TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics celebrated its student-athletes at the annual C.A.T.S. Awards banquet Monday night at Westin La Paloma. Elizabeth Pepper (swimming) was named 2015 valedictorian and the gymnastics team earned the Community Service Award. Individually, Allie Flores (gymnastics) and Handsome Monica (baseball) earned Community Service Awards.
Additionally, 220 student-athletes were recognized as Golden Eagle Distributors Academic Champions. To earn this distinction, a student-athlete must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the previous academic school year. Of those recognized, 25 had GPAs of 4.0. Men’s and women’s golf posted the highest team GPA.
NCAA Champion Samantha Pickens (diving) earned the Ruby Award, given to the top female of the senior class. Also nominated were Allie Flores (gymnastics), Kellie Fox (softball), Manon Gidali (women’s golf), Madi Kingdon (volleyball) and Hallie Wilson (softball).
A multi-time NCAA Champion and collegiate and American record holder Kevin Cordes (swimming) earned the Sapphire Award, given to the top male of the senior class. Also nominated were T.J. McConnell (men’s basketball) and Jared Tevis (football).
Jessie Sisler (gymnastics) was named Female Junior of the Year. Scott Kingery (baseball) took home the Male Junior of the Year honor.
Penina Snuka (volleyball) was named Female Sophomore of the Year. Scooby Wright III (football) was named Male Sophomore of the Year.
Gabi Stoian (soccer) took home the Female Freshmen of the Year award. Nick Wilson (football) was named Male Freshman of the Year.
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