The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
04.29.2015 | Texas Athletics, Women's Basketball, T-Association, Track & Field / Cross Country
Volleyball claims Team of the Year honors; four-time NCAA Track champion Courtney Okolo earns Athlete of the Year award.
AUSTIN, Texas – University of Texas Athletics played host to "Longhorn Honors: Women's Athletics" at B. Iden Payne Theatre on the UT campus Wednesday evening. This year marked the 41st annual awards presentation for intercollegiate athletics for women at Texas.
The presentation honored the athletic excellence of the 2014-15 student-athletes and teams. It also featured eight "Awards of Highest Honor." Achievements from Spring 2014 along with Fall 2014 and Winter 2015 were considered for this year's awards.
Volleyball claimed Team of the Year honors, as it won the Big 12 Conference title and finished as a NCAA semifinalist in December. Track's Courtney Okolo was named Athlete of the Year, winning 2014 NCAA Outdoor titles in the 400 meters and 4x400 meter relay and duplicating those two victories at the 2015 NCAA Indoor meet. Kendall Baisden of Track earned Outstanding Rookie Performance, as she was a member of the NCAA Champion 4x400 meter relay and placed third in both the 400 meters and the 4x100 meter relay at the 2014 NCAA Outdoor meet. Baisden also earned gold medals in the 400 meters and 4x400 meter relay at the 2014 IAAF World Junior Championships last summer.
In addition, Softball's Lindsey Stephens earned the Edith and Darrell K Royal Coca-Cola Solid Citizen Award, given to a student-athlete in recognition of her overall dedication to academics, athletics, community service, leadership and citizenry. Soccer's Abby Smith claimed the Jill A. Sterkel Leadership Award, presented to a student-athlete who leads her team with both a competitive attitude and a personal graciousness. Brooke Gilbert of Soccer earned the Texas Tough Award, given to a student-athlete who possesses a fighter's spirit and courageous heart.
University of Texas at Austin President William Powers, Jr. claimed the Tina Bonci Lifetime Achievement Award, given to an individual in recognition of his or her lifetime of achievements and dedication to the university. The 2014-15 Women's Basketball Team received the Jamie Carey Comeback Award, bestowed to a student-athlete or team who has overcome adversity with maturity and class.
For the fourth straight year, Longhorn Network televised the one-hour program live. LHN's Lowell Galindo and Jane Slater served as co-hosts of the event.
2014-15 Awards of Highest Honor winners
Team of the Year: Volleyball
Outstanding Rookie Performance: Kendall Baisden, Track and Field
Edith and Darrell K Royal Coca-Cola Solid Citizen Award: Lindsey Stephens, Softball
Jill A. Sterkel Leadership Award: Abby Smith, Soccer
Texas Tough Award: Brooke Gilbert, Soccer
Tina Bonci Lifetime Achievement Award: UT Austin President William Powers, Jr.
Jamie Carey Comeback Award: Women's Basketball Team
Longhorn Athlete of the Year: Courtney Okolo, Track and Field
