April 29, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Felicia J. Prater
(305) 205-4236

Athletics Department Hosts Annual Awards Dinner

Northampton, MA: Smith Athletics held their annual awards banquet last night honoring coaches and athletes for their hard work and dedication to Smith, highlighting the seasons of the Pioneers' fourteen sports and recognizing the successes of the entire department.

Senior rower Eliza van Lennep (Rindge, NH) opened the night by welcoming everyone and reflecting on her four years at Smith. She emphasized that the family atmosphere that Smith fosters and the opportunities each athlete has to progress academically and athletically are what not only made her choose Smith but what made her enjoy her time at the institution. Van Lennep closed by offering words of encouragement to the athletes who will remain at Smith and gave advice to her fellow seniors. Throughout the night, videos were shown highlighting the fall, winter and spring sports and 43 senior student athletes were honored.

The following awards were distributed: 

Team Academic Award: Skiing
Senior Scholar Athlete: Eliza Bryant (Crew), Jessie Paull (Softball), Nora Youngs (Cross Country and Track & Field)
Coach of the Year: Wendy Walker (Lacrosse)
Rookie of the Year: Emma Peck Coffin (Skiing)
Sophomore of the Year: Katherine von Hermann (Crew & Skiing)
Junior of the Year: Etta Grover-Silva (Track & Field and Soccer)
Senior Athlete: Nora Youngs (Cross Country and Track & Field)
NCAA Woman of the Year: Eliza Bryant