SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS, NJ - The Georgian Court University Department of Athletics honored its student-athletes Monday evening at the annual GCU Athletics Awards Banquet, hosted by Doolan's Shore Club.

Athlete-of-the-Year Award
Track & Field's Alyssa Hudgins took home the 2012 Athlete of the Year Award.  This award-winner must have sophomore standing or better and may either be highly versatile or demonstrate excellence in one sport. The Athlete of the Year MUST be a steady, consistent athlete; demonstrate outstanding athletic ability; be the best at what she does (position or event); display good sportsmanship; have high personal motivation and drive; and maintain an attitude and character that represents the ideals of Georgian Court's Mercy Core Values.

 
Rookie- of-the-Year Award
The GCU Rookie of the Year Award went to softball and volleyball's Dara Schroeder.  This award is presented to GCU's top first-year student-athlete that is a steady, consistent athlete; demonstrator of outstanding athletic ability; the best at what she does (position or event); displays good sportsmanship; has high personal motivation and drive; and maintains an attitude and character that represents the ideals of Georgian Court's Mercy Core Values.

Presidential Award
Presented by University President, Rosemary E. Jeffries, RSM, Ph.D., the 2012 Presidential Award went to soccer's Shealyn Sullivan. The award is intended to recognize the athlete who has excelled in athletic competition, in the classroom and in other college activities and who exemplifies leadership, dedication, values and concern for others.

Scholar-Athlete Award
Shealyn Sullivan

Blue and Gold IMPACT Award
Dr. Rita Kipp

Mercy Award
Cross-Country 

Team Awards

Basketball
Coaches Award: Shauneia McPhearson
Most Improved: Tahira Matthews
MVP: Ebony Sellers

XC 
Coaches Award: Jennifer Sapienza
Most Improved: Cynthia Cuiule
MVP: Isalin Howard

Lacrosse
Coaches Award; Olivia Rotunno
Most Improved: Dana Lenneper
MVP: Corinne Coyle

Softball
Coaches Award: Brooke Hull
Most Improved: Selina Santillo
MVP: Rachel Ruch

Soccer 
Coaches Award: Kelly Lyons
Most Improved: Becky Witmer
MVP: Farrell Pomponio

Tennis 
Coaches Award: Sarah Lockenmeyer
Most Improved: Victoria Gaffney
MVP: Nicole Way

Track & Field
Coaches Award: Chanel Rogers
Most Improved: Susan Lora
MVP: Alyssa Hudgins

Volleyball
Coaches Award: Maria Antimisiaris
Most Improved: Anabelle Barinas
MVP: Tatiana Villariny Rodriguez