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Birmingham, AL-The Gulf South Conference is proud to announce its 13th annual GSC "Top Ten" Award winners. These awards, based on athletic, academic and extracurricular achievement during the 2008-09 academic year, recognize the top five male and top five female student-athletes as the cream of the GSC crop. The top male and female receive the Commissioner's Trophy, the Conference's most prestigious honor. The presentations will be made at the GSC's Annual Awards Banquet, Thursday, June 25, at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front in Pensacola Beach, Fla. at 6:30 p.m. At that time, the Conference will reveal the winners of the Commissioner's Trophies, recognize its All-Sports Trophy Champions (men: Valdosta State; women: West Florida) and bid farewell to departing administrator, University of Arkansas at Monticello Athletic Director Alvy Early. The "Top Ten" are selected with the assistance of an advisory committee representing the ADs, SWAs, SIDs, FARs and Presidents from randomly selected GSC schools, which makes a recommendation to the Commissioner, who has the final decision. Ties are not broken, so more than ten student-athletes can be honored. Three seniors highlight the five women's winners: Amanda Grappe (Arkansas Tech, Basketball, Benton, Ark.), Lindsey Randall (Arkansas-Monticello, Softball, Keithville, La.), Alicia Williams (Harding, Tennis, Greenville, Miss.). A pair of juniors round out field: Courtney Jones (West Florida, Soccer, Panama City, Fla.), Bethany Wright (Henderson State, Volleyball, Georgetown, Tex.). Jones is the UWF's fifth "Top Ten/Top Eight" women's winner in five years, while Randall is the third consecutive UAM softball standout to make the Top Ten. Wright is the second straight HSU volleyball star in the Top Ten, while Williams is HU's second winner in as many years. Grappe broke new ground for ATU becoming the first-ever Golden Suns' women's basketball Top Ten honoree. Four seniors headline the list of male athletes: Stephen Hill (Christian Brothers, Cross Country, Collierville, Tenn.), Nolan Intermoia (West Florida, Soccer, Pensacola, Fla.), Kenny Johnson (North Alabama, Basketball, Plaquemine, La.) and James Schroeder (Southern Arkansas, Baseball, Montgomery, Tex.). Completing the men's "Top Ten" is junior Jon Koenigsfeld (Valdosta State, Baseball, New Port Richey, Fla.). Johnson returns from last year, upping the number of repeat men's Top Ten student-athletes to eight. Intermoia is the seventh consecutive UWF men's "Top Ten/Top Eight" athlete, but is the first-ever men's soccer Argonaut to claim laurels. Koenigsfeld is the first VSU men's winner since fellow Blazer baseball standout Sammy Watson's 2003 award. Hill is CBU's third honoree in four years, but is the school's first-ever cross country winner. Schroeder is SAU's second Top Ten baseball star in three years, follow Skyler Stromsmoe's 2007 accolade. Amanda Grappe, Arkansas Tech University A historic career highlighted by countless awards makes Arkansas Tech's Amanda Grappe one of the best women's basketball players in Conference history. Combined with a stellar academic record and strong community initiative, Grappe was an easy choice for the GSC "Top Ten". Listing all of Grappe's awards as a forward for the Golden Suns would take up several pages, but the high notes of the Benton, Ark. native speak volumes: a three-time First Team All-GSC Selection, and in 2009, earned the West Division Player of the Year. Grappe's talent was recognized at the national level, capturing WBCA/State Farm® Division II Coaches All-America honors twice, including a spot on the First Team in 2009. She was a back-to-back Daktronics® All-South Region selection and won GSC Player of the Week honors 10 times during her career at ATU. She finished her Tech campaign as the school's 10th leading scorer (1,738) and fourth leading rebounder (791). Grappe is also the Golden Suns' all-time leader for made free throws (478) and attempts (649). She scored in double figures in 94 of her 118 career games and had 20 double-doubles for Arkansas Tech. Also capable as a student, Grappe was a three-time member of the GSC Academic Honor Roll. She made ATU's Dean's List twice and finished with a 3.58 G.P.A. in her major, Elementary Education. She was also the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's Vice President, helping to create community service and engagement events. Grappe was an active participant in the Adopt-A-Mile project and spent many hours volunteering at Russellville Elementary