April 7, 2004

The USD community, the Athletic department, Associated Students, and Student Athlete Council, pay tribute to an exceptional group of USD's Student Athletes. Each of the Toreros 375 student athletes has dedicated countless hours in the water, on the field, and on the court; while each maintaining their obligations in the classroom. This past week USD recognized 16 student athletes have been nominated by their coaches for USD's Torero Athlete of the Year.

MEN'S SOCCER: Scott Burcar... 3 year captain was selected as a 3 time, First Team All-West Coast Conference and 2 time Defensive Player of the Year. He is also the team's Most Valuable Player. He is involved in youth soccer programs as a coach and is committed to giving his time and knowledge of the game. He is a two year member of the Alcala Leadership Program on campus and exhibits a genuine, moral character. He is a committed and demanding leader for the team, and leads by his hard work and dedication to the program. Senior Business major, from Tacoma Washington.

WOMEN'S SOCCER: Marie-Claude Henry... 1st team West Coast Conference All Academic Team... 2nd team all conference, and team Offensive Most Valuable Player. As a captain, she leads by determination, outstanding work ethic, and passion for the game. She is an International Student and greatly respects every opportunity she has been presented. Her success on the field and in the classroom is attributed to her great commitment and dedication for success. She is a member of the Student Athlete Council and involved in team community service projects and various campus activities. Junior, Business major, from Montreal Canada.

FOOTBALL: Eric Rasmussen... Team Most Valuable Player and captain led USD through a season resulting in a shared conference title. He was selected as the Pioneer Football League North Division Player of the Year and a member of the PFL and American Football Coaches Association All-Academic Teams. He set numerous career and season records for the USD football program and Division 1 AA for his passing efficency. He was also chosen for the TFN/ Division 1 AA All Star team for this past season. Throughout his career at USD he has inspired his teammates and classmates through his outstanding work ethic and respect for those around him. He is involved in University Ministry and has volunteered his time throughout our community. Senior, Business major, from Sacramento California.

VOLLEYBALL: Lindsey Sherburne... Played a major role in the success of the season as the team received national rankings as high as 16th. She currently holds the USD All Time record for assists in a season and finished the year ranked 2nd in the country. This fall she was named an All Tournament Selection at competitions at Arizona State University, American University, and the USD Invitational. In 2002, she was named Co-WCC Freshmen of the Year. She participates in many community service projects as a Student Athlete Council representative and member of Alpa Phi sorority on campus. Sophomore Business Major, from Saratoga California.

MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Steve Trudelle... West Coast Conference Academic Team member. As a student leader of his team he has served as an instructor, motivator and mentor to both the men's and women's running programs. As a well balanced student, he promotes integrity, justice and self-reliance. His passion for traveling has led him to become involved in numerous international volunteer opportunities, and has encouraged his teammates to do the same. Senior, Business major, from Portola Valley California;

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Tiffanie Marley... West Coast Conference Academic Team, and is the 2003 West Coast Conference Champion. She is admired by her teammates for her dedication to the sport and in the classroom. While studying to be a teacher, she is heavily involved in student development and spends many hours volunteering in elementary schools. She serves as a role model to children in numerous ways, and has made an incredible impact on the community through her all around excellence. Junior Education major, from Lake Elizabeth California.

GOLF: Jimmy Harris... This team's Most Valuable Player attends USD on an academic scholarship. He has proven to be the ultimate leader by example. He maintains a very well balanced life and makes a difference in all he does. His hard work has encouraged his team to continue to strive for the best. His attitude and respect for all those he works with impresses both his coaches and teammates each day. Sophomore Business Major, from El Cajon California.

SWIMMING: Ashley Swart ... Became the first Torero in school history to qualify for the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships a year ago. She returned this season as well as being named an Honorable Mention All American. This year, she finished 43rd in the nation in the 400 IM. She was twice named All-Pacific Collegiate Swimming Conference swimmer and earned conference co-swimmer of the year honors in 2003. A sophomore from Honolulu, Hawaii.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Brice Vounang... This athlete led his team this season and was named the 2004 West Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year. He also was recognized on the All-WCC First team after an outstanding season that saw him average 17.3 points a game and 6.8 rebounds. In conference play, he averaged 19.7 points a game, while converting over 58 percent of his shots. He had 23 games in double digits and totaled five double-doubles this season. A junior center, from Dschang, Cameroon.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Marta Menuez... Became just the eighth person in USD history to score 1,000 career points. She was named to the All-West Coast Conference First Team and established herself as one of the best post players in school history. She averaged over 14 points per game and eight rebounds. She currently lists as the 5th all-time leading scorer in San Diego school history. A senior center from Bodega, California;

MEN'S TENNIS: Pierrick Ysern... This student athlete has proven to be an all around success in his two years at USD. An All West Coast Conference Selection, and ranked as high as 11th in the nation this year, he continues to prove his outstanding abilities on the court. Because of his success in the classroom, he was honored, among others, at the president's luncheon. He plays in the number 1 spot for his team leading them to numerous victories. A sophomore Business Major, from Paris France;

WOMEN'S TENNIS: Emma Murphy... Recently been named the West Coast Conference Player of the Month. She has maintained a consistent position in national rankings. She was also named to the All-West Coast Conference First Team last season. This season she plays in the number one spot for the team and has compiled a 14 and 2 record. As an international student, she brings a special livelihood to all those she meets. Her hard work and determination allows her to be successful in all aspects of her life. Her coaches and teammates look forward to the rest of her career as a Torero. A sophomore, Communications Major from Cork Ireland;

MEN'S ROWING: Stuart Hawkes... Completing his third year on the team. In his freshmen year, he competed in and won a Bronze medal in the novice four at the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Championships. As a sophomore, he raced in varsity eight, which placed second in the WCC and set a school record 200 meter time of 5:58. This year, he is a member of the Student Athlete Council. A junior Starboard, from Santa Maria, California;

WOMEN'S ROWING: Kelsey Watters... Co-Captain has proven herself with her athletic and academic accomplishments. She was awarded WIRA first team all conference, CRCA National Scholar-Athlete, USD scholar student/athlete, and is a member of the USD honors program. When she is not studying or on the water, she is donating her time to numerous community service organizations. She is the director of Best Buddies, a program that connects students on campus with off campus students with disabilities. She serves the USD community as a Resident Assistant and as the secretary of Student Athlete Council. Senior, Biology major, from West Linn Oregon.

BASEBALL: Joey Prast ...This athlete has emerged as one of the best players in USD history. He was named to the 2004 Pre-season All American Third Team. In 2003, he led the WCC in hits with 90, RBI with 57, doubles with 26 and total bases with 154. He set numerous USD single-season records as a junior, while also being named First Team All-WCC outfielder. He was also named 2001 WCC Freshman of the Year and has twice been named WCC Player of the Week. A red-shirt senior from Poway, California;

SOFTBALL: Cindy McGee... Our last nominee is a determined captain that has been a leader to her team both on and off the field. She maintains an outstanding GPA while performing consistently on the field. She has been named to the Whisl All Academic Team the past two seasons. Cindy is a very active member of Student Athlete Council and serves as Vice President. She initiated and organized two successful career development events this year including inviting a speaker from the San Diego Chargers and organizing a panel discussion about Careers in Sports. This past summer she was selected to attend the NCAA leadership conference in Orlando Florida. In addition, last year she served on the Student Issues Board and made strides in developing a class reservation system for student-athletes. Senior, Business major, from Burbank California;