Cardinals Hold 2020-21 Awards Banquet

May 06, 2021 | Swimming & Diving

Louisville recognizes stars of history-making year

By: Nancy Worley

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The University of Louisville men's and women's swimming and diving team awarded their best and brightest stars at the annual Swimming and Diving Team Awards Banquet held at the PNC Room at Cardinal Stadium.

The Cardinals made a historical run this season. History was made on the final night of the NCAA Championships as the University of Louisville men's swimming and diving team tied a program-record fifth place finish on Saturday evening at the Greensboro Aquatic Center.   The men won their first ACC crown as they Cardinals broke five school records and produced eight gold-medal performances throughout the four-day meet, finishing with 1181 points. Their score marked the highest point total in program history, besting the previous mark of 1178 set in 2015 during their first year in the ACC.

The University of Louisville women's team finished third at the 2021 ACC Women's Swimming and Diving Championships in Greensboro, N.C. and 13^th at the NCAAs, powered by the underclass performances, foretelling a bright future for the women's program.

The following athletes were given the awards at the banquet:

Freshmen of the Year: (This award is voted by the team and awarded to the most promising new team member) Gabi Albiero and Dalton Lowe

Ralph Wright Most Memorable Performance: (This award is voted by the team and present to the individual or performance which inspires the team with the most memorable moment) Liberty Williams (1650 freestyle race at ACCs and Nick Albiero (200 fly and 200 Medley Relay NCAA Championships)

Academic Awards: (4.0 GPA both semesters):   Women: Morgan Friesen, Abby Hay, Alena Kraus, Olivia Livingston, Carley Lowe, Maddie Luther, Sophie Middendorf, Katie Schorr. Men: Nick Albiero, Aidan Kreiley.

Cardinal Spirit Award: (This award is given to the individual that demonstrates commitment and team spirit to the University and the athletic department.) Diana Dunn, Christiana Regenauer, Colton Paulson

Underclassmen Unity Award: (This award is given to the individual swimmer or diver who helps unify the underclassmen and bridge the gap between the upperclassmen. This individual shows future promise as a leader.) Paige McCormick, Else Praasterink, Aidan Kreiley

The Joseph Mittel Award: (This award is presented to the graduating senior who has supported the team in the devotion to training and competition.) Morgan Friesen, Nikos Sofianidis

Relay Award: This award is presented to the swimmers who give an inspired performance as a member of the relay) Women's NCAA 400 Medley Relay (Tristen Ulett, Kaylee Wheeler, Nick Albiero, Christiana Regenauer); Men's 400 Freestyle Relay at NCAA (Haridi Sameh, Nick Albiero, Michael Eastman, Colton Paulson)

Most Improved Athlete: (This award is presented to the swimmer or diver who mest demonstrated the persistence and dedication in their sport with exceptional improvement over the course of the season.) Kaylee Wheeler, Addie Farrington, Liberty Williams, Tanner Cummings, Michael Eastman, Jack Wever, Adam Sneden

The Coaches Award: (This award is given to the athlete who best demonstrate the true spirit of Louisville swimming and diving. It is given not only for hard work and personal improvement, but for a willingness to enter into a partnership with the coaching staff and teammates.)   Gabi Albiero, Else Praasterink, Evgenii Somov, Kivanc Gur, Kyle Worrell

The Rick Hill Award: (This award is voted by the team as the most valuable member of the squad.) Abby Hay, Nick Albiero

The Christine Simatacolos Cardinal Support Award: (Awarded annually to an individual of the swimming and diving community, who actively supports the team and is a valued member of the organization.) Abby Solis, sports medicine

Igniting Performance Award: (Awarded to the individual who had an igniting performance and set the tone for the team's performance.) Tristen Ulett (200 fly at ACC, 400 Medley Relay leadoff at ACCs and NCAAs, Male Divers at ACCs (120 points), Haridi Sameh (anchor)

Perseverance Award: (Awarded to the swimmer or diver who shows that with the odds against them, they keep fighting and never give up.) Kelly Tichenor, Paige Hetrick, Mitchell Whyte, T.C. Smith