WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Salem College wrapped up the 2019-20 athletic season with a virtual banquet on Friday, May 8, honoring a total of 20 student-athletes for their contributions throughout the campaign.
Each of the eight head coaches in the Salem athletic department recognized two student-athletes for the influence and impact that they made to their respective programs during the ceremony. The award recipients are as follows:
CROSS COUNTRY
Coaches Award: RoyseAnn Day
2019-20 Athletic Accomplishments: Day wrapped up her sophomore season by competing in all six meets for the Spirits. She opened the slate with a 70th-place finish at the Fleet Feet XC on Sept. 7 before claiming 45th with a time of 34:22.5 at the USA South Preview two weeks later. Her first full month of the season drew to a close with a 15th-place outing at the Greensboro XC Invitational, where Salem earned the team title among NCAA Division III participants. After notching a time of 30:05.24 at the Livingstone Invitational on Oct. 12, Day had the fourth-best time in the High Point VertCross Meet and was 95th in the USA South Championships for the Spirits.
Head Coach Jamie Gaspari on Day: "She has a great attitude, easy to get along with, and was a positive influence on the team."
Coaches Award: Mariana Rubio
2019-20 Athletic Accomplishments: Rubio began her collegiate career at the Fleet Feet XC Invitational on Sept. 7, closing the event in 76th with a mark of 33:25.5. She came through with a 49th-place outing at the USA South Preview on Sept. 21 and capped off the opening month of the season with a 15th-place outing at the Greensboro XC Invitational after posting a time of 31:58.16. With the fourth-best time and a 69th-place finish at the Livingstone College Invitational, Rubio had a time of 32:29.41. Her final race of the season came at the High Point VertCross Meet where she crossed the line in 39:07.58.
Head Coach Jamie Gaspari on Rubio: "Always willing to help out when I needed her."
SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Recipient: Olivia Kleven, Swimming
2019-20 Athletic Accomplishments: Established a single-season program-record for most top-three finishes (16) after competing in eight events over the course of the 2019-20 season. Kleven also set the single-season program-record for most first-place finishes (eight) in 2019-20. Had a string of six straight first-place finishes between Nov. 9 and Dec. 7.
Academic Accomplishments: Pursuing a bachelor's of science in biochemistry as well as a bachelor of arts in chemistry while minoring in mathematics. Completed the year with a perfect 4.0 GPA, looking to become a physician assistant that would specialize in pediatric hematology and oncology. Active member of the community where she serves as a volunteer at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital as well as a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, Community Roots Day, Meals on Wheels through Rotaract and Tri Beta. Also takes part in a number of campus activities including President of Campus Activities Board, Rotaract Club, Tri Beta, Association of Women in Mathematics, Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Decorations Co-chair for Orientation Leaders, Admissions Ambassador, Big/Little Co-Chair 2019, Sophomore Senior Co-Chair 2018-19, Marshall, Student Government Association Class Vice President 2017-18, Special Assistant for Events.
Assistant Coach Vavina Lapham on Kleven: "It has been an honor and pleasure to coach Olivia Kleven and I look forward to the season ahead and take Salem Swimming to the next level with Olivia leading as our team captain. Olivia has set the standard high for the legacy of swimmers that will follow her."
SOCCER
Coaches Award: Baylee Greenwood
2019 Accomplishments: Emerged with a solid freshman campaign, where she finished among the top-five in four major statistical categories including goals (four—t-3rd), points (11—3rd), assists (three-t-4th) and shots (29—4th). Started in 17 of the team's 19 matches, finishing with 17 shots on goal.
Head Coach Octavia Saunders on Greenwood: "Baylee started every game of her first season at Salem and would always give everything everytime she stepped on the field. Baylee would never be settled with her performance, her commitment and dedication to her game and improving is such an inspiration to players around her as is her love of the game. She is quiet but extremely talented and we can't wait to see what she brings her sophomore year."
Most Valuable Players: Amy Bounds
2019 Accomplishments: Finished off her senior campaign by ranking in the top-10 of three major statistical categories including goals (four—3rd), points (nine—5th) and shots (24—t-6th). Bounds tallied 12 shots on goal over the course of the season and started all 19 matches in her senior year.
Head Coach Octavia Saunders on Bounds: "Amy's contributions on the field to the team could sometimes get unnoticed due to her position as it's not a position with big stats but what she brought us every game did not get unnoticed by her coaching staff or teammates. Amy leaves her heart out on that field every game, she would challenge for every ball, every tackle, every block, and every one of her teammates. She is a true lead by example leader, she built up the players around her because she never gives up and that persistence was contagious."