Fitness Night, teaching children lifelong fitness. Stephen Hill, Christian Brothers University Cross Country runners are known for their endurance and perseverance, running long distances towards an ultimate goal. For Christian Brothers' senior Stephen Hill, those qualities not only served him well on the course, but also propelled him to excellence on and off campus. Since setting foot on the CBU campus, the Collierville, Tenn. native has set the standard by which all student-athletes can be measured. Hill had an immediate impact on the Buccaneers' cross country program, building an impressive resume led by four First Team performances in the GSC Championship and NCAA Regional meets. Hill also made noise outside the region, earning a spot as an individual qualifier for the NCAA National Championship Meet in 2005 and 2008. Hill won three races during the 2008 regular season, crossing the finish line first at the Delta State, Rhodes College and Pepperdine Invitationals. He was the Division II Champion at Pepperdine, placing second overall in 24:50. Hill continued his success in the postseason, leading Christian Brothers to a fourth-place finish at this year's Conference Championship Meet, posting a 26:10 effort as the highest U.S.-born finisher (sixth-place). Next, he led the Bucs to a seventh-place ranking at the 10K NCAA South Regional Meet as his own finish of seventh (32:04) also earned him one of the two individual berths at the NCAA Championships. Hill finished 63rd (32:40) at the NCAA National Meet in Slippery Rock, Penn. which featured 152 total runners. Hill's work in the classroom is equally impressive, wrapping up his undergraduate career with a 3.85 overall G.P.A. as a Biochemical Engineering major and a Chemistry minor. He is a three-time GSC All-Academic performer after earning a unanimous selection in 2008 and has made the USTFCCCA® All-Academic Team for three years in row. Hill is the recipient of the Chemical/Biochemical Engineering Award and the Outstanding School of Engineering Graduate awards, which are based on academic excellence and service to the University and the community. Hill served as President of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers in 2008-09 and was treasurer for Tau Beta Pi. He helped CBU raise over $30,000 annually for St. Jude by organizing numerous fundraisers, including an 11-mile run which earned him the school's Creative Program of the Year Award. Hill's passion for community service stretched beyond the boundaries of his home state as he was an active participant in mission trips to Managua, Nicaragua in the summers of 2006 and 2007 and to Panama City, Fla. in 2008 and 2009. Hill's duties on the trips ranged from renovating seminaries in Nicaragua to helping provide a safe environment for students during Spring Break in Florida. Hill is Christian Brothers' third consecutive GSC Men's Top Ten honoree, following John Raymond Hehn (2007) and Matt Werakso (2008). Nolan Intermoia, University of West Florida Overcoming adversity during a collegiate career demonstrates resiliency, but surmounting two tragedies during a student-athlete's time on campus shows an inner strength that is unparalleled. A 2009 GSC Top Ten honoree Nolan Intermoia is a shining example of what you can achieve with that fortitude. From the very beginning of his career at UWF, Intermoia fought an uphill battle. Before playing in his first college match, a torn ACL required surgery and forced the freshman into season-ending surgery and a redshirt in 2003. The hometown product of Pensacola, Intermoia rehabilitated his knee to full strength and started the first three contests of 2004 before the first tragedy struck. Hurricane Ivan killed 14 people in Florida, virtually destroying the city of Pensacola. UWF fall sports were canceled as the community began the rebuilding more than six billion dollars in damages. Despite missing the 2005 postseason, West Florida rebounded by winning the 2006 GSC Championship before falling in the National Semifinals. The Argonauts won their second-straight Conference crown in 2007 and entered 2008 in a "rebuilding" year, returning just five senior starters. And then the second tragedy devastated the program in late May. Co-captain Mason Hupp, a close friend of Intermoia's and one of only three players remaining from the 2004 squad, died just three months before his senior season. Devastated and shocked by the news, the team turned to the other captain, Intermoia, for leadership. The sixth-year senior stepped up and delivered by earning GSC Defender of the Week laurels three