NEWPORT, R.I. – Salve Regina recognized 11 individuals during its end-of-year Sports Awards Ceremony May 4. The recipients were honored in seven categories – Seahawk Spirit Award, Sportsmanship Award, Brother Michael Reynolds Award, Meghan E. Strathman Award, Sister Philemon Banigan Award, Distinguished Senior Scholar-Athlete and Athlete of the Year.

Seawhawk Spirit Award

Father Thomas O'Neill, university chaplain, was honored with the Seahawk Spirit Award, given annually to an individual who has shown undying support, in a positive manner, for all Salve Regina sports and athletes.

Sportsmanship Award

Anissa Vieira '08, a member of the cross country and track teams, and Brendan Haire '08, a member of the baseball team, were chosen because they earned the respect of fellow athletes, coaches and administration for continually demonstrating qualities associated with fair play, positive attitude and cooperation.

Brother Michael Reynolds Award

Whitney Bushee '08, a member of the field hockey and women's lacrosse teams, and Brian Walker '08, a member of the men's lacrosse team, received the award designated for student-athletes who demonstrate a commitment to academic and athletic excellence and who have contributed to the overall development of the athletic program.

Meghan E. Strathman Award

Jennifer Sousa '08, a captain of the softball team, received the award designated for student-athletes who demonstrate a commitment to academics and athletics and is actively involved in athletic department leadership opportunities, community service and other campus activities. Last fall, Sousa organized a Powder Puff football game that raised money for the Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children's Hospital.

Sister Philemon Banigan Award

Kacie Gallo '08, a member of the women's soccer and track teams, received the award presented annually to an individual who works behind the scenes to make a positive contribution to the intercollegiate athletics program. Gallo also won the award in 2006 and was a Meghan E. Strathman Award winner last year.

Distinguished Senior Scholar-Athlete Award

Christina Lee '08, a member of the women's soccer team, and Matt Finlayson '08, a member of the baseball team, received the award given annually to the students with the highest cumulative grade-point average while participating for four years in varsity athletics.

Athlete of the Year

Robbie Norton '08, a member of the men's tennis team, received the award for the second straight year, while Allegra Lovoy '09, a member of the women's basketball team, won it for the first time. Norton was the Commonwealth Coast Conference's player of the year for the third time in his career, while Lovoy was a first-team all-conference pick.