Student-Athlete Awards Celebration

2012-2013 Student-Athlete Awards Celebrations

On Monday, April 29th Northern Kentucky University held its 1^st Annual All-Academic Team Luncheon as well as its Annual Student-Athlete Awards Celebration at the Votruba Student Union. These banquets highlighted the academic and athletic achievements of all NKU Student-Athletes throughout the past year. It was an exciting way for students, faculty, staff, and family members to join together and commemorate a successful inaugural season transitioning to Division I.

Notable academic achievements for NKU women’s basketball:

It has been a great year in the classroom for all NKU sports. This semester all student-athletes combined earned their highest GPA ever with a 3.11 GPA. Another great achievement was a combined 3.44 GPA for all female sports - the highest semester GPA ever in NKU history

Kelsey Simpson received the President's Award for the graduating senior with the highest cumulative GPA. Her cumulative GPA over her four year's at NKU was 3.97.   

“We are all so proud and excited for Kelsey.  She has epitomized the true meaning of student-athlete” said head coach Dawn Plitzuweit.  “We are just thrilled that she received this incredible honor!”

Kelsey Simpson

Rianna Gayheart earned the Female Freshman of the Year award, which goes to the most distinguished female freshman student-athlete at NKU. She played an integral role in guiding the Norse to a fourth place finish in the A-SUN and a berth in the Women’s Basketball Invitational. 

“Rianna was our most improved player as the year progressed and she continued to earn the right to have the ball in her hands in late game scenarios as she answered the call on numerous occasions,” said Plitzuweit.  “Rianna’s ability to create for herself and for her teammates at crunchtime has garnered her this great honor at NKU.”

Kayla Thacker won the award for NKU’s Female Athlete in a Supporting Role. Kayla’s constant hustle and willingness to do whatever it takes to win was vital to the team’s success. 

“Kayla was asked to do more than anyone on our team this year as she drew the assignment to guard our opponent’s top perimeter threat, and was also our leading scorer.  Kayla did not only accept this challenge, but she excelled with it!  This is a great honor for Kayla and for our entire Women’s Basketball Program,” said Plitzuweit 

Kayla Thacker (right) and Rianna Gayheart (left)

“This was a very special year for us and today’s banquets were an incredible way to honor all of our student-athletes here at NKU.”