Renee Villarreal was named the female Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row.
Courtesy of Sports Info
Each year, dating back to 1990, the university announces Athlete of the Year at the end of the athletic season, Jun. 30. This year, baseball player Jameson Fisher and tennis player Renee Villarreal were named male and female Athletes of the Year.
To become athlete of the year, an athlete does not apply. Each sport nominates one student athlete from each sport.
“The Sports Information Office puts together a ballot which is voted on by the Southeastern head coaches and athletic staff members,” said Director of Sports Information Kemmler Chapple.
According to Chapple, there is no certain qualification, but academic honors are looked at as part of the athlete’s achievement.
During his years as a Lion, Fisher has won many awards. Just this year, Fisher was awarded with 2016 Rawling/Perfect Game All-American (Second Team), 2016 Louisiana Hitter of the Year (LSWA), 2016 LSWA All-Louisiana (First Team), 2016 ABCA All-American (First Team), 2016 D1Baseball All-American (First Team), 2016 Southland Conference Baseball Student Athlete of the Year, 2016 Southland Conference All-Academic (First Team), 2016 ABCA All-Region (First Team), 2016 NCBWA All-American (Second Team), 2016 HERO Sports DI Baseball Fan Choice Award Winner, 2016 Baseball America All-American (Second Team), 2016 CoSIDA Academic All-American, 2016 Louisville Slugger All-American (First Team), 2016 Southland Conference All-Tournament, 2016 Southland Conference Player of the Year, 2016 All-Southland Conference (First Team), 2016 D1Baseball Midseason All-American (First Team), 2016 Perfect Game Midseason All-American (First Team) and 2016 Preseason All-Southland Conference (Second Team).
Villarreal was named Female Athlete of the year. Her awards included: 2015 All-Southland Conference Singles (1st Team), 2015 All-Louisiana (1st Team), 2015 CoSIDA Academic All-District VI (1st Team) and 2015 Southland Conference All-Academic (1st Team). This is also the second year in a row that she has won Athlete of the Year after winning in the 2014-2015 season.
Jameson Fisher was named male Athlete of the Year.
Courtesy of Sports Info