Jan. 10, 2011
CHICAGO - Student-athletes, coaches, administrators, parents and friends gathered Sunday to honor the 2010 UIC volleyball season at the Chicago Marriott Medical District.
The afternoon began with a welcome address delivered by freshman MaryKate Imrie. Imrie welcomed everyone to the banquet and thanked her coaches, administrators and parents for their unwavering support throughout the season.
Following a delicious dinner, several awards were handed out. Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley introduced the team's three first-year letterwinners: Imrie, Justine Garcia and Aubrey Sniegowski, all of of whom received UIC letterman jackets.
Senior Epiphany Davis presented the Spirit Award which was given to freshman Rita Witteman. The Riverside, Ill. native was honored for her constant support of her teammates and her enthusiasm for UIC volleyball both on and off the court.
Senior Taylor Szatkowski presented the Most Improved Player Award to redshirt sophomore Janise Dismuke. After seeing limited action in her first season as a Flame, Dismuke emerged as one of the top middles in the Horizon League. The Peoria, Ill. native led the league in hitting percentage and ranked 10th in blocks. She was also named MVP of the Best Western Invitational, which was won by UIC in September.
Sniegowski presented the team's MVP award to senior setter Jessica Dalke who captured the award for the second straight season. A team co-captain, Dalke played in all 114 games this season and graduates in fifth-place on UIC's all-time assists list with 3,159. She ranked fourth in the Horizon League in assists per set this with 10.35 and was also named to the Best Western Invitational All-Tournament Team.
Each of the above winners was chosen by a vote of her teammates.
The day's final honor, the Unity-Integrity-Commitment Award was bestowed by Schumacher-Cawley. The head coach explained the meaning behind the distinction and how the words unity, integrity and commitment are the principles upon which the program is built. The award, for the second straight season, was given to senior hitter Casie Sullivan. Sullivan is a four-year captain who made a tremendous impact throughout her five years in the program.
The four seniors: Dalke, Davis, Szatkwoski and Sullivan each addressed the room by giving advice to their teammates, giving thanks to their supporters and giving thoughtful reflections on what it meant to a member of the UIC volleyball family.
UIC senior women's administrator Tonya McGowan addressed the crowd, as well. McGowan thanked the parents for entrusting their daughters to the university and the team for its dedication to the program and the Flames athletic department.
Schumacher-Cawley thanked everyone in attendance one final time, and with that, the 2010 season had come to an end.
To view a photo gallery from the 2010 Volleyball Banquet, click here to visit the UIC Volleyball page on Facebook.
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
