|
 University of Delaware senior softball player Mandy Welch has received the prestigious John H. Randolph Inspiration Award by the Colonial Athletic Association.
The award recognizes individuals who through strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success. It is named after former William and Mary athletic director John Randolph, who lost a courageous battle with cancer in 1995.
Welch was presented the award by CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager as part of the annual UD Women's Intercollegiate Athletics Awards Banquet Wednesday night at UD's Perkins Student center.
Welch has had an 80 percent hearing loss since infancy and relies on a hearing aid and lip-reading skills to communicate on a daily basis. She has relied on her visualization and game instincts to excel, even when hearing aids have failed to work due to moisture and other conditions. She is also a two-time Honda Inspiration Award nominee, which recognizes student-athletes on a national scale.
The outfielder started all 195 games in her Delaware career for head coach B.J. Ferguson and virtually rewrote the UD record books. She is the school's career leader in games played, at-bats (644), runs scored (119), hits (205) and walks (89), and holds several season records. She batted .318 for her career as well.
This past season, the Blue Hen co-captain led the team with a .355 batting average and also topped the squad in runs (21), hits (49), doubles (12), walks (34) and stolen bases (11). She also led the CAA with a .480 on-base percentage. She was named to the All-CAA first team and was selected to the CAA All-Tournament team as well. She earned America East Rookie of the Year honors 1999.
Welch is majoring in applied animal science at UD and would like to become an animal control officer after working with the Charles County Humane Society. She was also honored Wednesday night as the softball team's Most Valuable Player and was honored with the UD Student Services for Athletes Dr. Janice Jordan Award for outstanding contributions to the office and her work with the community.
May 17, 2002
|
