General | 3/9/2022 12:58:00 PM

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The St. Catherine University athletic department selected the Fleur-De-Lis award recipients for the weeks of February 21-March 6 recognizing seven individuals for leadership along with five athletic performances.

Introduced in the fall of 2017, the Fleur-de-lis award is an honor given to student-athletes who embody the three components of the Wildcat athletic department; sport, scholarship, and service. The fleur-de-lis is a visual representation of the athletic department's mission. The three petals of the fleur-de-lis represent the tenants of our mission:  Scholarship, Athleticism, and Service.  The band holding the three pedals together represents leadership and perseverance.  Excellence in any of these areas is recognized by the department through this award. 

The Fleur-de-lis award honors Wildcat student-athletes who have exemplified the department's mission on the field, the classroom, and through community service. The fleur-de-lis, or "flower of the lily" in English, is a symbol used by the University and Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and is proudly incorporated into the St. Catherine shield as a representation of the Sister's French heritage and the seed from which their good works grow.

Sofia Walker | Jr., Tennis | Athletics
Junior Sofia Walker helped St. Kate's to an 8-1 defeat of Macalester College on Friday to open the MIAC season. Walker claimed an 8-0 victory at No. 1 doubles playing with Kelsey Dorr and defeated her opponent in three sets at No. 3 singles to remain undefeated individually this season. This is Walker's second Fleur-de-lis Award of the year and third of her career.

Alyssa Montero | Jr., Softball | Athletics
Junior Alyssa Montero appeared in the circle for three games collecting 16 strikeouts in 14 innings, including 12 against Grinnell College on Sunday, February 27. Montero leads the Wildcats pitching staff this season so far with 26 strikeouts appearing in just 25 innings. Behind the plate, Montero recorded four runs including a double for an on-base percentage of .462. This is Montero's first Fleur-de-lis Award of her career at St. Kate's.

Reilee Schepper | Sr., Indoor Track & Field | Athletics
Senior Reilee Schepper finished fifth overall in the triple jump at the MIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships Saturday, February 26. Schepper's impressive mark of 10.71m maintains her second-place standing all-time improving the jump by .17m. This is Schepper's first Fleur-de-lis of her career for Indoor Track & Field and second award overall.

Madi Genz | Fy., Indoor Track & Field | Athletics
Rookie Madi Genz earns her second Fleur-de-lis award of the season following an outstanding showing at the MIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships. Genz performance in the 55-meter dash ranks her No. 3 all-time in program history.

Burnices Barlue | Fy., Indoor Track & Field | Athletics
First-year Burnices Barlue earns her first career Fleur-de-lis award as the result of an outstanding debut at the MIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships. Barlue's performance in the 55-meter hurdles ranks her No. 3 all-time in program history.

Mel Swanson | Sr., Dance | Leadership
Senior Mel Swanson earns her first Fleur-de-lis Award of her four-year career at St. Kate's. Swanson has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Wildcat dance program having been the only remaining member from her rookie class of five. Swanson has led her team to be more involved by encouraging participation in both the athletic department and amongst the campus community.

Kaitlyn Blair | Jr., Hockey | Leadership/Service
Junior Kaitlyn Blair is awarded her second Fleur-de-lis award for organizing the Polar Plunge on Saturday, March 5 for the St. Kate's athletic department. Blair worked with different campus groups to encourage involvement from not only the student-athletes but a variety of students from St. Kate's. She coordinated six athletic teams and was responsible for helping secure the department's largest-ever donation to Special Olympics of Minnesota.

Bryana Leverentz | Sr., Track & Field | Leadership
Senior Bryana Leverentz is awarded a Fleur-de-lis award for serving as a Polar Plunge team captain. Leverentz guided and encouraged her team to participate in the event along with helping secure the department's largest-ever donation to Special Olympics of Minnesota.

Reilee Schepper | Sr., Tennis | Leadership
Senior Reilee Schepper is awarded a Fleur-de-lis award for serving as a Polar Plunge team captain. Schepper guided and encouraged her team to participate in the event along with helping secure the department's largest-ever donation to Special Olympics of Minnesota.

Maggie Rosen | So., Volleyball | Leadership
Sophomore Maggie Rosen is awarded a Fleur-de-lis award for serving as a Polar Plunge team captain. Rosen guided and encouraged her team to participate in the event along with helping secure the department's largest-ever donation to Special Olympics of Minnesota.

Kate Praetz | So., Soccer | Leadership
Sophomore Kate Praetz is awarded a Fleur-de-lis award for serving as a Polar Plunge team captain. Praetz guided and encouraged her team to participate in the event along with helping secure the department's largest-ever donation to Special Olympics of Minnesota.

Emma Proefrock | Fy., Dance | Leadership
First-year Emma Proefrock is awarded a Fleur-de-lis award for serving as a Polar Plunge team captain. Proefrock guided and encouraged her team to participate in the event along with helping secure the department's largest-ever donation to Special Olympics of Minnesota.