The H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarship has been presented by the Southeastern Conference since 1986 to the league’s top male and female scholar-athletes.
The SEC Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship was named for former Associate Commissioner Brad Davis. Davis succumbed to cancer on March 2, 2006. He had been a member of the SEC staff since 1988, first serving as an assistant commissioner until 1994 when he was promoted to associate commissioner.
The Southeastern Conference will name the 2010 recipients of the H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarship on April 6 in conjunction with National Student-Athlete Day. The Davis Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship winners will be announced on April 5.
The nominees from the 12 SEC institutions are listed below:
ALABAMA
Greg McElroy, Football (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- • Earned B.S. degree in Business Marketing in August 2009
- • Completed M.S. degree in Sports Administration in December 2010
- • Recipient, NCAA Today’s Top VIII Award, 2011
- • Capital One/CoSIDA Football Academic All-American of the Year, 2010
- • SEC Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year, 2010
- • National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame National Scholar-Athlete Award, 2010
- • President’s List and Dean’s List member
- • Led Alabama to an undefeated season and BCS National Championship in 2009
- • MVP of 2009 SEC Football Championship Game
- • Captain of 2010 Alabama Football Team
- • Finished football career with a 24-3 record as a starter (88.9 percentage)
- • The Southlake, Texas native is the son of Greg and Jamie McElroy.
- • Will earn B.S. degree in Human Environmental Sciences in December 2011
- • National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women Scholastic All-American, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10
- • National Society of Collegiate Scholars, 2008
- • President’s List and Dean’s List member
- • First Team All-American on Uneven Bars (2010) and Vault (2008)
- • NCAA Regional Champion on Vault (2009, 2010) and Uneven Bars (2009)
- • Second-team All-SEC, 2008, 2009, 2010
- • Won 45 individual titles in career (through 10th meet of senior year)
- • Scored 9.9 or better 68 times in career (through 10th meet of senior year)
- • Volunteered at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa
- • Volunteered at Huntsville Women & Children’s Clinic in Huntsville
- • The Union, N.J. native is the daughter of Richard Hoffman and Helen Cicalese.
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering in May 2011
- • President’s List and Dean’s List member
- • Bryant Award Scholar-Athlete Nominee (2010)
- • Three-year SEC Scorer (2008, 2010, 2011)
- • Earned three letters and served as team captain in 2011
- • Volunteered for Laps for CF, Habitat for Humanity and Project Angel Tree
- • Member of UA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- • The Madison, Ala. native is the son of Hampton and Mechelle Armstrong
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Biology in May 2011
- • President’s List and Dean’s List member
- • Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society member
- • Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
- • Earned a gold medal at the SIRA Championships as part of UA’s First Varsity
- • Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete Award
- • Member of UA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- • Volunteered for Project Angel Tree and Halloween Extravaganza
- • The Tuscaloosa, Ala. native is the daughter of Arthur and Beth Allaway.
Luke Laird, Track and Field (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Horticulture in May 2011
- • Two-time member of United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coach’s Association All-Academic Team.
- • President’s List and Dean’s List student
- • Chairman of UA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Community Service efforts
- • Volunteered for Lift Up America (distribution to local food pantries)
- • Volunteered for Book Hogs, reading to local elementary school children
- • Three-year letter winner
- • First-team All-SEC, SEC Champion, USA Junior Champion, all-region and National Qualifier in 2008
- • Participated in SEC’s “Together We Can” food drive and Adopt-a-Street in the Fayetteville community.
- • The Gardner, Kansas native is the son of Scott and Tammy Laird
- • Earned B.S. degree in Marketing Management in May 2010
- • Will complete Masters of Education in May 2011
- • Member of the University of Arkansas Honor Roll six times
- • National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women Scholastic Scholar-Athlete, 2007
- • Named Razorback Academic Champion in Fall 2010
- • Four-time first-team All-American (vault-twice, uneven bars, all-around)
- • Member of Arkansas’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and was organization’s vice president in 2010
- • Volunteered for SEC Canned Food Drive, Reading with the Razorbacks, Razorback Relief: Operation Haiti, and Lift Up America.
- • Participated in NCAA Leadership Conference
- • The Endwell, N.Y. native is the daughter of Tom Stout and Linda VanPatten.
