FGCU Athletics celebrated its stellar 2015-16 campaign Monday night in conjunction with the final day of classes during the annual Senior Send-Off and Awards Ceremony.
Six awards were handed out, highlighted by women’s basketball player DyTiesha Dunson and women’s soccer members Brittany Brown and Emma Blackwell sharing the prestigious Eagle Scholar-Athlete Award, the highest honor FGCU bestows upon a graduating senior student-athlete. The award recognizes the ability of the winners to combine athletic and academic success (minimum 3.20 GPA) with community service.
Men’s golfer Jake Sherwin was also recognized as a finalist for the prestigious award.
Five other annual awards were presented, beginning with the Eagle Team Spirit Award, which is given to the team that exemplifies Eagle spirit and team support. The 2016 honor went to the women’s soccer team, which won its first NCAA Tournament game this fall before losing to eventual national runner-up Duke in the Second Round. The squad consistently can been seen not only supporting other teams during their competitions but helping out on campus and throughout the community.
The Stanley “Butch” Perchan Award is annually bestowed upon a staff member who personifies the proverbial definition of someone who “bleeds Green and Blue.” Director of Athletics Ken Kavanagh and Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs Emeritus Butch Perchan presented the 2016 honor to women’s basketball associate head coach Chelsea Dermyer. Dermyer has been a player or a coach for FGCU since 2005. At the time of her graduation in 2007, Dermyer ranked as the program’s all-time leader in assists per game at 4.7. She was promoted from assistant coach to her current role before the 2014-15 season, and has helped to guide the Eagles to consecutive 30-win seasons, their first Division-I NCAA Tournament win and a WNIT Final appearance the last two years.
Women’s tennis player Elizabeth Means and women’s golfer Mei Khuan Yong were the co-recipients of the Community Service Award, which is presented annually to the student-athlete(s) who best exemplifies FGCU Athletics’ commitment to volunteerism on campus and throughout the Southwest Florida community.
The Carl McAloose Spirit Award is given to at least one male and female student-athlete who best exemplify former Director of Athletics Carl McAloose’s spirit and love for FGCU Athletics, as well as dedication to their team and teammates. This year’s winners were: women’s basketball player Katie Meador, women’s soccer member Ally Kasun, swimmer Lani Cabrera, baseball player Tyler Selesky and tennis player Means.
The Duane Swanson Sr. Inspirational Award was presented to FGCU President Dr. Wilson Bradshaw and his wife Jo Anna. Despite their hectic schedules, the Bradshaws are ardent supporters of the Green and Blue and can be seen cheering on the Eagles at home and on the road all year long.
- More details on awards