The UR Athletic Department held its annual awards banquet on Thursday, April 30, honoring seven student-athletes—six seniors and one junior—for their accomplishments during their time at UR.
Senior Alex Swanger from Penfield, N.Y. received the Louis A. Alexander Alumni Award, which is given to the male senior athlete who has contributed the most to the life of the college through their athletic and academic achievements. Among the soccer player’s accomplishments are being named an all-UAA selection all four years, as well as the 2014 UAA Player of the Year and twice earning Academic All-American status.
Senior Brittany Grage was a co-recipient of the Merle Spurrier Award, given to the female senior athlete who has contributed the most to women’s sports through qualities such as leadership and enthusiasm as well as their athletic performance. The native of Pittsford, N.Y. excelled both as a pitcher and hitter, and helped the team reach the NCAA Division III Championships in 2014. She was also named the 2015 Liberty League Player of the Year.
Lauren Bailey was also a co- recipient of the Merle Spurrier Award. The senior from Ossining, N.Y. was named Liberty League Swimmer of the Year for the past three years and was also honored as an Academic All-American last year. She holds numerous Rochester swimming records and has been named an All- American Honorable Mention six times for her performance in the pool during the NCAA championships.
Junior Neil Cordell’s earned the John Vitone Award, which is presented to the male student athlete who displays the most outstanding sportsmanship. For three years Cordell has been playing in the top third of the Yellowjacket squash team, consistently one of the top teams in college squash. The three time All-American from York, England has been a leader for the team since his arrival and was named a team captain after his freshman year.
Senior Megan Keil was presented the Sylvia Fabricant Award, given to the female athlete with the most outstanding sportsmanship. The Syracuse native was a four- year starter for an improving ‘Jacket field hockey team that made it all the way to the NCAA quarterfinals in 2012. The two-time captain was also named to the All-Liberty League team twice.
Senior Ethan Pacheck received the Peter DiPasquale Award for the top male student athlete who also serves as a role model to others, only a year after his brother Adam won the award. The distance runner competed for both the track and cross-country teams in addition to pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering, excelling in both fields. Among his athletic accomplishments are the school record he helped to set in the in the Distance Medley Relay. Academically, he currently holds a GPA of 3.93.
Senior Kailee Zornow was named the recipient of the Female Scholar Athlete Award thanks to her performance as a member of the soccer team as well as her excellence in pursuit of a degree in Microbiology. The defender was named an All-UAA honorable mention in 2012 and was a captain during both her junior and senior seasons. She was named Academic All-District the past two years and will graduate with a GPA of 3.88.
Shapiro is a member of the class of 2016.