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in International Business in December 2011
- • Member of SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll
- • Four-year starter for the Razorback tennis team and team captain this season
- • Second-team All-SEC as a junior (2009-10)
- • Participated in Book Hogs program (reading to children) and Sweat Hawgs (working with kids in PE classes).
- • Held a USTA Tennis Clinic for kids and also taught kids tennis at David Johnson II Memorial Kids Tennis Day.
- • Participated in Lift Up America food drive.
- • The Chorley, England native, is the son of Derek and Lorraine Nott.
- • Will earn a B.A. degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice in May 2011.
- • Athletic Director’s List student and member of Razorback Honor Roll
- • Four-year starter at goalie and team captain as a senior (2010)
- • Is Arkansas’ all-time leader with 27 career shutouts and 30 career wins.
- • She is Arkansas’ representative to the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
- • Participated in Book Hogs program (reading to children), Sweat Hawgs (working with kids in PE classes) and the Lift Up America food drive.
- • Volunteered at soccer clinics for youth, Razorback Relief: Operation Haiti and the SEC’s “Together We Can” food drive.
- • Member of SEC Academic Honor Roll
- • The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. native is the daughter of Robert and Deborah Williams.
Dan Mazzaferro, Swimming and Diving (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- • Earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry in May 2010
- • Will earn his M.B.A. degree in December 2011
- • Phi Kappa Phi National Graduate Fellowship Recipient
- • President’s Medal for College of Science and Mathematics Recipient
- • Auburn University Honors Scholar
- • Member of Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Iowa and National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- • Captain of Auburn’s swimming & diving team as a senior
- • 2011 SEC Champion in the 3-meter and Platform diving events (NCAA championships this weekend in Minneapolis, Minn.)
- • Seven-time NCAA All-American
- • U.S. Olympic Diving Finalist (7th in 10-meter platform)
- • College Swimming Coaches Association of America Academic All-American (2007-2009)
- • 2009 Co-SEC Male Diver of the Year
- • Participated in Unite for Sight, a 10-day mission to Ghana, assisting ophthalmic surgeries and raising funds for eyeglasses for patients in Ghana.
- • The Cheshire, Conn. native is the son of Thomas and Cynthia Mazzaferro.
- • Will earn a B.A. degree in Anthropology in Summer 2011
- • NCAA All-American (2008)
- • Member of Phi Kappa Phi, Chi Alpha Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternities.
- • Member of Auburn’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
- • Rhoads Scholarship Finalist (2010)
- • College Swimming Coaches Association of America Academic All-American (2008, 2009)
- • Six-time Auburn Top Tiger, awarded to Auburn’s top student-athletes
- • Volunteer at Lee County’s Big House, mentoring foster children, and the Lee County Humane Society.
- • Participated in Laps for Cystic Fibrosis and Swim Across America.
- • The Auburn, Ala. native is the daughter of Walt and Rosemarie Meissner.
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Exercise Science in May 2011
- • Member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- • Dean’s List and four-time Auburn Top Tiger, awarded to Auburn’s top student-athletes
- • Three-year starter
- • Led team in hitting in 2009 (.330)
- • Served as a mentor at Children’s Hospital and served as a captain of volunteers with Operation Christmas Child.
- • Volunteered at Rehab Works and Total Rehab, assisting therapists and helping patients.
- • Member of Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD).
- • The Hartselle, Ala. native is the son of Greg and Kim Hargett
- • Will earn a B.F.A. degree in Graphic Design in December 2011
- • Dean’s List and three-time Auburn Top Tiger, awarded to Auburn’s top student-athletes
- • Helped lead Tiger soccer team to four consecutive NCAA appearances and two SEC West titles
- • Member of Auburn’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- • Volunteered at the Lee County Humane Society, the Boys and Girls Club and East Alabama Food Bank.
- • Participated in the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s “Together We Can” food drive, Toys for Tots and the Kappa Delta Shamrock 5k to support Cystic Fibrosis.
- • The Birmingham, Ala. native is the daughter of Bill and Karen Ragsdale.
Michael Yuan, Swimming and Diving (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- • Will earn B.S. degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition in May 2011
- • Has been accepted into UF’s College of Dentistry
- • Gator swim team captain this season.
- • President of the Central Florida Young Professionals’ Club
- • Member of UF’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- • Winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Central Florida Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce
- • Served as a Dental Assistant under UF Dental School’s Sealant Program
- • Member of Goodwill Gators, working with underprivileged children.
- • Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Climb for Cancer, working with children with terminal illnesses.
- • The Winter Garden, Fla. Native is the son of Jiann-Shinn and Huili Yuan.
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Biology in May 2011
- • U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Academic All-American
- • Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll member
- • Member of Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society
- • Four-year letterwinner in cross country and two-time letterwinner in track and field
- • First-team All-SEC and All-South Region Cross Country in Fall 2008
- • Member of UF’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- • Member of UF’s Goodwill Gators, working with underprivileged children
- • Member of American Medical Student Association and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Honors Program Student Advisory Board
- • The St. Petersburg, Fla. native is the daughter of Roger and Kelli Crabb.
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Business Administration in December 2011
- • President’s Honor Roll and SEC Academic Honor Roll
- • Four-year letter winner
- • President of UF’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (2010-11)
- • Participated as lead mentor in Collegiate Achievement Mentoring Program, working with at-risk middle school students
- • Volunteered with March of Dimes Charity 5k
- • Read to children as part of Story Book Saturdays.
- • The Virginia Beach, Va. native is the son of Robert and Chona Walsh
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Health Education and Behavior in December 2011
- • Earned Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America All-District Honors (2009-10)
- • First-team All-SEC in 2010 and second-team All-SEC in 2009
- • 2009 NCAA Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team
- • Four-year letter winner and team captain in 2011
- • Co-head of Gator Tracks program, working with underprivileged children
- • Organized team members to participate in Special Olympics bowling activities
- • University Athletics Association Life Skills Cup Award (2008-09; 2009-10)
- • The Anaheim Hills, Calif. native is the daughter of Mike and Andrea Bush
Mark Dylla, Swimming and Diving (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- • Will earn B.S. degree in Finance and Real Estate in May 2012
- • Three-time member of the College Swim Coaches Association All-Academic Team
- • Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List
- • Team captain this past season
- • Inducted into the Sphinx Society, the oldest honorary society at the University of Georgia, in 2010
- • Member of Terry College of Business Leonard Leadership Scholars Program
- • Member of UGA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- • Volunteer swim coach with Special Olympics and has given speeches to young swimmers on swimming and hard work
- • 13-time NCAA All-American (3 1T, 10 HM) and four-time SEC Champion
- • The Littleton, Colo., native is the son of Bernie and Judy Dylla
- •Will earn a B.S. degree in Biology in May 2012
- •Three-time member of the College Swim Coaches Association All-Academic Team
- •Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll student
- •Member of Alpha Epsilon Delta National Premedical Honor Society
- •Inducted into the UGA Palladia Society, the highest honor a woman can receive at the University of Georgia
- •Member of UGA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- •Volunteer swim coach and also participated in Athens Food Drive
- •Participated in American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
- •13-time NCAA All-American (11 1T, 2 HM) and three-time SEC Champion
- •Member of the 800 freestyle relay that set the American record at the SEC Championship
- •Team captain this past season
- •The Tampa, Fla., native is the daughter of Steven Nauta and Andrea Rogers.
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Biology in May 2011
- • Member of 2010 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team
- • Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll student
- • Three-year letter winner for UGA as a triple jumper, including advancing to the 2010 NCAA East Regional
- • Founder and Vice-President of the UGA Biology and Life Sciences Association
- • Member of Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
- • Served as a mentor to students at Barrow Elementary School
- • Volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital and with Heroes, a program for HIV and AIDS awareness for young children
- • The Kennesaw, Ga., native is the son of Dane and Karrol Levy
- • As a double major with a 3.88 GPA, will earn a B.S. degree in Biology and B.A. degree in Spanish in May 2011
- • Member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and a Presidential Scholar at UGA
- • U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team
- • Member of Alpha Epsilon Delta premedical honor society
- • Member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society
- • Received 2011 Peach of an Athlete Award, given by Atlanta area Boy Scout Council to outstanding community service
- • Student-Athlete representative to UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors
- • Volunteered at Hope Dental Clinic, Oasis after School for Spanish speaking elementary school students, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Town and Gown Theatre Company.
