UK Swimming and Diving Announces Annual Awards
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky swimming and diving head coach Lars Jorgensen and his staff announced the recipients for the end-of-year program awards on Tuesday.
“We had a historical season, and our staff could not be prouder of our women’s team,” Jorgensen said. “They handled adversity and challenges all year like a championship program. We also had some great moments from our men throughout the year. I’m super excited about our team for next season.”
The award winners are as follows:
Captain’s Award
This award is presented to an athlete that has high character and demonstrates strong leadership skills.
Recipients: Chase Lane, Hank Siefert, Daniel Orcutt, Mason Wilby, Kyndal Knight, Riley Gaines, Sophie Sorenson, Izzy Gati and Bailey Bonnett
Most Improved Swimmer
This award goes to the swimmer who has improved their performance the most from the previous year at UK in the eyes of the coaching staff. Such factors as dedication to practice, desire to excel, competitive spirit, as well as actual performance in competition, are taken into consideration.
Recipients: Lauren Poole and Louis Barker
Most Improved Diver
This award is given to the diver who has improved their performance the most in the previous year at UK in the eyes of the coaching staff. Such factors, as dedication to practice, desire to excel, competitive spirit, as well as actual performance are taken into consideration.
Recipients: Van McKinley and Sam Duncan
Freshman Award
This award goes to the person who, as a freshman, has been an outstanding contributor to the team.
Recipients: Anna Havens Rice, Kaylee Williams and Zane Rosely
UK Swimming and Diving Booster Club Award
This award to given to the competitor who has the combination of skills, competitive desire, team spirit, and the ability to come through for the team in competition. Outside the pool, this person is the type of student-athlete who will help others on the team with schoolwork, who will help with recruiting, and will be a credit to the team and university.
Recipients: Sophie Sorenson, Kelly Rodriguez, Max Hawton and Sam Duncan
Team Spirit
This award is given to the individual who displays a continual, sincere interest in the team. This person has shown a high degree of enthusiasm for all their teammates in practice, meets, on trips and in regard to recruiting.
Recipients: Lauren Denham, Payton Neff and Chase Lane
Bridgette Alexander 100% Award
This award is given to the competitor who constantly gives an all-out performance meet after meet, whether in a winning or losing cause. The competitor has demonstrated a willingness to give that extra amount of energy to the team.
Recipients: Izzy Gati and Daniel Blake
Bob Bradley Scholarship Award
This award goes to the upperclassman with the highest overall all GPA. In order to be considered for this award the athlete must have completed 24 hours of coursework and have a GPA above 3.0.
Recipients: Caitlin Brooks, Lauren Poole, Emily Baeth, Gillian Davey, Kelly Rodriguez and Tim Ellett
Mike Lyden MVP Award
This award goes to the UK Diver who during the season was able to contribute at all the meets and, especially, at the Southeastern Conference Championships.
Recipients: Kyndal Knight and Chase Lane
Anne Berry Senior Award
This award goes to the senior female walk-on swimmer who represented UK for four years with the highest degree of selflessness and passion. This person always acted in the best interest of the team first and epitomized being a Wildcat.
Recipients: Olivia Huffman, Lauren Denham and Hayley Griesser
Wildcat of the Year Award
This award goes to the UK team member, swimmer or diver, who during the season was able to consistently score points for the team, both in dual meets and, especially, at the Southeastern Conference Championships.
Recipients: Riley Gaines, Chase Lane and Mason Wilby
For the latest on the Kentucky swimming and diving program, follow @UKSwimDive on Twitter and on Instagram, on Facebook and on the web at UKathletics.com.
