Finalists Revealed for Upcoming Rock Chalk Choice Awards

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Athletics will host the 11th edition of the Rock Chalk Choice Awards on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Lied Center on the University of Kansas. The program will celebrate all the exceptional athletic and academic accomplishments Jayhawk student-athlete achieved during the 2023-24 school year.

Student-athletes, coaches, staff and invited guests will kick off the evening on the red carpet with food, refreshments and music before making their way into the theater for the evening program. Emcees for the evening will be distinguished KU alumni Jill Dorsey Hall (volleyball) and Brandon McAnderson (football).

Here are the awards and finalists for each that will be presented during the Rock Chalk Choice Awards show.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD - honors the top athlete from both a women's sport program and men's sport program in recognition of their extraordinary athletic performance.
Finalists from the women's programs are: Audrey Owens (rowing), Kasey Hamilton (softball), Lily Hirst (golf), Reagan Cooper (volleyball), Shiyun Lai (swimming & diving), S'Mya Nichols (basketball) and Yoveinny Mota (track & field).
Finalists from the men's programs are: Cecil Belisle (golf), Clayton Simms (track & field), Devin Neal (football), Dom Voegele (baseball) and Hunter Dickinson (basketball).

THE JAYHAWKER AWARD - honors a student-athlete who reflected the characteristics of the pioneers who held true to their values through devastation and hardship while founding the state of Kansas. The nominees for this award demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to excellence, and in their actions reflect Kansas values of resiliency in the face of adversity, an unwavering competitive spirit, and positively contribute to Kansas Athletics.
The finalists are: Ben Hartl (baseball), Hallie Klanke (soccer), Jared Casey (football), KJ Adams (men's basketball), Lona Latema (women's track & field) and Olivia Bruno (softball).

CRIMSON CLIMB AWARD - honors a student-athlete who overcame challenges with optimism and exceeded academic or athletic expectations. The nominees for this award must exhibit commitment to Kansas values, demonstrate resiliency in their ability to bounce back from adversity and serve as an inspiration to their teammates and the Jayhawk community.
The finalists are: Ayah Elnady (volleyball), Cecil Belisle (men's golf), George Jackson (men's track & field), Heike Janse Van Vuuren (tennis) and Jason Gilliom (football).

TRUE-BLUE AWARD - honors a student-athlete who demonstrates commitment to excellence in their leadership among their peers, and in their actions reflect Kansas values of togetherness. The nominees for this award advance Kansas Athletics through active participation in student organizations and community building opportunities.
The finalists are: Chandler Gibbens (men's track & field), Hanna Hawks (women's golf), Lizzy Ludwig (softball) and Molly Schultz (volleyball)

BEST JAYHAWK IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - honors to a student-athlete not only giving everything he or she has, day-in-and-day-out, but he or she has the ability to get the best out of his or her teammates, elevating the competition every day. The student-athletes nominated for this award demonstrate extraordinary sportsmanship, support and loyalty to teammates and Kansas Athletics.
The finalists are: Taylor Conley (swimming & diving), Ben Easters (football), Mara Evans (rowing), Heike Janse Van Vuuren (tennis) and Assa Kante (soccer).

BILLY MILLS AWARD - honors a student-athlete who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to inclusive excellence and support of the Jayhawk community through the power of sport. The nominees for this award must have exhibited intentionality in gaining greater perspective, developing their sense of self, and contributing to a united community (Lawrence and/or within our athletics community).
The finalists are: Lize Van Leeuwen (swimming & diving), Michael Brooks (baseball), Saige Wimes (soccer), Tammy Keller (rowing) and Tommy Dunn (football).

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD - honors a freshman or redshirt freshman student-athlete who in his or her first year as a Jayhawk and has demonstrated competitive excellence and excelled in competition during his or her season. The nominees for this award must exhibit a high level of integrity and accountability. This award is given to two student-athletes, one from a women's sport program and one from a men's sport program.
Finalists from women's sport programs are: Caroline Castans (soccer), Gracie Shepherd (rowing), Kyoka Kubo (tennis), Lyla Louderbaugh (golf), Mason Meinershagen (track & field), Shiyun Lai (swimming & divind) and S'Mya Nichols (basketball).
Finalists from a men's sport programs are: Damon Greaves (football), Dom Voegele (baseball), Johnny Furphy (basketball) and Max Jelinek (golf).

DEL SHANKEL TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD - was established by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee in 1996 and allows student-athletes the opportunity to honor an outstanding member of the faculty at the University of Kansas.
The finalists are: Josh Arpin (School of Business), Dr. Sayvon Foster (Department of Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences), Dr. Scott Harris (Department of Communication Studies), Dr. Quincy Johnson (Department of Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences) and Dr. Dyan Morgan (Biology).

University of Kansas Athletics

Finalists Revealed for Upcoming Rock Chalk Choice Awards

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