- • The Evans, Ga., native is the daughter of Jill Miller
Josh Nadzam, Track and Field (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- • Will earn B.A. degree in Social Work in December 2011
- • Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient
- • U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team (2010)
- • Three-year letter winner in Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field and Outdoor Track and Field
- • Inducted into the UK Frank G. Ham Society of Character
- • Recipient of UK Athletics Department “Catspy Award” for community service
- • Member of SEC Community Service Team for track & field
- • The Monaca, Pa. native is the son of Wendy Nadzam
- • Will earn a B.A. degree in Elementary Education in May 2011
- • Dean’s List, Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient
- • Two-time Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America All-District Team
- • Member of UK chapter of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
- • 2010 team captain and was first-team All-SEC and All-South Region
- • Second-team All-SEC in 2008 and 2009
- • Inducted into the UK Frank G. Ham Society of Character
- • Volunteered at the East Seventh Street Community Center, UK’s Children’s Hospital and Lighthouse Ministries.
- • The Indianapolis, Ind. native is the son of John and Leslie Rapp.
- • Earned a B.A. degree in Journalism in December 2010
- • Recipient of the Arthur Ashe Award, given to African-American student-athletes with an exemplary grade point average
- • Inducted into the UK Frank G. Ham Society of Character
- • Member of SEC Academic Honor Roll in all four seasons at UK
- • Three-year letter winner
- • President of UK’s Athletes in Action chapter as a senior and active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- • Participated in Read across America and has volunteered at youth sports clinics, spoke at local churches and was part of a mission trip to Nicaragua.
- • The Union, Ky. native is the son of Miles and Eugenia Davis
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion in December 2011
- • Member of the Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll
- • Inducted into the UK Frank G. Ham Society of Character
- • Finalist for the Sullivan Award, given by the AAU for exemplary athletic abilities as well as showing leadership, sportsmanship and character
- • Four-year starter for the Wildcats at catcher
- • Volunteered her time with UK’s Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army and Special Olympics of Central Kentucky.
- • She was active in the SEC’s “Together We Can” food drive and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
- • Recipient of the 2010 UK Darrel A. Van Meter Award, given to students who display unselfish spirit and commitment to community service
- • The Marlboro, N.Y. native is the daughter of Douglas and Mary DeMartine
Sebastian Carlsson, Tennis (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- • Will earn B.S. degree in Biological Sciences in December 2011
- • Three-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and LSU Athletic Director’s Cup for Academic Excellence recipient
- • Member of Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society
- • Three year starter and team captain in 2010 and 2011
- • 2010 Southern Region ITA/Arthur Ashe, Jr., Leadership and Sportsmanship Award winner
- • Has volunteered with Special Olympics, read to children at local elementary schools and has visited with children at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
- • Participated in Halloween BOOzar children’s activity as well as Thanksgiving with the Tigers and Christmas Toy Drive.
- • The Uppsala, Sweden native is the son of Kent and Marina Carlsson
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Psychology in December 2011
- • Two-time College Swim Coaches Association of America Scholar All-American
- • Chanellor’s List and Dean’s List student
- • Voted LSU’s Most Outstanding Swimmer and served as team’s co-captain in 2009 and 2010
- • LSU record-holder in the 50 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly, 200 and 400 free relays and 200 and 400 medley relays
- • 2011 SEC champion and SEC record holder in the 100 breaststroke
- • 2010 FINA World Championships Finalist
- • Volunteered with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Hurricane Gustav relief efforts
- • Participated in Christmas with the Tigers and Halloween BOOzar, both visiting with local underprivileged children
- • Volunteered at LSU Greenring Day, activity designed to help beautify LSU campus
- • The Baton Rouge, La. native is the daughter of Angela Trepp.
- • Will earn a B.S. degree in Kinesiology in August 2011
- • Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List student
- • Member of SEC Academic Honor Roll and LSU Scholar-Athlete Directors Cup
- • Two-year letter winner in Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field
- • Member of LSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- • Active in Halloween BOOzar and Christmas with the Tigers, working with underprivileged children
- • Participated in Habitat for Humanity and American Cancer Society Relay for Life
- • Created and coordinated “Geaux Givers Recruits”, serving as tour guides to middle school students to LSU’s campus and athletic facilities
- • The New Orleans, La. native is the son of Mark and Kelly Rose.
