GEORGETOWN, Texas – Southwestern University is honored to announce seniors Nik Kelly and Kate Mitchell as the 2018 Dr. Tex Kassen and Dr. Carla Lowry Male and Female Athletes of the Year.
NIK KELLY | FOOTBALL
Kelly, a senior defensive back from League City, Texas, was named a nominee for the Cliff Harris Award as well as spots on the first team All-ASC, second team All-South Region Team, and honorable mention D3football.com All-America.
Kelly wraps up an illustrious career as one of the top pass defenders in the entire nation among all divisions. Kelly finished his career with 58 passes defended, good for first in all divisions in a four year career, and 17 interceptions, good for second.
Kelly was second in the ASC in passes defended with 14 and interceptions with four. Kelly finished with 41 tackles including four tackles for loss. Kelly finished 12th in the nation in passes defended per game at 1.8 as he finished with a total of 18 pass breakups. Kelly had two or more breakups in five games this season including two separate games with three.
Kelly was also a danger in returning kicks where he also earned honorable mention honors. He had 33 kick returns averaging 22.6 yards/return and a long of 55 yards. He also had 11 punt returns for 80 yards.
KATE MITCHELL | VOLLEYBALL
Mitchell, a senior outside hitter from Roseville, Calif., was the team leader in kills with 346, good for fourth in the conference throughout the season. Mitchell averaged 3.15 kills/set, which was fifth in the conference, and hit .312 on the season, good for sixth in the conference and among the top hitting outside hitters all throughout the season.
Mitchell was even better during the conference season, leading the conference in kills (172), points (212.5), and points/set (4.1) while placing second in kills/set (3.31). Mitchell was third in service aces with 29 and fifth in hitting percentage at .353.
Mitchell was a first team All-SCAC and All-Region selection and second team AVCA All-American. She was also named to the NCAA Georgetown Regional All-Tournament Team for her outstanding performance.
Drs. Kassen and Lowry are former Directors of Athletics who were advocates for all student-athletes and expected excellence from all who participated wearing the Southwestern uniform. They had great respect for those who worked hard, were exceptional performers and those that exemplified great sportsmanship.
The two student-athletes will be honored and receive their awards at a sporting event during the 2018-19 academic year.
Please click here to view past winners of the Kassen/Lowry Award.