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Photo credit: Courtesy of Robin Deutsch |
Students Honored at Athletics Banquet
Each May, Vassar’s athletes and coaches gather to honor and celebrate the achievements of the past year at the annual Department of Athletics and Physical Education banquet. In recognition of their contributions as both powerful players and exemplary teammates, five Vassar athletes were honored with awards.
Female Athlete of the Year: Emily Love ’09
In her four years at Vassar, Love has made a lasting impression on the record books, owning six individual records as well as swimming on four record-breaking relay teams. She was the Liberty League Swimmer of the Year in both 2007-08 and 2008-09, and qualified for the NCAA Division III National Championships in both 2007 and 2008, where she earned All-American status each year.Male Athlete of the Year:
John Kessenich ’09
Kessenich (pictured) finished his senior year as the all-time leader of assists since the rally-scoring era began, ranking him seventh nationally. He was also honored twice by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), who named him a Second-Team All-American as well as National Player of the Week — the first time in six years a Vassar player was given this honor.Athletic and Fitness Alumnae/i Award: Christine Eaccarino ’09
Eaccarino was honored by AFAVC for her extraordinary leadership and performance on the women’s lacrosse team this season. Scoring a goal in every game but one, she led the team in both points and assists, ranking her second for assists on the all-time career list. Her offensive prowess also earned her an All-Liberty League Honorable Mention.Frances D. Fergusson Coaches Award: Scott Leserman ’09
This men’s volleyball player established himself as the national leader in digs, earning Second-Team All-America honors from the AVCA. This past season he had 361 digs, the third highest single season total in program history. Leserman is also the all-time leader in digs per game.Betty Richey Award: Liz Pacheco ’10
Named in honor of longtime Vassar coach and administrator Betty Richey, this award was presented to junior Liz Pacheco of women’s lacrosse. She was selected for the Defensive All-Liberty League First Team, but proved herself a strong offensive player as well, possessing the highest shots-on-goal percentage (.944) of the Vassar team.