick ’07 (Virginia Beach, VA/Norfolk Academy) Lacrosse; Kristen Johnson ’09 (Federal Way, WA/Decatur) Soccer; Krystal Ellis ’08 (Rustburg, VA/Rustburg) Softball; Joanna Meade ’06 (King George, VA/King George) Swimming; Haley Graham ’06 (Virginia Beach, VA/Ocean Lakes) Tennis; and Meagan Bell ’09 (Amherst, VA/Amherst County) Volleyball.
