Alex Johnson Nominated for AAU Sullivan Award
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Alex Johnson was one of 19 nominees selected for the2013 James E. Sullivan Award, which honors the nation’s outstanding amateur athlete.
Given by the Amateur Athletic Union, the Sullivan Award has been presented annually since 1930 and is based on character, leadership and sportsmanship. Notable recipients of the AAU Sullivan Award include: Mark Spitz, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Florence Joyner, Peyton Manning, Michael Phelps, J.J. Redick, Tim Tebow, Shawn Johnson and Missy Franklin.
“I am extremely proud of the 2013 slate of nominees for the highest honor the AAU bestows—the AAU James E. Sullivan Award,” said Henry Forrest, President of the AAU. “These young women and men are the best and the brightest among the hundreds of thousands of amateur athletes who are pursuing their dreams. Not just on the court, the field, the mat, the water or in the gym, these outstanding athletes demonstrate character and leadership in their communities as well.”
As a senior, Johnson helped her Miami team earn a spot in the 2013 NCAA tournament. Johnson played in the NCAA tournament in all four years of her college career and was a key reason why the Hurricanes currently have a five-year streak of tournament appearances.
Johnson started every match of her Hurricane career, donning Miami’s orange and green colors in 125 matches. She finished her career ranked in the top ten in kills, points, assists, service aces, block assists, total blocks and digs in UM history. The Tallahassee, Fla., native is one of only two players in program history to record over 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in their career.
Also an exemplary student, Johnson has earned a spot on the honor roll and dean’s list in every year at Miami and was a three-time All-ACC Academic selection. Johnson is scheduled to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Voting for the 84th Annual AAU Sullivan Award will consist of an on-line ballot, the AAU Sullivan Committee, the National Governing Bodies of Sport in the U.S.A. and the D-I Sports Information Directors.
March 10 marks the first day of online voting. The results of the online ballot will account for one-third of the athlete’s overall score. The athletes were nominated by someone who thought they fit the requirements of outstanding athletic ability, strong character, leadership and sportsmanship. The public can cast their vote by going to www.aausports.org. Voting will remain open until March 23rd at 11:59 EST.
Three finalists will be named no later than March 28th and the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, April 11th at the AAU National Headquarters in Orlando, Fla.
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