times, a unanimous selection to his second consecutive All-GSC First Team and All-America choices by Daktronics® and the National Soccer Coaches of America Association® (NSCAA). However, the most satisfying moment came in the GSC Championship as Intermoia tallied the game-winning goal as third place West Florida knocked off top-seeded Montevallo for their third-straight league title. Intermoia's status as team captain was a choice by his fellow players but was earned by contributions to West Florida through various activities off the pitch as well. A Criminal Justice major with a solid 3.34 grade point average in his field, Intermoia was the men's soccer Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) representative every year he was on campus. He also organized numerous fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through SAAC events, made significant contributions in clean-up efforts in Pensacola following the destruction of Hurricane Ivan and volunteered his expertise at several youth clinics in the Gulf Coast area. "The hardships Nolan led our team through en route to our many successes are so impressive," said UWF Head Coach Bill Elliott. "He is the type of player every coach wishes they could duplicate for every position on the squad." Kenny Johnson, University of North Alabama The University of North Alabama is no stranger to the GSC "Top Ten" award, providing a league-best 13 honorees, but not many can match the impact that Kenny Johnson has had on the UNA campus and community of Florence, Ala. Johnson's recognition in the "Top Ten" is the eighth back-to-back men's selection following Lions baseball star Douglas Harrgett (2001 and 2002). The Plaquemine, La. native capped off his senior year in grand fashion, earning the GSC East Division Player of the Year award while placing second in the league in assist/turnover ratio (3.71), third in assists (5.04), fifth in free throw percentage (.813:-100-123) and ninth in steals (1.64). He was named to the All-GSC First Team and was tabbed First Team All-Region by Daktronics® and the National Association of Basketball Coaches® (NABC). Johnson capped his honors with a Honorable Mention All-America designation by the Division II Bulletin. He completed his collegiate career on the court in March when he was among 20 players selected to participate in the NABC All-Star Game which was held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Johnson made a return appearance to the GSC All-Academic Team thanks to a 3.45 overall G.P.A. as a Business Administration major with a concentration on Computer Information Systems. He was a leader within the Lions' athletic community, serving on the UNA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and receiving the UNA Student-Athlete Volunteer of the Year Award. His duties on campus included working the "Kids Zone" on Spirit Hill at home football games and the UNA "Kid's Fun Night" at Flowers Hall. The local community also benefited from Johnson's volunteer spirit. He was a key participant in the "Reading With the Lions" program which gave UNA student-athletes the opportunity to read to young students at five different elementary schools. Johnson also worked the America Red Cross Blood Drive which was organized by the men's basketball team. He also participated in the wheelchair basketball games and served at the Boys and Girls Clubs and The Florence City Father/Son Initiative. Courtney Jones, University of West Florida Soccer goalkeepers often lead a lonely life on the pitch. In the case of Courtney Jones, a 2009 GSC Top Ten honoree the net minder for the best defensive team in the nation was about as lonely as it gets! Jones and West Florida had a remarkable year in 2008, falling to Seattle Pacific in double-overtime of the National Championship Match, 1-0 and finishing the season with a 24-1-1 mark. Jones was the last line for a defense that put up record-breaking numbers. The Argonauts scored 32 more times (92) than they allowed shots on goal (60). UWF set new Gulf South Conference records in five categories including lowest goals against average (0.26), shutouts (20), consecutive scoreless minutes (930) and fewest goals allowed (7). Jones obliterated four season marks in the league for matches played (26), shutouts (17), goalkeeper minutes (2,206) and wins (24). With one year still remaining, the Panama City, Fla. native holds three Conference career records: lowest goals against average (0.37), shutouts (42) and wins (53). Even with accolades such as Daktronics® Second Team All-America and National Soccer Coaches Association