- • Earned a B.S. degree in Kinesiology in December 2010
- • Two-time Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American All-District
- • Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll member
- • Three-year starter and 2010 team captain
- • President of LSU’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter (2009-10)
- • Helped organize fundraisers for Desire Street Ministries
- • Volunteered with Lespwa means Hope, including mission trip to Haiti and organizing fundraising auction
- • Served as mentor to children as part of Kid’s Hope USA
- • The Liberty, Mo. native is the daughter of Ted and Dana Alexander
OLE MISS
Lee Moore, Track and Field (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- · Will earn B.S. degree in Biology in May 2011
- · Chancellor’s Honor Roll and Ole Miss Athletics Honor Roll
- · Member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society
- · U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic selection
- · Three-year team captain
- · Has held USA and NCAA top time in the 400m hurdles during his career.
- · Volunteered at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford and LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis
- · Participated in Reading with the Rebels, a program where student-athletes read to children at local elementary schools
- · Has also volunteered at local schools tutoring and mentoring students in promoting a healthy lifestyle
- · The Cordova, Tenn. native is the son of Linda Moore
- Earned a B.S. degree in Exercise Science in December 2010.
- Chancellor’s Honor Roll, UMAA Honor Roll and SEC Academic Honor Roll student
- Member of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Alpha Lambda National Honor Societies
- Member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- Four-year letter winner and two-year (2009-10) team captain
- Member of Ole Miss’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- Active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Has volunteered with Special Olympics, Salvation Army and Big Brother/Big Sister in Oxford
- Participated in “Reading with the Rebels,” Thanksgiving Drive, helping provide meals, and Rebel Rerun, collecting shoes to send overseas.
- The Quincy, Ill. native is the daughter of Kirk and Barbara Kvitle.
Barnabus Kirui, Track and Field (Male Davis Community Service Nominee)
- Earned a B.B.A. degree in Banking and Finance and Accountancy in 2010
- Will earn Master of Accountancy degree in may 2012
- Chancellor’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List student
- Named to Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America Team
- Member of Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Societies
- NCAA Champion in 3000m Steeplechase (2007)
- SEC champion for three years (2006, 2009, 2010) in cross country and 3000, 5,000 and 10,000 meters.
- SEC Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 2007 and 2010
- Founded project called "Rebel Reruns" in which Ole Miss Athletics collects shoes and sports cleats that are sent back to less fortunate children in Kirui's native country of Kenya.
- Served internship with Price Waterhouse Cooper accounting agency in 2011.
- Member of STAND – Students against Genocide in Darfur and member of African Carribean Association.
- The Litein, Kenya native is the son of Albina Mibei
Juliana Smith, Track and Field (Female Davis Community Service Nominee)
- Will earn a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice (emphasis on Homeland Security) in May 2011
- Member of Chancellor’s and Dean’s Honor Roll
- Named Who’s Who among American Universities
- Ole Miss record holder in the weight throw and hammer throw
- Member of USATF Coaches Association All-Academic Team
- Named USTFCCCA first team Indoor All-American in 2011
- Member of first-team All-SEC in 2009
- Member of Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society
- Volunteered with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and college ministry at New Mercies Christian Church
- Served an internship with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
- The Loganville, Ga. Native is the daughter of Francis and Juliana Smith.
Derek Sherrod, Football (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- · Earned B.B.A. degree (cum laude) in Risk Management Insurance and Financial Planning in August 2010
- · Will earn Masters of Education degree in December 2011
- · National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete (2010)
- · Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American
- · President’s Scholar and Bulldog Honor Roll
- · Four year letter winner and team captain as a senior
- · Two-time All-SEC and first-team All-America selection in 2010
- · Participated in the Starkville Academy Fall Festival, Thanksgiving Food Drive and Halloween Carnival
- · The Columbus, Miss. native is the son of Louis and Harriette Sherrod
Leanna Baldner, Soccer (Female McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- Earned a B.A. degree (summa cum laude) in Communications/Public Relations in August 2010
- Will earn Masters of Education degree in December 2011
- President’s Scholar, Dean’s Scholar and MSU Bulldog Honor Roll
- MSU Athletic Department’s Newsome Academic Achievement Award for women’s soccer
- Four-year letter starter and three-year captain
- Two-time member of SEC Soccer Community Service Team
- Counselor at Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Church of God camps
- Active in Campus Crusade for Christ and Reformation University Fellowship
- MSU M-Club President (2010-11)
- The Marion, Miss. native is the daughter of Bill and Jodi Baldner
Mark Melichar, Football (Male Davis Community Service Nominee)
- Earned a B.B.A. degree in Insurance, Risk Management and Financial Planning in May 2010
- Will earn Master of Science degree in December 2011
- Dean’s List Scholar and Bulldog Honor Roll
- Member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Societies
- Four-year letter winner
- Visited children at Jackson (Miss.) Children’s Hospital, Aiken Village Preschool and West Point Middle School
- Was a bellringer for Salvation Army and collected goods for Palmers Home
- The Birmingham, Ala. native is the son of Randolph and Debbie Melichar
Courtney Nesbit, Softball (Female Davis Community Service Nominee)
- Will earn a B.S. degree in Special Education in December 2011
- Presidential Scholar and Dean’s Scholar
- Member of Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society
- National Fastpitch Coaches Association Academic All-American
- Three-year starter as first baseman/outfielder
- She has been active in MSU’s Halloween Carnival for children, Bully’s Book Blitz, Festival of Trees and canned food drives.
