News

Texas A&M’s Emily Peterson Selected as 2009 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award Winner in Women’s Soccer

December 04, 2009

(College Station, TX) – Texas A&M defender Emily Peterson, a fifth-year senior who overcame a serious physical disability to lead her team to the 2009 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship round of 16, has been selected as the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award winner for women’s soccer.

The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I women’s coaches, national soccer media and fans, is awarded annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in NCAA® Division I women’s soccer. The announcement and trophy presentation were made today by Lowe’s, an official Corporate Partner of the NCAA, during the 2009 Women’s College Cup™ in College Station, Texas.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School™, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. The award identifies personal qualities that define a complete student-athlete, with criteria including excellence in the classroom, outstanding character and community service in addition to competition on the field.

“It is a tremendous honor to be the recipient of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award.  The past four years I have been blessed to go to a school known for its tradition of hard work, whether it is in the classroom, on the field, or around the community,” Peterson said. “Winning this award is a reflection of that Aggie Spirit and what I love so much about Texas A&M. I would like to thank everyone for their support. I am truly honored.”

Peterson has a 3.92 grade point average in finance as part of the Mays Business Honors Program at Texas A&M. She is a member of the Dean’s List and President’s Honor Roll and was one of 43 top business undergraduates to participate in an intensive professional development program designed to strengthen leadership abilities. Peterson was born without a left arm but has participated in team sports since a young age at the encouragement of her parents. She volunteers for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children hand camp every year, counseling parents of children with upper-limb differences. 

“I’m so excited for Emily and for her fans at hearing the news of her being selected as the recipient of this year’s Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award!” Texas A&M coach G Guerrieri said. “Petey’s such a wonderful and inspirational role model for everyone who values hard work, intelligence, modesty, and what it means to be a great and caring teammate.  I’m so proud of her and feel blessed to have been around Emily Peterson in her college years.”

On the field, Peterson led Texas A&M to its 10th appearance in the NCAA tournament round of 16. During the first two matches, she recorded a goal from her central defender position and tallied an assist as well. Texas A&M lost in double overtime to Florida State in the tournament and finished the year 15-7-3 with a final regular-season ranking of No. 22.

“As a tireless worker in the classroom and on the field of competition, Emily epitomizes the spirit of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award,” said Tom Lamb, Lowe’s senior vice president of marketing. “We are proud to recognize her achievements at Texas A&M and look forward to the great contributions she will make after her playing days have concluded.”

Women’s Soccer 2009 Winner

First Team

Second Team