Monday, April 06, 2009

The first annual Athletic Department Banquet was held Monday April 6,2009. Saira Morgan, a member of both the women's basketball team and the women's volleyball team was the first recipient of the Athlete of the Year award presented to her by athletic director Brian Scanlan. Saira will be a captain on next years team. Chancellor Tom Monaghan was proud to begin "a most prestigious tradition" in awarding the first women's Gyrene Award to women's basketball player Mimi Loveland. The Gyrene award is the highest athletic award to be handed out each year at AMU. Recipients exemplify the mission statement of AMU and show potential to positively impact the world. The award is given to a female and male student athlete who excels in the areas of leadership, academics, athletics and spirituality. Mimi also was presented with the MVP/Team award for women's basketball. Carey Fullilove and Saira Morgan were awarded the women's basketball leadership award. Cori Wemhoff was awarded the women's basketball Coach's Award for her hustle and team spirit, and in a special ceremony before the banquet, Elizabeth Baux was awarded the women's basketball Most Improved Player Award.