Clemson Volleyball Team Honored At Annual Banquet

Jan. 24, 2003

CLEMSON, S.C. – The 2002 Clemson volleyball team was honored at a banquet on Clemson’s campus Friday evening. The recipients of each of the following awards were chosen by team vote.

Senior Jessi Betcher, from Boulder, CO, was chosen the team’s Most Valuable Player. The MVP award recognizes the student-athlete who by virtue of her athletic talents made the most visible impact on the team during the season. Selected by her teammates, this honoree’s contributions were deemed the most valuable in achieving the team’s goals. Betcher completed her career as the Tigers’ all-time leader in assists and assists per game, while earning two AVCA All-District honors.

Junior Lindsey Abbott, from Fort Walton Beach, FL, was honored with the 3.0 Passer Award, given annually to the player who earns the highest passing percentage during the entire season. The award is based on the accuracy of the serve receive pass only. Abbott was also chosen the Best Defensive Player, which is presented to the person who, in the eyes of the team, contributed significantly to the team’s success through her defensive skills.

Sophomore Lori Ashton, from Waldorf, MD, earned the Best Offensive Player Award, which recognizes the student-athlete who made a significant contribution to the team’s success through her offensive play. Ashton was named to the 2002 All-ACC team after leading the conference in hitting percentage. She is also Clemson’s all-time leader in that category.

Sophomore Stephanie Haskell, from Simpsonville, SC, was the Tiger Spirit award recipient. This award recognizes the player who made a special contribution to the team throughout the season. Because of her achievements as a student and an athlete, this player symbolizes a standard of excellence to which all other athletes aspire. Always seeking to bring out the best in her teammates, the winner of this award unselfishly devotes herself to reaching the team’s goals and inspiring the team. This is the second consecutive Tiger Spirit award for Haskell.

Junior Laura Jensen, a native of Albany, CA, was the recipient of the Dedication Award, which is designed to recognize the individual athlete who has, through dedication and commitment in the weight room, improved her performance on the court. The athlete chosen is not necessarily the strongest or most muscular athlete, but rather the one who works the hardest in the weight room, in order to make herself a better team player.

Freshman Meghan Stanton, from Kildeer, IL, was chosen the team’s Rookie-of-the-Year. The award recognizes the player who, in her first year of competition at Clemson, contributed the most to the success of the team. Selected by her teammates, this player is essential in every aspect of the game.