Lacrosse and softball winners shine brightly in children’s eyes
Shortly after the Senior CLASS Award winner in lacrosse was announced, ESPN writer Dana O’Neill congratulated Princeton’s Tom Schreiber in a very public way via her Twitter feed:
“keeping w lax tweets, belated congrats to @TomSchreiber26 on Senior CLASS award. Much deserved. Made a 10 yr old fan especially happy”
Based on O’Neill’s status as a mother and a sportswriter, it’s not difficult to assume the 10-year-old is her child. Her congratulatory note about Schreiber, which went out to her 39,000 followers, is a great reminder about how solid athletes – followed and revered by so many youngsters – can be standout students and community servants.
Schreiber and softball Senior CLASS Award winner Madison Shipman from Tennessee fit the bill nicely.
Schreiber graduated with a degree in history. The two-time captain spent two summers in Uganda where he promoted education, economic independence and development. During his time there, he taught English and math to youth, coached a university lacrosse team and raised money to build a primary school.
Schreiber ended his career as Princeton’s career leader in goals, assists and points scored for a midfielder. He led the Tigers in scoring all four years. He was an All-Ivy League selection every year and is a three-time All-American. He was also named a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy for the second consecutive year.
“It is an honor to be selected for the Senior CLASS Award among such an impressive group of candidates,” Schreiber said. “The award is a great reminder of the importance of being a student-athlete both on and off the field. I am thankful for the selection and truly appreciate what the award embodies.”
Shipman graduated with a degree in anthropology. The four-time Dean’s List student and her teammates enjoy fun activities with Averi Ramsey, a young cancer patient her team adopted as a teammate. Shipman is active in several community efforts that involve children such as helping with Halloween festivities and promoting exercise for local kids.
Shipman was selected as the 2014 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, was named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American for the third straight year and was one of 10 finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award.
“This is a tremendous achievement for one of the most outstanding players Karen and I have ever coached,” Tennessee co-head coach Ralph Weekly said. “Madison is a leader on the field. She is a leader in the classroom. She is a leader in the community. She is a person that everybody respects and that people want to emulate.”