VOLLEYBALL
Sweep the Sheds Award: Brooklyn Snow
2019 Accomplishments: Wrapped up her sophomore season by ranking in the top-five of five different statistical categories including kills (194—3rd), kills / set (1.92—t-3rd), assisted blocks (37—3rd), total blocks (38—3rd) and total attacks (623—4th). The award comes from a concept that exists on the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby team, "Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done."
Head Coach Bouaketh Chanthavisouk on Snow: "She's a great teammate because she knows how to sweep the sheds and get things done no matter how small or large the task."
BlueGold Award: Brianna Cherry
2019 Accomplishments: Capped off her first year at Salem with five kills in nine matches … made her collegiate debut against Wilson (Aug. 30) … recorded her first collegiate kill against Mary Baldwin (Sept. 28) … drove home four kills, while posting a .308 attack percentage, in a clash with Mary Baldwin (Oct. 19). The award is named after the colors of Salem College. The BlueGold Award is awarded to the team member that makes the greatest strides in her progress on and off the court.
Head Coach Bouaketh Chanthavisouk on Cherry: "She's been working really hard on and off the court, she's open to learning new things and willing to play her role for the team."
JESS BYRD SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD
Recipient: Courtney Chaplin, Soccer
2019 Athletic Accomplishments: Ended the season by tying junior Ellie Montes for the team lead in goals (six), while handing out two assists and finishing with the second-most points (14) … took 25 shots, including 13 shots on goal, over the course of the season. Played in 14 of the team's 15 matches over the course of the season and received USA South All-Tournament Team honors as the team reached the semifinals of the USA South Conference Tournament.
Academic Accomplishments: Responsible for a 3.991 GPA as she is finishing off her degree in business administration and political science, where she has received departmental honors over the course of her time at Salem.
Over the next year, after completing her bachelor's degree, Chaplin will serve as the Global Marketer at Reynolds. She will then begin pursuing a law degree at Wake Forest University.
Is the Chief Junior Marshal for the class of 2020 (top 10 in graduating class). Chaplin is active in her campus community where she serves as President of Sigma Beta Delta (international honor society in business administration), President of Pi Gamma Mu (international honor society in social sciences), member of mortar board (senior academic and service honor society), Salem Quest Center Tutor (recommended by senior faculty to tutor advanced level classes in accounting, finance, economics and statistics).
She was a panel speaker 2019 NC Political Science Association Conference with a presentation on "Russian Foreign Policy and Security for Sovereignty." Additionally, she is the lead volunteer/coordinator for the REACH Women's Network Conference and was the Salem Day of Service Student Leader.
Head Coach Octavia Saunders on Chaplin: "Courtney is the most competitive, determined individual I know, she is so driven to be the best at everything she sets her mind to. I always have faith in Coutney to do whatever it takes to do her job and more. This is why she is set to do incredible things in her life because her character portrays success in all aspects." Octavia Saunders, Head Coach
BASKETBALL
Most Improved Player: Cayla Harris
2019-20 Accomplishments: Wrapped up her first year of collegiate play by pulling down 80 rebounds (54 defensive), scoring 41 points, forcing 19 steals and handing out 12 assists. Established her single-game season-high in points (six) at Clinton (Nov. 23) as she knocked down a pair of 3-pointers. Set a single-game season-high in rebounds (nine) by virtue of eight defensive boards at Methodist (Dec. 18).
Head Coach Quntashea Lewis on Harris: "Cayla Harris was voted most improved by our coaching staff this year. Her growth and commitment to both athletic and academic success as a student-athlete is beyond admiral. Cayla worked hard on a consistent basis throughout the season. She pushed through many ups and downs but when the ball bounced she was ready to play. It has been a joy to watch her growth thus far. We look forward to her continued improvement as a member of our basketball team and the Salem campus community."
Most Valuable Player: Sydney Bowen
2019-20 Accomplishments: Ended the season ranked among the top-three in 12 statistical categories including points (260—1st), field goals made (94—1st), field goals attempted (303—1st), 3-point field goals made (37—1st), 3-point field goals attempted (124—1st), assists (64—1st), 3-point field goal percentage (29.8—2nd), free throws made (35—2nd), free throw percentage (71.4—2nd), free throws attempted (49—3rd), total rebounds (97—3rd) and steals (32—3rd).
Head Coach Quntashea Lewis on Bowen: "Sydney Bowen production for our team this season stemmed far deeper than statistical values. She was a consistent contributor both on and off the court. Her athletic capabilities helped us in a number of ways and her leadership led us through many storms. Sydney is a light. Regardless of the situation she's ready to compete and will do so with a smile on her face at all times. She's a great athlete, teammate and valuable part of our team. We look forward to Sydney's determined and persevering spirit leading our program into the future."
