Wingate’s Willis Named SAC Volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year

ROCK HILL, S.C. - Throughout her four-year career, Wingate's Liz Willis has been a standout both on the volleyball court and in the classroom. On Wednesday, Willis was named the 2011 SAC Volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, an award that recognizes athletic excellence, academic achievement, service and leadership.

The award is determined by a vote of the conference's Faculty Athletic Representatives.

Willis, a setter on Wingate's record-breaking volleyball team, earned All-Conference and All-Region honors in each of her first three seasons, and has again been one of the SAC's top players as a senior in 2011. She averaged 11.84 assists per set while hitting a solid .308 for the undefeated Bulldogs, who won their sixth-consecutive regular season SAC title and are the top seed in the upcoming Food Lion SAC Volleyball Championship.

"For Liz to not only be an accomplished student, but also one of the conference's top players, is really a testament to her work ethic and character," said SAC Commissioner Patrick Britz.

"The SAC has been fortunate to have Liz for the past four years, and she is a fantastic choice for this season's Scholar-Athlete Award."

In the classroom, Willis carries a 3.83 GPA while studying biology. She has twice earned a spot on the Wingate President's List and is also a prior member of the Wingate Dean's List. Willis belongs to the Alpha Chi National Honors Society, and has previously participated in the Pro Professional Health Care Organization.

She is certified as an EMT and First Responder, and was also selected to take part in a special USDA research project during her sophomore year.

On campus, Willis has been a member of the Wingate Freshman Senate, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Athletics Committee, in addition to roles as a resident advisor and library tutor.

Willis is a strong presence in the community as well, having volunteered as a local swim and volleyball coach throughout her time at Wingate. She has also put her educational skills to good use, serving as a biology lab assistant, hospital volunteer, volunteer firefighter and Wingate Infirmary assistant.

"Liz Willis is the personification of the true student-athlete," Wingate Athletic Director Steve Poston said. "Whether it is in the classroom, on the volleyball court or through her many campus and community activities, she can be counted on to give her best.

"Wingate University is a better place today due to Liz's contributes to our campus community."