- Helped coach 3rd-grade girls basketball team and taught Vacation Bible School.
- The Acworth, Ga. native is the daughter of David and Kim Nesbit
SOUTH CAROLINA
Jimmy Maurer, Soccer (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- · Earned B.S. degree (magna cum laude) in Finance and Marketing in December 2010
- · President’s List, Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll member
- · Capital One/CoSIDA first-team Academic All-American
- · Third-team NSCAA All-South Region (2010)
- · Second all-time in Carolina history in shutouts
- · Four-year starter and 2010 team captain
- · Participated in free soccer clinics in the Columbia community
- · Made frequent visits to children at Palmetto Children’s Hospital
- · The Lawrenceville, Ga. Native is the son of T.A. and Betsy Maurer
Mollie Patton, Soccer (Female McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- Earned a B.S. degree (magna cum laude) in Exercise Science in August 2010
- Is currently working on Doctor of Pharmacy degree
- President’s List, Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll member
- First-team Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American
- Second-team NSCAA Scholar All-Region
- Carolina all-time leader in career wins (45) and single-season wins (19)
- Has volunteered at Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and American Red Cross.
- Also visited local elementary schools, reading to children
- The Milford, Ohio native is the daughter of Randy and Meg Patton
Mike Zajac, Track and Field (Male Davis Community Service Nominee)
- Will earn a B.S. degree in Accounting in May 2011
- Three-time U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic
- Three-time All-American (twice in Indoor Hammer Throw; once in Outdoor Hammer) and twice SEC runner-up in the weight throw
- Two-time team captain
- Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Lift Up America, SEC’s “Together We Can” food drive and the Columbia Food Bank.
- Helped coach inner city children at City of Columbia Summer Camp and visited elderly with “Gamecocks Giving Back.”
- The Lynchburg, Va. native is the son of Bert and Susan Zajac
Jewel May, Basketball (Female Davis Community Service Nominee)
- Will earn B.A. degrees in Psychology and Sociology in May 2011
- Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll member
- Four-year letter winner and three-year starter
- Team captain during senior season
- Earned one of the 26 NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarships for Careers in Athletics
- Served as mentor at South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice
- Volunteered with “Gamecocks Giving Back”, “Team Gamecocks”, and the Harvest Hope Food Bank.
- Assisted with MLK Day American Red Cross Telethon and helped raise funds for helping underprivileged families during Christmas
- The Conyers, Ga. native is the daughter of Dennis and Georgina May
TENNESSEE
John-Patrick Smith, Tennis (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- · Will earn a B.S. degree in Economics in May 2011
- · Two-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America All-District Team
- · He is a three-time ITA All-America in singles and doubles in addition to being a three-time All-SEC selection.