SWIMMING
Sportsmanship Award: Kristen Kellogg
2019-20 Accomplishments: Raced in eight of Salem's nine meets over the course of the season. Emerged with 15 Top-10 finishes as the Salem swimming team returned to the pool for the first time since the 2009-10 season. She competed in six events over the course of the season including the 50 backstroke, 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle and 200 freestyle relay. Her best finish of the slate (third) came alongside teammates Allison Wakefield, Emily Inman and JaLisa Lumpkin in the 200 freestyle relay of the Guilford/Sweet Briar Dual on Nov. 16, 2019.
Assistant Coach Vavina Lapham on Kellogg: "Kristen is a true athlete that knows how to handle both victories and defeats with grace, she gives the entire team someone to look up to."
Endurance & Dedication Award: Allison Wakefield
2019-20 Accomplishments: Competed in all nine meets for Salem over the course of the season. She was involved in eight events throughout the season including 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 freestyle, 400 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay. Wakefield posted 13 top-five finishes as an individual, second-most on the team, and was a part of three top-three finishes as a member of various relay teams. She came through with a first-place finish in both the 400 freestyle (Dual Meet vs. Pfeiffer / Nov. 9, 2019) and the 500 freestyle (Guilford/Greensboro Dual / Jan. 18, 2020).
Assistant Coach Vavina Lapham on Wakefield: "Allison stands out the most endurance and dedication to her team, with her confidence, consistency and effort to improve her technique."
LACROSSE
Most Improved Player Award: Isabella Verdicchio
2019-20 Accomplishments: One of eight multi-sport athletes at Salem during the 2019-20 athletic season, Verdicchio transitioned to lacrosse from cross country. She played and started in all six games for the Spirits in the abbreviated season, finishing with one shot, one free position shot and a shot on goal.
Head Coach Emma Rose on Verdicchio: "Bella was voted for by the team as the most improved player. She consistently brought a positive attitude to practice and games, and has a deep desire to spend her free time getting better at lacrosse. She has improved dramatically as a lacrosse player and stepped up to run the midfield when we needed her too. Her skills are constantly improving, and although Bella chose to play lacrosse, we are pretty sure the sport chose her back!"
Grit Award: Cara James
2019-20 Accomplishments: One of the most active defensive players on the field for the Spirits, James received USA South Defensive Player of the Week honors on March 2, 2020, becoming the first player in program history with that distinction. Started all seven contests of the shortened season for Salem, recording 34 ground balls, 20 draw controls, 19 caused turnovers and three goals. She attempted four shots on goal during the course of the season.
Head Coach Emma Rose on James: "Cara is a go to player, who is willing to push herself to her limits to achieve team and personal goals. Rarely will she back down from a challenge and she often comes up with big plays in big moments, no matter where she is on the field. Cara James plays a full 60, and is our lockdown defender with her gritty mentality, and smart field sense." Emma Rose, Head Coach
NAN TILLEY ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT SERVICE AWARD
Recipient: Amanda Dacunto, Softball
2020 Athletic Accomplishments: Ranked fifth on the team in batting average after coming through with 11 hits in 32 at bats. She was one of five players on the unit with double-digit hits, completing her senior season with two doubles and three RBI. Scored eight runs for Salem, third-most on the team.
Service Award Highlights: Amanda is rooted highly with her family especially with her nephew Parker. She is highly driven to give back to others and makes those around her feel welcome.
Additionally, she has high expectations of herself to drive her force towards her goals in life. She is an active member of College Council on Diversity & Inclusion (CCDI), Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Fall Fest Overall Chair 2018, and an Orientation Leader. She was active in NCAA DIII Week and SAAC Mental Health Social Media Campaign, Women's Wellness Inspiration Award (Spring 2019) and Count On Me Orientation Leader Award (Fall 2017).
Dacunto has accepted her spot into the master of counseling program at UNCG in the fall of 2020.
Head Coach Kierston Garner on Dacunto: "I have watched over the past four years a young lady grow into someone that is going to make a difference in this big world. I had the pleasure to know her while I was still an athlete here at Salem by hosting her for her official overnight visit and knew she was destined for great things. This hardworking and caring person is a prime example of community, leadership, and love! I'm super proud to have been Amanda's coach!"
SOFTBALL
"Power of You" Team Theme Award: Abby Shelton
2020 Athletic Accomplishments: Wrapped up her first season in a Salem uniform by finishing 2-0 on the mound with a 2.40 ERA. She logged 11.2 innings, scattered 10 hits, allowed four earned runs and converted one strikeout. Made her Salem debut at Agnes Scott, logging 4.2 innings, allowing four hits and three walks. Followed that by facing FDU-Florham (March 11), tossing a complete game six-hitter in what proved to be the final game of the 2020 season.
