Three Tribe student-athletes honored by NSCA
Derek Cox A third-round selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2009 NFL Draft, Cox's determination and work ethic enabled him to develop into one of thenation's top collegiate players.
Abby Lemon A three-time All-CAA performer in the hammer throw, Lemon broke the school record with a throw of 175 feet at last season's conference championship meet. In addition to winning the conference title in the hammer throw 2008, she finished runner up in '07 and was the bronze medalist as a freshman.
Kate Lawlor A two-time team captain, Lawlor was a fixture in the Tribe's starting lineup as a defender for the past three seasons.
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The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year program is in its 30th year and recognizes student-athlete¹s dedication to strength training and conditioning. The three student-athletes were nominated by William & Mary speed, strength and conditioning coach John Sauer, MSCC, and assistant Jake Dyslin, CSCS.
A third-round selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2009 NFL Draft, Cox's determination and work ethic enabled him to develop into one of thenation's top collegiate players. A two-time all-conference selection at cornerback, the Winterville, N.C. native became just the fourth player inhead coach Jimmye Laycock's 29-year tenure to be elected as a two-time team captain. During his senior season, Cox recorded four interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns. He also made a significant impact onspecial team returning punts and averaged 16.4 yards per return with a pair of touchdowns (89 yards vs. Northeastern and 80 yards vs. Richmond).
"Derek developed himself into one of the top players in the CAA and accomplished this with a superior work ethic and a tremendous desire to be the best he can be," Sauer said. "He is a tremendous leader both on the field and in the strength and conditioning program. It has been a veryrewarding experience working with him the last five years."
A two-time team captain, Lawlor was a fixture in the Tribe's starting lineup as a defender for the past three seasons. A vocal leader and one of the team's hardest workers, she had a knack for getting to loose balls and played a key role in initiating the transition. The Philadelphia, Pa., native finished the 2009 season with 18 ground balls, eight draw controls and 10 caused turnovers.
"Kate is an extremely focused and disciplined individual," Sauer said. "It doesn¹t mater if it¹s practice or training, she always gives 100 percent. She is a very enthusiastic individual, leading both by example and vocally. It has been a real pleasure working with her."
A three-time All-CAA performer in the hammer throw, Lemon broke the school record with a throw of 175 feet at last season¹s conference championship meet. In addition to winning the conference title in the hammer throw in 2008, she finished runner up in '07 and was the bronze medalist as afreshman. The Berryville, Va., native has also been an ECAC qualifier in the hammer throw each of the past three years.
"Abby brings the right attitude and effort into the weight room every single day," Dyslin said. "She is a great leader who is very respected by her teammates."
The athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments and their integrity as student-athletes. Power Systems, Inc., is the official sponsor of this program.