of America® (NSCAA) Second Team All-South Region, Courtney's best praise comes from her coach, Joe Bartlinski. "Following in the footsteps of two previous All-GSC and All-Academic goalkeepers was never going to be easy," said Bartlinski, the Gulf South Conference's all-time leader in soccer coaching victories. "Courtney embraced the challenge and has excelled." Jones, a GSC All-Academic Team member as well as an NSCAA® Scholar All-America, has a 4.00 grade point average in her Athletic Training major. Jones embraces being a role model in the classroom and on the field, but takes her time away from school to do great things in the world. Courtney volunteered as a youth soccer coach for ages 8-14 during the past two summers, spending over four months as a mentor in Iceland. She works as a volunteer at Glencove Nursing Home in her hometown while also performing mission work in south Florida at a home for neglected and abused children. Along with working as a volunteer junior varsity coach at Pensacola Catholic High School, Courtney's attributes as a truly great person is shown while coaching goalkeepers for the U.S. Deaf National Team. "Since first arriving at West Florida, Courtney has been a beacon in the sky for the University, both literally and figuratively," said Bartlinski. "After being chosen as one of a few students to represent the school in billboard ads throughout the state of Florida, Courtney continues to search for new challenges and is always the first to step up when called upon in the community, in the classroom or on the pitch." Jon Koenigsfeld, Valdosta State University The balance of athletics and academics as an NCAA student-athlete can be an extremely difficult task. Jon Koenigsfeld does both at a high level and still has time to help less privileged individuals and his community, earning him a spot on the 2009 GSC Top Ten list. A shortstop for the Valdosta State baseball team, Koenigsfeld (pronounced CANE-IGGS-FELD) started 62 of 63 games in 2009 while batting .328 with 33 runs batted in and 50 runs scored, leading the Blazers to a 43-21 record and a spot in the NCAA South Region Tournament. A year after being named to the All-GSC Second Team, Koenigsfeld was named to the 2009 NCAA South Region All-Tournament Team. The junior from New Port Richey, Fla. excelled in the classroom with a perfect 4.00 grade point average in his Middle Grades Education major. Koenigsfeld earned the VSU Male Student-Athlete Academic Award for the second straight season in 2008-2009 while also garnering recognition on the GSC All-Academic team in back-to-back years including a unanimous selection in 2009. Despite the rigorous schedule of playing collegiate baseball and the effort involved with having a perfect GPA, Jon has spent three years helping the Department of Middle, Secondary, Reading and Deaf Education at Valdosta State University of the school's Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC). Koenigsfeld's other activities include taking part in the annual Blazer Build for Habitat for Humanity, assembling a playground at Crossroads Baptist Church and volunteering at baseball's Special Needs Awareness Day. Blazers' Head Coach Greg Guilliams is proud of his standout shortstop and echoes the sentiments of those who know Jon the way his skipper does. "Jon embodies all the qualities that we think of with a student-athlete," said Guilliams. "He excels in the classroom with a 4.00 GPA while also excelling on the field both in his play and as a role model for his peers. His leadership and work ethic is unmatched." Lindsey Randall, University of Arkansas at Monticello Along with her Player of the Year accolades on the field, Arkansas-Monticello's Lindsay Randall has been an outstanding student and asset in her community. The senior shortstop made her two years at UAM memorable, culminating in one of the best careers in school history and a GSC "Top Ten" honor. Randall's accomplishments on the diamond were exceptional, including several honors during her tenure for the Boll Weevils. A two-time All-GSC selection, Randall amassed 140 hits and a career .372 average, while topping her squad in hitting in both seasons. During her final year at UAM, she led the Cotton Blossoms in hits, runs, doubles, slugging percentage and home runs. Randall had 19 multiple hit games and put together a 15-game hitting streak during the season. A three-time GSC West Division Player of the Week, she also assumed team leadership duties and was named captain for the 2009 squad. On the field accomplishments only cover half of her attributes, as Randall's success in the classroom and the community elevated her to her high level. Randall posted a 3.69 overall G.P.A., including a 4.00 in her major of Health and Exercise Science. She is a National Fast-Pitch Coaches Association® All-American Scholar Athlete, and was named ESPN the Magazine® Academic All-Region. The two-time UAM Chancellor's List member also made the 2009 GSC All-Academic Team. