Sportsmanship and athletic prowess during the 2005-06 academic year were honored at the College of Southern Maryland’s athletic awards banquet held at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center. Coaches from the CSM’s athletics department presented awards for accomplishments in soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball and golf.

 
Scholar of the Year Crystal Farmer, Female Athlete of the Year Melissa Mitchell, and Male Athlete of the Year Jorge Lopez were honored at the College of Southern Maryland’s Annual Athletic Awards Banquet.

Melissa Mitchell, this year’s Female Athlete of the Year, is a freshman member of the women’s soccer and basketball teams. Mitchell was recognized for her great attitude and her effort to improve her defensive skills in both sports. Despite serious shoulder and knee injuries, Mitchell managed to contribute heavily to both teams earning a 2nd place ranking on the basketball team in 3-point shooting percentages. Her coaches say that Mitchell may just be the “smallest player with the biggest heart.”

Jorge Lopez, a member of the men’s soccer team, was selected as this year’s Male Athlete of the Year. Lopez’s honors include NJCAA 2nd Team All American, honorable mention by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, 1st Team All MDJUCO, 1st Team Region XX and First Team All Region XX Tournament Team. Lopez will return next season to anchor the Hawks’ defense as they defend their MDJUCO and Region XX Titles.

This year’s award for Scholar Athlete of the Year was given to CSM sophomore Crystal Farmer, who played as a guard on the Hawks’ women’s basketball team.

The CSM Hall of Fame inducted new members this year softball players Sherry Morrison, Kim Steger and Erin Waltersdorff.

 
 2006 CSM Athletic Award Hall of Fame inductees, from left,are Sheryl Morrison, Erin Waltersdorff and Kim Steger.

Morrison assisted CSM’s athletics department in starting the women’s softball team. Morrison played for the Hawks in 1986 and 1987 and was a two-year captain at CSM. Morrison ranked All MDJUCO and All Region XX during both of her years at CSM. Morrison played a key part in the revival of the CSM softball program, leading the Hawks to a 39-11 season and winning MDJUCO and Region XX Championship both years she played. CSM ranked 7th in the nation in 1986 and 1987. Morrison is still considered to be one of the best defensive softball catchers to have played at CSM.

Steger played for the Hawks in 1993 and 1994 and was recognized for her hitting and outstanding work as a defensive centerfielder. The Hawks were 26-14 during her time at CSM, and Steger was selected All MDJUCO in 1993 and 1994, as well as All Region XX both years. In 1994, Steger was selected 2nd Team All American.

Waltersdorff pitched for the CSM softball team in 2001 and 2002. During the 2002 season, Waltersdorff pitched in 33 out of 35 games for the Hawks, finishing 28-5, with 146 strikeouts and a 1.82 ERA. Waltersdorff lead the Hawks to the 2002 championship and was selected tournament MVP. Waltersdorff was All MDJUCO in 2001 and 2002, All Region XX