Shelton earned the team's 2020's Theme Award which focused on the greater being of the team which involves what you bring as an individual to the table. The theme also emphasized that every choice you make has a positive or negative impact overall which encourages players to consciously contribute to the team.
Head Coach Kierston Garner on Shelton: "Abby encompasses everything that we expected and more of our theme through her constant unwavering grit, integrity, and positive energy that she brought to the team each and every day!"
Heart & Hustle Award: Breanna Herman
2020 Athletic Accomplishments: Capped off her senior slate by leading the team in batting average (.512) and ranking second in hits (21) and RBI (11). She tallied seven runs, two doubles and a home run over the course of the season. Earned USA South Player of the Week honors on March 2, 2020 as she wrapped up a four-game weekend stretch by going 12-of-15 (.800 batting average) from the plate with six RBI and four runs scored. She managed two doubles along the way to finish with a .933 slugging percentage and .800 on-base percentage. In the field, she had 16 put outs and one assist while recording a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
Head Coach Kierston Garner on Herman: "There is no amount of adversity that can keep this young lady from giving her team and her coaches 100 percent of her heart and 100 percent of her hustle."
TENNIS
Rookie of the Year: Haley Gilley
2019-20 Athletic Accomplishments: Finished off the season with a 3-2 mark in singles action and two wins in doubles play alongside Morgan Sholz. She snagged the first win of her collegiate career on Sept. 27, 2019, by a 6-3, 6-2 margin over Mallory Scott (Ferrum). Gilley followed that performance with a straight set (6-0, 6-0) victory against Hollins' Leandra Coleman (Oct. 6). Her final singles win of the slate came on Oct. 6 at Guilford when she downed Delaney Taylor by a 6-2, 6-3 margin.
Head Coach Ed Steele on Gilley: "She is a player with an infectious personality that lifts up anyone around her."
Player of the Year: Makenna Mason
2019-20 Athletic Accomplishments: Mason laid claim to two singles wins and a doubles win during the 2019-20 season. She claimed the first singles victory of the season (6-1, 6-0) against Autum Murray-Burns on Sept. 27 as the Spirits clashed with Ferrum. That was followed by a 6-3, 6-4 victory against Madyson Schreiber (Oct. 6). With teammate Lily Farr at her side in doubles action, Mason came through with an 8-1 win over the doubles tandem of Alexis Morring and Kateri Johnson from Hollins on Oct. 5.
Head Coach Ed Steele on Mason: "A true leader on and off the court who sets the standard for practice and play."
ANNE WOODWARD STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Recipient: Hannah Wagner, Soccer
2019 Athletic Achievements: Started in 13 of the 14 matches in which she played, logging 1149:41 minutes along the way. She topped the team with 66 saves, while accruing a .846 save percentage … finished 8-4-1 on the season. Wagner conducted five shutouts over the course of the slate against Brevard (Sept. 17), Emory & Henry (Sept. 19), Meredith (Oct. 1), Methodist (Oct. 23) and Piedmont (Nov. 2). Wagner also assisted on a shutout, with teammate Jordan Tomberlin, versus Averett (Oct. 5).
The senior netminder and 2019 team captain from Wilmington, N.C., had at least three saves in 12 matches, including a single-match career-high 14 in a 2-0 victory over Piedmont in the quarterfinals of the USA South Conference Tournament. That performance earned Wagner a spot on the USA South All-Tournament Team alongside teammate Courtney Chaplin.
Wagner ends a four-year career that includes her being named as USA South Second Team All-Division and Defensive Player of the Week twice in the 2019 campaign. She responsible for the most saves (279), wins (32) and shutouts (22) in Salem soccer history.
Away from soccer Wagner serves as a gameday worker for athletic events and spends time teaching/coaching local preschool aged kids a variety of sports weekly. She is a Student Government Association Class Representative and Residential Life – RA. After graduating, Wagner is going to take one year off before pursuing a spot in physician's assistant school. In the gap year she will be working as a medical assistant under an anesthesiologist and taking classes through UNCW, micro and genetics.
Head Coach Octavia Saunders on Wagner: "Hannah is a true leader on and off the field. She is a big personality with a big heart; she cares for her teammates and pushes them to be better. She stepped up for us this year when she needed to, her position on the field comes with a lot of pressure and she thrives in the big moments."
For more information on Salem athletics check out www.salemspirits.com.