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the middle infielder is what she is doing to help people halfway across the world. Randall is the Chairman of the fundraising committee for Baptist Campus Ministries for a mission trip to Krakow, Poland. She is one of six UAM softball players who will participate, traveling to Poland to promote goodwill and sport to youth in Krakow. They have used internet mediums such as Facebook to help raise money for the trip and appear within reach of bringing this fantastic journey to fruition. James Schroeder, Southern Arkansas University It's only fitting that James Schroeder, who does so many things so very well and is a member of the 2009 GSC Top Ten list. He's much more than just an All-South Region baseball player! The Montgomery, Texas native joined the Southern Arkansas baseball program after two years at Blinn College in his home state. Schroeder quickly made an impact on the field and in the classroom, earning GSC West Division Player of the Week honors twice in his first season and making the Southern Arkansas Dean's List. Schroeder hit .369 with 19 doubles, nine home runs, 55 runs batted in and was 22 for 24 in stolen base attempts in 2008, earning him a spot on the All-GSC West Division Second Team. "As an accomplished junior college player, James came to Southern Arkansas with tremendous work habits, attitude and dedication," said Southern Arkansas Athletic Director Jay Adcox. "He epitomizes the true meaning of an NCAA student-athlete." As a preseason All-Conference selection in 2009, Schroeder was looked upon to guide the Muleriders with his play and leadership abilities and came through in more ways than expected. The third baseman took on the added role of pitching and was outstanding in both endeavors. Schroeder led the Gulf South Conference and tied a school record with 88 RBI and finished third in the league with 19 home runs. On the mound he was equally good, posting an 8-2 record with a 3.38 earned run average, 72 strikeouts in 80 innings of work, 14 starts and three complete games. Schroeder earned both GSC West Division Player and Pitcher of the Week honors in 2009, becoming one of only six players in Conference baseball history to be honored with the laurels in the same season. Those accolades and achievements translated into a unanimous selection at third base on the All-GSC First Team as well as receiving a Second Team bid as a starting pitcher. Schroeder led the Muleriders to a number one ranking in all three national polls on two different occasions, a share of their first-ever GSC West Division title and second GSC Tournament Championship in four years. SAU earned the top ranking in the South Region and hosted the Regional Tournament for the first time. Schroeder was named Second Team All-South Region by two publications while earning Southern Arkansas' highest athletic honor bestowed annually to only two recipients, the Auburn Smith Award. A Physical Education, Wellness & Leisure major, Schroeder finished with a 3.55 grade point average, was a unanimous selection to the 2009 GSC Baseball All-Academic team and also made the 2009 ESPN the Magazine® Academic All-District First Team. Off the field and outside the classroom, Schroeder is a mentor to local youth in the "Big Brother" program, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is involved in the campus trash and clean-up program. "With a strong commitment to academics, athletics, community service and leadership, James will be successful in any venture," said Adcox. "He is a good person and a man of testimony and will." Alicia Williams, Harding University For the second straight year, Harding University provides a GSC "Top Ten" female standout who has stamped a place in the school's athletic history. Since stepping on the Searcy, Ark. campus in 2005-06, Alicia Williams has made the most of her opportunities on the court and in the classroom. The Greenville, Miss. native completed an impressive collegiate career in 2009, claiming the GSC West Division Player of the Year award. She also became just the 10th player in league history to be a four-time All-GSC First Team honoree. Williams posted a 15-5 record