The St. Catherine University Athletic Department recently held its annual awards banquet to celebrate another successful year for St. Kate's student-athletes.
Award winners included:
Athlete-of-the-Year: Michaela Michaelson
During the 2010-11 season, the senior hockey standout earned her second consecutive RBK All-American Award as well as her second straight MIAC Player-of-the-Year award. Michaelson led the Wildcats with 27 points this season. Her 14 goals and 13 assists during the 2010-11 season raised her career totals to 61 goals and 51 assists in 98 games played. Michaelson's 112 career points rank third all-time at St. Kate's. She also graduates as the Wildcats all-time leader in game-winning goals (14) and short-handed goals (6).
Sheila Brown Wildcat Award: Given out annually to seniors who have made a long standing contribution to the Wildcat athletic department and the St. Kate's campus community, this year's recepients were
Nicole Neumann:
The 2010 MIAC Volleyball Defensive-Player-of-the-Year, Neumann led the conference with 785 digs (6.95 per set) this season. That total was 170 more than the next highest total in the conference. Her defensive totals also have her tied for fourth in the nation among all NCAA Division III student-athletes. Neumann ended her four year career as the SCU all-time leader in digs for a single season (785). She is also the all-time leader in digs in a career with 2,008 (current era scoring). Neumann also worked in the admissions office, was a student-athlete tour guide, and was a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee
Kayla Engel:
A four year starter in soccer, Kayla's accolades on the pitch include the Most Improved player award her freshman year as well as the team's sportsmanship award and serving as a captain in subsequent seasons. Also a major force on the St. Kate's track and field team, Kayla earned a total of 20 MIAC All-Conference and Honorable Mention Awards during her career, including five runner-up finishes at the MIAC Championships. Kayla also graduates with three individual and five relay school records, and was part of the first track & field relay (the 4x400) team in SCU history to win an MIAC Championship. A feat she achieved in her final race as a Wildcat. An NCAA Provisional qualifier and Academic All-American during her career, Kayla graduates ranked in the top 10 of her graduating class with a 3.94 GPA. She was also involved as a campus tour guide, volunteer event organizer, and Nursing Department tutor.
Kim Engel:
A three year team captain in soccer, the 2010 soccer team MVP, and a two-time MIAC All-Conference Honorable Mention soccer player, Kim was also a major contributor to the Wildcats track & field team's success during her career. Over her four years on the track Engel earned a total of 21 MIAC All-Conference and Honorable Mention awards. Kim graduates with three individual and six relay school records. She was also a part of the first relay team to win an MIAC Championship in the school's history, a feat she accmplished in her final race on the track. An NCAA Provisional qualifier and Academic All-American during her career, Kim was also active as a Nursing Department study leader, invovled in campus ministry, and is the Salutatorian of her graduating class with a 3.99 GPA
Brady Williams Spirit Award: Given to a member of the St. Kate's community who is a tremendous supporter of Wildcat Athletics
Kelley Holmes:
The senior captain of the SCU Swimming & Diving team, Holmes was a supporter of all the varisty athletic programs at St. Kate's. From attending her classmates games, matches and meets to serving as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Holmes was an active member of the Wildcats athletic community in numerous capacities. She was also a key organizer of athletic department volunteer activities and events. From cheering in the stands to rasing money for breast cancer to decorating the Ronald McDonald House at Christmas and organizing athletic department outings to Feed My Starving Children, Holmes truly represented the ideals of a St. Catherine student-athlete.
Rookie-fo-the-Year:
Alyssa Luedtke
The first year softball standout finished 12th in the MIAC with a .400 batting average. Her average established a new single season best for a Wildcat softball player. Luedtke also led the team with 46 hits, 22 runs scored, a .425 on base percentage, and earned MIAC All-Conference Honors for her performance on the diamond.