- · Three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll and UT Thornton Center Honor Roll
- · 2010 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Male Amateur Athlete of the Year
- · 2010 SEC Player of the Year
- · He is a two-time NCAA doubles finalist as well as an NCAA singles finalist
- · Member of UT’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- · Frequently visits with children at Knoxville Children’s Hospital
- · Gave free tennis lessons to underprivileged kids at Tennis Townsville Association
- · Also works with kids at Knoxville YMCA and Townsville Grammar School
- · The Townsville, Australia native is the son of Kevin and Susan Smith
Nikki Fowler, Volleyball (Female McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- Will earn a B.S. degree in Marketing in May 2011
- 2010 Capital One/CoSIDA first-team Academic All-American and three-time academic all-district selection
- 2010 SEC Volleyball Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year
- American Volleyball Coaches third-team All-American (2010)
- Member of the 2010 U.S. National A2 Training Team and was recently named to the 2010 CVU.com Honorable Mention Stellar Spiker list
- Three-time All-SEC first-team
- Three-year member of UT’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- Team captain as a senior
- Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Boys and Girls Club
- Organized and hosted free volleyball clinics benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank
- The Plano, Texas native is the daughter of Marc and Regina Fowler
Michael Wright, Swimming and Diving (Male Davis Community Service Nominee)
- Will earn a B.A. degree in Studio Art in May 2011
- SEC Academic Honor Roll and VolScholar Academic Honor Roll
- Captain of the UT swimming & diving team
- First-ever African-American national champion in USA springboard diving
- Member of UT’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- Helped organized and direct the SEC’s “Together We Can” food drive
- Participated in the SAAC Holiday Dinner for Volunteer Ministries
- Visits with kids at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and Big Brother/Big Sister in Knoxville
- The Forest Park, Ill. native is the son of Al and Kris Wright
Jackie Areson, Track and Field (Female Davis Community Service Nominee)
- Will earn a B.S. degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in May 2011
- 2010 Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American
- Three-time USTFCCCA All-Academic Team member and four-time member of SEC Academic Honor Roll
- Holds UT indoor records in the 3000 and 5000 meters
- 2011 NCAA indoor 5000 meter champion
- 2011 SEC Indoor Women’s Runner of the Year after breaking a 24-year-old meet record in the 3000 meters and anchoring distance medley relay to a meet record
- Also anchored 2010 SEC champion indoor distance medley relay team and was the 2010 SEC indoor and outdoor 5000 meter champion
- Collected food for the SEC’s “Together We Can” food drive
- Also helped with Toys for Tots campaign, Habitat for Humanity and the UT Environmental Club
- The Hypoluxo, Fla. native is the daughter of Mary Areson
John Stokes, Football (Male McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Nominee)
- Will earn a B.A. degree in Medicine, Health and Society in May 2011
- Three-time Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American All-District Team
- Dean’s List and SEC Academic Honor Roll student
- Four-year letter starter (long snapper – 2007, 08, 09 and linebacker – 2010)
- Member of football team’s Leadership Council and Captain’s Award recipient in 2010.
- Took two service trips to Belize through Manna Project Vanderbilt.
- President of Vanderbilt’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter (2010-11)
- Participated in a clinical research project with a surgical oncologist (2008-09)
- Traveled to South Africa as part of USAID service program
- The Memphis, Tenn. native is the son of Jack and Carol Stokes
- Will earn a B.A. degree in Biological Sciences in May 2011
- Dean’s List and SEC Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2010)
- Capital One/CoSIDA first-team Academic All-American and Lowe’s Senior CLASS first-team finalist
- Four-year starter and team co-captain in 2009-10
- Second team All-SEC in 2009-10
- Served as an intern at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Taught middle school students as part of Vanderbilt’s “Volunteers for Science”
- Volunteered as a pharmacy technician at a VA Hopsital
- Involved in community service with Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- The Memphis, Tenn. native is the daughter of Peter and Angela Kinsella
- Will earn a B.A. degree in Classics and Economics in May 2011
- Earned Dean’s List honors every semester
- Three-year letter winner and named Vandy’s Most Improved Cross Country Runner (spring 2009)
- Worked with children at Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as a Youth Group Assistant Leader
- Active in Vanderbilt student government and the Vanderbilt University Chinese Association
- Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and went to New Orleans to help rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina
- The Alpharetta, Ga. native is the son of Tim and Louise Chisholm
Rebecca Silinski, Basketball (Female Davis Community Service Nominee)
- Will earn a B.A. degree in Political Science and Communication Studies in May 2011
- Three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll and Dean’s List member
- Four-year letter winner and team captain as a senior
- Named team’s Most Improved Player as a junior
- Has volunteered her time with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Nashville Buddy Walk and the Gift of Life Kidney Foundation Walk.
- Served as president of Vandy’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- Helped organize Senior Day awareness games for Lyme disease and World Vision, which is an organization dedicated to tackling poverty
- Visited with residents at Blakeford at Green Hills Nursing Home
- The Birmingham, Ala. native is the daughter of Rob and Karen Silinski
