The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
36th Annual Women's Athletics Awards Presentation
04.28.2010 | Texas Athletics
April 28, 2010
Rachael Genson, Texas Media Relations
| Video
AUSTIN, Texas -- Bass Concert Hall teemed with people Tuesday night when The University of Texas Women's Athletics Department brought student-athletes together with their proud parents, coaches and fans to acknowledge a year's worth of success at the 36th Annual Women's Athletics Awards Presentation. But it was the spirit of coming together as a united group, not the awards, that the student-athletes cited as the best part of the evening.
"Coming to this awards ceremony is great. We all work so hard both academically and athletically that at the end of the year, it's nice to all join together, relax and celebrate the successes that we have all had," said Volleyball's Ashley Engle.
Engle received the Jill Sterkel Leadership Award for her outstanding efforts with the Texas Volleyball team. In four seasons, Engle led her team to a 107-16 overall record, including three Big 12 Championships and a trip to the 2009 National Championship game.
Tennis senior Sarah Lancaster, a co-winner of the Texas Tough Award, also loved her experiences at Texas.
"It's been such an honor to be a part of UT Athletics. I take a lot of pride in bleeding burnt orange," Lancaster said. "And this award ceremony is a really great event because it honors all the women's sports team and athletes who have been competing here."
Cross Country's Betzy Jimenez accepted the Coca-Cola Solid Citizen Award, which honors a student-athlete for dedication to academics, athletics and community service. Jimenez has spent her time at the Forty Acres volunteering with numerous organizations, including Marathon Kids and the Neighborhood Longhorns Program.
Despite Jimenez's numerous achievements at UT, she didn't feel that she deserved such an award.
"I feel like there are so many accomplished athletes in this group, that if anything, winning tonight will be very flattering and humbling," Jimenez said. "I don't necessarily feel like I have any unique quality that makes me worthy of winning anything, but it would be great to see that all my work has paid off."
If nothing else, Tuesday's awards ceremony was an opportunity to honor all student-athletes, and acknowledge their commitment to hard work and sacrifice. The Women's Athletics Awards Presentation gave the student-athletes an arena to sit down and be proud of all their and their fellow athletes' successes in the past year.
By the end of the night, each student-athlete left Bass Concert Hall feeling proud and excited for what successes the futures would also bring.
"This is a special night, and special event, because it gives us an occasion to come together and remember why we're all here," UT Women's Athletics Director Chris Plonsky said. "In gyms and on the field, these student-athletes and coaches compete with their hearts on their sleeves, and tonight we can really show them how much we appreciate them, and also give them a venue where they can all share the bond that comes with being at a place like Texas."
36th ANNUAL UT WOMEN'S ATHLETICS AWARDS PRESENTATION AWARD WINNERS
Longhorn Team of the Year: Volleyball
Coca-Cola Solid Citizen Award: Betzy Jimenez (cross country, track and field)
Jamie Carey United Healthcare Comeback Award: Lauren Caldwell (diving)
Jill Sterkel Leadership Award: Ashley Engle (volleyball)
Texas Tough Award: Heather Kisner (volleyball), Sarah Lancaster (tennis)
Outstanding Rookie Performance: Laura Sogar (swimming)
Longhorn of the Year: Alexandria Anderson (track), Destinee Hooker (volleyball, track and field)