The University of Kentucky softball team had a pair of players named to the prestigious Frank G. Ham Society of Character, it was announced today. Senior Jessica Nance and junior Meghan Cooper were both inducted by the organization.
Frank G. Ham Society of Character is an organization within the Athletics Department which honors junior and seniors who exemplify the term ?student-athlete.? Selection into this organization is the highest honor UK?s athletics department bestows on its student-athletes. Candidates are selected by a committee based on their fulfillment of the five commitments of the CHAMPS/Life Skills program which consists of academic excellence, athletic excellence, career development, personal development and community service.
Nance was one of only two players to start all 57 games for the Wildcats last season. She is currently ranked third all-time at UK in stolen bases, has led the team in steals the past two seasons and is expected to anchor the outfield again this year. The Knoxville, Tenn., native is a team captain and currently serves as an Outreach Committee representative. She received the Lyman T. Johnson Torchbearer of Excellence and the John Meyer awards for exhibiting outstanding leadership qualities in athletics and academics and has volunteered much of her time. Nance has worked at various organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, UK Children?s Hospital and the Hope Center. She?s active in the mentoring program at Johnson Elementary and has been a participant in the reading program at Landsdowne Elementary in Lexington.
Cooper also started all 57 games last season for UK. She was third on the team with a .290 batting average, 45 hits and four home runs. The Golden, Colo., native also posted an ERA of 3.96 on the mound to complement a 5-4 record. She pitched 65.1 innings in 17 appearances and struck out 27 batters. Cooper has been a member of the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, the Athletics Director Honor Roll while at UK, while volunteering her time at several events throughout the Bluegrass. Cooper has worked with UK Children?s Hospital, Special Olympics and various Lexington elementary schools.
?I am so proud of both Jessica and Megan for being selected to the Society of Character. This is quite an honor and one that should not be overlooked,? said first-year head coach Eileen Schmidt. ?Jessica and Megan have each really stepped up this fall and spring to lead this team in the right direction – both on the field and off. They are great examples, not only for their teammates, but future Wildcats.?
Each new member of the Society of Character will be recognized on March 2 at halftime of the UK vs. Tennessee men?s basketball game.
The Wildcats will kick off their 2005 schedule next weekend, Feb. 4-6, in Miami, Fla., at Florida International?s Diamond Fun & Sun Classic. UK will face South Florida at 2 p.m. in the season opener.
