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Florida Atlantic University Athletics recently announced its student-athlete awards for the 2009-10 academic year, and all were recognized today at the Senior Recognition Banquet.

The “Student-Athlete of the Year” award recognizes the male and female that best represents community service, academic performance and athletic accomplishment equally. Sophomore running back Alfred Morris and softball shortstop and graduate student Blair Bodenmiller won the award.

The “Outstanding Academic Achievement” award, based on overall grade point average (GPA), also was awarded to senior tennis standout Natalia Totevska, as well as Jordan Sessa, a redshirt freshman. Totevska, a finance major, holds a 3.906 GPA while Sessa’s GPA stands at 3.682 GPA in civil engineering.

The “Owl’standing Spirit Award” is chosen based on the student-athlete that affirms the dedications of FAU and every student-athlete by showing support at games. Sara Stoll, a freshman middle blocker, was honored while Adam Corbin, a junior men’s swimmer, earned the men’s award.

“Community Service” is an award given to the individual who not only gives their time, but inspires and leads teammates to do the same. The 2010 recipients are Sonia Richards from women’s soccer and Hector Escamilla from the cheer team.

“The Sportsmanship Award” recognizes those who honor the values that so many student-athletes have lost. This year’s honorees are Devin Robinson, from women’s track, and Matthew Braunworth, from men’s tennis.

“SAAC Leadership Award” was added in 2010 to recognize someone who represented the Student Athlete Advisory Council with honor, and helped to move the program, as well as FAU Athletics forward in a positive manner. Receiving the first award is outgoing SAAC President Jessica Knurick, who was a two-year starter for the women’s basketball team.

The second award added in 2010 is the “Team Spirit Award.” This award was given to a team that represented FAU from August through April not only at games, but at community service and donor events. The FAU Dance team earned this honor.

“Most Outstanding Athlete” award is given to the student-athlete who provided leadership and excelled, and whose athletic ability propelled their respective team toward its goals. From the FAU baseball team, junior transfer Andy Mee received the honor. On the women’s side, senior point guard Brittany Bowe was honored.

Mee has started in every game, has the team leading batting average, is second on the squad in RBIs, and is among the leaders in extra base hits. Mee is one of the few players in the program’s history to hit for the cycle and has tallied seven saves. With the season just hitting its mid-season stride, the full potential of what he can do for the FAU baseball program has yet to be written.

Bowe set the tone for the women’s basketball team throughout the summer and preseason. She served as the team’s captain in a record-setting year. Her work ethic, fiery and competitive nature drove her to start in every game. She averaged 12.2 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game, 136 assists, and was second in the Sun Belt Conference. She concluded her four-year career with more than 1,000 career points.



The Winners

“Student-Athlete of the Year”

Male: Alfred Morris

Coach’s Comments: “Alfred averaged 5.3 yards per carry for us in 2009,” said Howard Schnellenberger, FAU’s head football coach. “He took on a role out of necessity and became one of the league’s premier backs. He is one of the special young men who understand and can balance an outstanding collegiate career, a demanding academic workload and yet still find time to volunteer as a peer educator. He does all this with humility and gratitude.”



Female: Blair Bodenmiller

Coach’s Comments: “Blair has done everything and more that has been asked on the field as a five-year starting shortstop,” said Joan Joyce, FAU’s head softball coach. “She is a three-time team captain and has led the squad in nearly every offensive category. Blair’s work ethic in the weight room, and during and after practice is second to none.”





“Owl’standing Spirit Award”

Male: Adam Corbin

Coach’s Quote: “In the one year that he has been with us, he has helped transform the attitude of the team in a more positive direction. Adam’s greatest assets are his consistent work ethic and his constant praise and motivation of his fellow athletes,” said Steve Ecklekamp.

Female: Sara Stoll

Coach’s Quote: “Sara is an aggressive player on the court who came to practice every day with an enthusiasm and a desire to improve,” said Jody Brown, FAU’s head volleyball coach.



“Community Service”

Male: Hector Escamilla

Coach’s Quote: “Hector Escamilla is a heavy participant in all outreach activities initiated by SAAC,” said Heather Henderson.

Female: Sonia Richards

Coach’s Quote: “Sonia organized and took charge of our team’s participation in the tops program. The outreach program for soccer (TOPS) is a national organization designed to bring soccer to mentally and physically challenged children,” said Brian Dooley.



“The Sportsmanship Award”

Male: Matthew Braunworth

Coach’s Quote: “Matthew embodies the Owl Way,” said Brandon Stokes. “His character is outstanding. His values, attitude, and peer leadership continue to rub off on his teammates. He loves to compete in practice and on match day. He leads by positive example in all situations.”

Female: Devin Robinson

Coach’s Quote: “Devin is an outstanding student, improved tremendously during indoor season while remaining very humble and hard working,” said Alex Smolka, women’s track coach. “She encourages teammates and competitors to be outstanding citizens.”



“SAAC Leadership Award”

Jessica Knurick

Coach’s Quote: “As the SAAC committee president, Jess organized the Habitat for Humanity Dixie Manor holiday party and organized the Humane Society food drive,” said Chancellor Dugan, head women’s basketball coach.



2010 is the Team Spirit Award

The FAU Dance Team

The Dance Team had almost 100 percent participation in 20-sport/one-team. Not only were they at games, but they also made signs and noise makers.



“Most Outstanding Athlete”

Male: Andy Mee

Coach’s Quote: “While our season is young, Andy does everything that he is asked to do and we have asked him to do everything: hit, pitch and play defense,” said John McCormack. “He is well on his way to becoming an outstanding collegiate baseball player. We have just seen the beginning of what he could mean to the University.”

Female: Brittany Bowe

Coach’s Quote: “Brittany is a hard worker in everything that she does,” said Chancellor Dugan. “She is competitive in everything that she does: She is an Academic District All-American, an all-conference player on the basketball court and is a gold medalist in skating.”

Source: FAU Media Relations