May 11, 2007

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn.-- Seniors Meg Davis and Melissa Miller received major academic awards at the annual Eagle Club All-Sports Banquet on May 1.

Davis, a senior middle hitter for the Lady Eagles, earned Carson-Newman's Eagle Club Female Academic Athlete of the Year with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Majoring in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Meg earns her degree this Saturday at Carson-Newman's commencement and will begin graduate school at the University of Alabama -Birmingham to pursue a master's degree in Public Health this fall. After graduate school, Meg plans on entering the Peace Corps.

"I can't say enough positive things about Meg," head coach Shannon Mincey said."She has everything going for her in all areas. Meg has been an amazing role model for our team. She has such a humble spirit and never likes to be in the spotlight. I am so proud she received this award."

"Carson-Newman College has given me the opportunity to receive an education while participating in a collegiate sport. I am extremely fortunate and grateful for the experiences I have had over the last four years," Davis said. "My teammates have especially impacted my life and I will always cherish the memories we've made. As my senior year ends, my athletic career and education at Carson-Newman are complete, but I will always carry with me the knowledge and character I have gained here."

Miller, a senior outside hitter, received the Sagebrush Female Academic Athlete of the Year with a 3.91 grade point average. An elementary education major, Miller will graduate in December upon completing her student teaching requirement. She plans to pursue a master's degree emphasizing either deaf education or speech pathology.

"I hate we are losing such outstanding young ladies," Mincey said. "Melissa has been yet another amazing role model for our younger players. Those who watched her play will remember her energized spirit on the court. I know the children she teaches will benefit from her motivation and energy. I was so thrilled she received this award."

Junior Kelli Sorensen and sophomore Haley Bush received team awards at the banquet from Coach Mincey and assistant coach Amoreena Reynolds. Sorensen was named Most Valuable Player by her Lady Eagle teammates while Bush won the Outstanding Defense award. Miller earned the 'Fire' award for Most Motivating and Davis won the Coaches Award.