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SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Despite not being able to gather in one place, Santa Clara Athletics still honored its student-athletes with end-of-the-year awards Wednesday night in a virtual celebration.
Women's soccer, women's basketball, and volleyball all had three winners apiece.
Josip Vranic of men's basketball was given the Pat Malley Award as the male student-athlete of the year.Vrankic topped the Broncos by scoring 12.5 points per game and pulling down just over five rebounds a contest to help the team to its best start in 50 years and first 20-win campaign in seven years. The junior earned second team all-conference honors and reached 1,000 career points.
The Brandi Chastain Award for top female student-athlete went to Taylor Odom of volleyball. Odom set a single-season program record and led the NCAA with 196 blocks on her way to first team all-conference and all-region honors. Odom also led the Broncos with a .331 hitting percentage.
2020 Santa Clara Athletics Student-Athlete Awards
Jim Jennings Award
• Andrew Jezak (women's soccer)
Senior non student-athlete for his or her service to the athletics department. The award is in honor of Jim Jennings who served as a volunteer in Santa Clara Athletics for more than 20 years.
Senior Academic Award
• Sam Agosti (men's soccer) - 3.83 GPA
• Natalie Kennedy (women's soccer) - 4.0 GPA
Formerly the Senior Academic award, it is presented to the male and female senior student-athletes with the highest grade-point averages.
Henry Schmidt Award
• Shane Hughes (men's water polo)
Given annually to a male student-athlete who best demonstrates the qualities or attitude, character, desire, competitive spirit and the will to excel both on and off the field of play. Henry Schmidt was the first Santa Clara's athletic trainer, a position he held for 50 years.
Marygrace Colby Award
• Noelani Obermeyer (women's cross country/track and field)
Given annually to a female senior athlete who best demonstrate the qualities or attitude, character, desire, competitive spirit and the will to excel both on and off the field of play. Mary Grace Colby was the first Women's Athletic Director.
DJ Frandsen Award
• Mac Inch (men's rowing)
• Emily Wolph (women's basketball)
A male and female student-athlete who used courage, perseverance and spirit to overcome adversity and now serves as a role model for inspiration. The award is in honor of former men's basketball manager David Frandsen Jr. who inspired many with his battle with cancer which ultimately claimed his life.
Jim Shea Award
• Ana McCreadie (volleyball)
In years past, this award was bestowed to the most courageous football player. It now recognizes one male or female student-athlete who has courageously led his or her team through selfless actions and been a leader in the campus community. Jim Shea was the first Santa Clara student-athlete whose life was cut short while serving in the Vietnam War.
Carroll Williams Award
• Lauren Yearwood (women's basketball)
A senior who bests defines what it means to be a Santa Clara student-athlete. Someone who excels in the classroom and athletically while making an outstanding contribution in community service.
Brandi Chastain Award
• Taylor Odom (volleyball)
Given annually to the school's top senior female student-athlete. Brandi Chastain was Bronco legend on the soccer field and was on the United States Women's National Team from 1988-2004.
Pat Malley Award
• Josip Vrankic (men's basketball)
Given to the top senior male athlete. The award is in honor of former football coach and director of athletics Pat Malley.
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