this season, leading the Lady Bisons to a berth in the GSC Tournament and an 18-9 overall record. For her efforts, she was also given the Berryhill Award which is handed to HU's top senior female student-athlete. When the sun finally set on her four-year campaign, Williams became the school record-holder for career dual-match victories at No. 1 singles (70). It should not surprise anyone that David Elliot, who has been the head coach since the program's inception, believes Williams is "the best women's tennis player ever at Harding." Elliot proclaims that Williams "has a deep sense of work ethic and is highly motivated in academics and extracurricular activities." Those comments are more than accurate when you consider that she completed her undergraduate academic career with a 3.86 overall G.P.A. and a perfect 4.00 G.P.A. in her Exercise Science major. Williams is a three-time member of the GSC All-Academic Team led by a unanimous selection this season. She is also a three-time choice of to the ESPN the Magazine® Academic All-District Team in which she was the top vote-getter in 2009. She was a 2008 inductee into the American Studies Institute and the Alpha Chi Honor Society as well as the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. Williams' on-campus efforts included serving on the GSC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for three years and being a student member of the Academic Misconduct Committee at Harding. Spearheading her off-campus resume is a stint as a team member of Harding's Spring Break Missions Trip to Orlando, Fla. She also volunteered at His House, a food pantry for the needy, and served as the Energy Group Leader for the Harding Student Impact Organization. Williams carried her passion for the game of tennis to her hometown by working as an assistant teacher at the Cypress Hills Tennis Club in Greenville, Miss. She has also worked as a lab assistant for the United States Department of Agriculture and at OrthoArkansas as a physical therapy tech. Bethany Wright, Henderson State University The true example of a student-athlete, Henderson State's Bethany Wright excelled on the volleyball court and in the local community, using her education to make a difference and solidify her spot on the GSC's "Top Ten". A defensive specialist for the Lady Reddies on the court, Wright is in the process of rewriting the GSC record books at her position. Only a junior, she already holds several conference records in digs. Wright has the most digs ever in a match, compiling 55 as a freshman against West Division power Harding. She rode that performance en route to being named the 2006 GSC West Division Freshman of the Year. She also captured the AVCA® South Region Freshmen of the Year Award that same season. Her success continued as she matured as a player, with more GSC and national honors coming her way. In just three seasons, she has been named GSC West Division Defensive Player of the Week 13 times, and could hold every dig record in the history of the Conference when her career ends. This past season was a banner year for Wright, as she was named to the 2008 Daktronics® All-America Team, AVCA® Honorable Mention All-Region squad and was a First Team All-GSC choice. She was fourth in the NCAA in digs per game, averaging 5.82 per contest. At the HSU All-Sports Banquet, Wright was given the prestigious India Norman Award, the top trophy given to a female student-athlete. A 3.61 G.P.A. Spanish major with a minor in Communications, Wright was inducted into the Kappa Delta Phi Educational Honor Society in May 2008. Wright is a two-time member of the GSC Academic Honor Roll, and was a 2008 choice for Academic All-Conference. Also the Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Wright was involved with leadership in several of Henderson State's yearly projects. She headed up HSU's Make-A-Wish drive, coordinating fund raising at basketball games through donations to assist youth in the area. Wright was also the lead VP for the "Reddie To Help" Program for Student-Athletes, which put HSU's athletes in position to help kids as positive role-models. The group read, tutored and monitored play periods while helping the kids of Perritt Elementary School. OTHER "TOP TEN" NOMINEES
Alabama-Huntsville Kristina Prater, Softball Delta State Eric Spencer, Men's Basketball Harding Henderson State Montevallo North Alabama Ouachita Baptist
Kristen Rigsbee, Softball Southern Arkansas Valdosta State West Alabama
Rob Dahlberg, Baseball West Georgia Kim Weaver, Softball
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