TicketsFeb. 10, 2011
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati senior volleyball player Stephanie Niemer (Erlanger, Ky./St. Henry) was named a 2010-11 American Eagle Outfitters BIG EAST Institutional Female Scholarship Award winner, the league announced Thursday.
Niemer, an outside hitter from Erlanger, Ky., is one of 16 athletes - one from each BIG EAST school - to earn the award, which grants student-athletes $2,000 towards their continued education.
"It's a reflection of the kind of student-athlete Steph is," said UC volleyball head coach Reed Sunahara. "She works hard on the court and in the classroom and that's what makes her special. I think it's great for the program and congrats to Steph."
The American Eagle Outfitters BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is one of a number of scholarships presented by the BIG EAST Conference and American Eagle Outfitters during the 2010-11 academic year. Thirty-two student-athletes (one male and one female from each of the BIG EAST's 16 member institutions) will be named as the winners of the American Eagle Outfitters BIG EAST Institutional Scholar-Athlete Scholarships. The conference also names male and female American Eagle Outfitters BIG EAST Basketball Scholar-Athletes of the Year and an American Eagle Outfitters BIG EAST Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
"Stephanie Niemer is one of those rare student-athletes who exemplifies natural talents, a strong work-ethic and a passion to excel in every area of her life," said Robin Martin, UC Associate A.D./Senior Woman Administrator. "She is the true definition of a winner. For the past four years, Stephanie has been a role model for all our female student-athletes by upholding a standard of athletic and academic excellence while carrying out her commitment to community service."
The award is the latest of honors bestowed upon Niemer, the 2010 BIG EAST Volleyball Player of the Year. Previously this month, Niemer was named a First Team All-American by Volleyball Magazine. In December, the American Volleyball Coaches Association tabbed Niemer with Second Team All-America status after she finished the season ranked fourth in the NCAA in kills per set (5.12) and third in points per set (5.93).
Niemer is currently playing professionally in Puerto Rico for Indias de Mayquez, which is in first place with a 4-1 record in the Liga de Voleibol Superior Femenino. She is one quarter from graduating with a degree in marketing.