SAN BRUNO, CA - At the conclusion of each academic year, the West Coast Conference announces its major individual year-end honors as a celebration of the best and brightest to represent the Conference and its member institutions.
Women's soccer senior Caroline Penner was selected for two individual awards, highlighting her outstanding season on and off the field. The Olympia native was named the Mike Gilleran Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was the recipient of the West Coast Conference Postgraduate Scholarship.
The Mike Gilleran Scholar-Athlete of the Year is selected by a vote of the West Coast Conference's Executive Council to recognize the finest accomplishments in athletics, academics and community service by individuals who have completed their collegiate eligibility. The award is named in honor of the conference's first full-time commissioner, Mike Gilleran.
To be eligible for a West Coast Conference Postgraduate Scholarship, a student-athlete must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25, demonstrate significant athletic contributions to his or her sport for a minimum of two years, and have a record of participation in campus or community activities. He or she also must submit a personal statement of intention to attend graduate or professional school for which this scholarship would be awarded.
As one of the most decorated women’s soccer players in Seattle U’s history, Penner's impact on the university stretches far beyond a soccer field. During her remarkable career, Penner totaled 85 points and received numerous accolades. As a senior, she scored a conference-leading 17 goals en route to West Coast Conference Player of the Year honors.
Her 4.0 cumulative grade point average as a biology major speaks for itself. She has been recognized on both the President’s List and Dean’s List each year. Her accomplishments in the classroom exceed her tremendous achievements in soccer.
She has also been involved with several campus organizations and supported food banks in the area, while also volunteering with the Special Olympics of Washington program. Her passion for helping others led to the dedication to developing a nonprofit organization to support teenagers at local high schools who are in need of skin care. Caroline will use the scholarship to attend medical school as she pursues a career as a physician.
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