Staunton, VA – On Thursday, October 11, 2012 Rita Wiggs, Commissioner of the USA South Athletic Conference, presented the Mary Baldwin College Athletic Department with the USA South Sportsmanship Award for the 2011-12 academic year.

 Three of the six Mary Baldwin College varsity sports received the individual sport sportsmanship award.  Basketball received the award for the first time, while softball received the award for the fifth time and volleyball received the award for the third time.

 “Fairness, self-control, courage, and persistence are qualities of sportsmanship and leadership.  As athletic director, I am so very proud of our volleyball, basketball, and softball programs for being recognized by other conference schools for their sportsmanship,” stated Sharon Spalding, Director of Athletics.  “The court and field are classrooms that teach our student-athletes many things, but sportsmanship is one that we hope to see in all of our teams.”

 Mary Baldwin College also received the award during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years.

 Following the Sportsmanship Award presentation, nineteen student-athletes were honored by being named to the USA South Academic All-Conference team.  The USA South Athletic Conference recognizes student-athletes who have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher in each of the two semesters of a given year. 

 When asked about this accomplishment by these young women, Sharon Spalding added, “Mary Baldwin Athletics always strives to have our athletes shine in the classroom.  Last week many student-athletes were recognized at Founders Day on the Honors List, Dean's List, and as Class Marshalls.  Tonight, some of those very same student-athletes are honored for achieving at least a 3.0 GPA in both the fall and spring semesters.”

 The following student-athletes were named to the USA South Academic All-Conference team for the 2011-12 academic year.

 Meagan Barron – Volleyball, Basketball, and Tennis

Lucy Bruno – Cross Country

Carolyn Denny – Cross Country

Kimberly Denny – Cross Country

Amanda Fadden – Cross Country

Amanda Harrison – Cross Country

Kallie Johnson – Soccer

 Amanda Johnson – Softball

Michelle Jones – Soccer

Amanda Miller – Volleyball and Softball

Anabel Montano – Soccer

Caitlin Novak – Soccer

Madeline Ogden – Tennis

Skyler Owens – Softball

Rebecca Parramore – Softball

Candace Proffitt – Volleyball

Dalila Smith – Tennis

Kelsey Still – Basketball and Softball

Sophia Stone – Cross Country

 In addition to the USA South Conference awards, All-American Sophia Stone was named to the Capital One Academic All-District Team for the 2011-12 year.