June 10, 2002
SAN BRUNO, Calif. - Santa Clara women's soccer player Danielle Slaton and Gonzaga men's basketball player Dan Dickau earned the 2002 West Coast Conference female and male Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards, Commissioner Michael Gilleran announced.
Slaton became the second straight honoree from Santa Clara, following women's basketball standout Annie Garrison from last year, but only the second women's soccer player to receive the award, joining SCU alumnae Margaret Krawiec. Dickau became the sixth Gonzaga athlete to receive the honor, all members of the basketball team, including Academic All-American Hall of Famer John Stockton.
The WCC's highest honor is selected by a vote of the league's institutional representatives to recognize the finest accomplishments in athletics, academics and community service by individuals who have completed their conference eligibility.
Slaton finished her Bronco career with a number of accolades and a national championship trophy held above her head. As a four-time NSCAA first team All-American, Slaton has lived one of the most storied careers in collegiate soccer history. In 2001, the SCU defender was the 2001 College Cup Defensive MVP, the WCC Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-WCC honors for the fourth consecutive season. Slaton was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy and the MAC Player of the Year twice during her tenure on the Mission Campus. Not only was Slaton's accomplishments recognized by the league with her selection as one of the WCC's 50 Greatest Scholar-Athletes, but she was the only active scholar-athlete selected.
Slaton's dedication on the soccer field translated into her commitment in the classroom. Slaton earned a 3.72 grade point average while double majoring in Psychology and Biology at Santa Clara. Among her academic accolades, Slaton was named the 2001 NSCAA, Black Issues in Higher Education and San Jose Sports Authority Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Slaton finished her college career as the top pick in this year's WUSA draft by the Carolina Courage.
Dickau was the WCC's men's baketball Player of the Year and two-time WCC tournament MVP during his two seasons in Spokane. The Vancouver, Wash., native compiled a long list of accolades during his senior season, including first-team AP All-American, first-team Verizon Academic All-American, and finalist for the John Wooden and Naismith awards, honoring the nation's best college basketball player. Dickau's play on the court placed him in the media spotlight throughout 2002, which is where the point guard would like to be in his career following basketball. Dickau recorded a 3.40 grade point average while majoring in Broadcasting at Gonzaga, earning a spot on the WCC All-Academic team two consecutive years. Dickau also found time to volunteer for the Children's Miracle Network, visiting kids at Shiner's Hospital and assisting with the annual telethon.