PHOTO ALBUM

Nashville, Tenn. --- The Tennessee State University Department of Athletics honored the student-athletes of the 2011-12 season at the annual awards banquet held inside Kean Hall on TSU's main campus.

Tennessee State University President, Dr. Portia Holmes Shields, Director of Athletics, Teresa Phillips, FCA Urban Minister Lee Brown, along with alumni, supporters, and coaches were on hand to salute TSU athletes for their achievements on and off the field.

The awards ceremony was hosted by TSU Alum, Sonny Lyons.

The night's highest athletic award, Athlete of the Year, went to two students who excelled on the court and field this season. The honors were awarded to Shaquita Williams (volleyball) and Avian Hughes (track and field). In addition to many of their other accomplishments, Shaquita Williams was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year while Avian Hughes won the Indoor Triple Jump Title with a personal best record.

The Star Award for Academics, an award given to the most outstanding student-athlete for their achievements in the classroom, had three recipients this year. Susie Burke (softball), Cierra Joshua (track & field) and Lawrence Washington (tennis) received the Top Academic Excellence Awards.

Academic Services recognized the student-athletes with the highest GPA in their respective sports.  Student-athletes receiving the team academic award were Kim Haynes (women's basketball), Patrick Miller (men's basketball), Bria Norris (women's golf), Andrew Warner (men's golf), Bryce Wilson (football), Susie Burke (softball), Khadijah Williams (women's tennis), Lawrence Washington (men's tennis), Cierra Joshua (women's track), Donnie Johnson (men's track) and Britani Hathorn (volleyball).

Coaches also individually recognized student-athletes within their programs.

Rico Council was named football's Player of the Year as well as the Defensive MVP. The other football award recipients included: Calvin McNairl (Offensive MVP),  Jamin Godfrey (Special Teams Award), Antonio Harper (Defensive Lineman), Sherman Coleman (Offensive Lineman), Trabis Ward (Offensive Back), Hunter Howard (Spirit Award), Rogers Gaines (Most Improved Player), Steven Godbolt (Back of the Year), Devin Wilson (Courage Award)

During the night, other team most valuable players awarded were Marie Black (honorary - women's golf), Lawrence Washington (tennis), Chris Hobbs (cross country), Sherita Harris (cross country), Royce Dates (track & field indoor), Daniecce Ward (track & field indoor), Jasmin Shuler (MVP), Robert Covington (men's basketball), Tedra Alford (softball), Ashontae Jackson (track & field Outdoor), Arthur Combest (track & field outdoor).

Softball also recognized Susie Burke as the Most Improved Player and Shea Morris as the Freshman of the Year.

---tsutigers---