HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - The Southern Conference announced on May 26, that Michaela Reesor of the Samford University volleyball team was named the 2015 SoCon Female Athlete of the Year. She is the first student-athlete, male or female, to win the award for the Bulldogs since joining the SoCon in 2009 and the first to win a conference Athlete of the Year Award since basketball's J. Robert Merritt who won the OVC's in 2006.
 
"We are extremely proud of Michaela for winning with very prestigious award." Director of Athletics Martin Newton said. "She exemplifies what a true student-athlete is; she is Samford Strong."

"I can't think of anyone that deserves such a distinguished recognition as this more than Michaela." Samford Head Coach Derek Schroeder said. "She puts her team, her schooling and her faith ahead of any personal accolades and it brings me a lot of happiness to see her recognized as such."
 
In 2014 Reesor was named first-team all-conference for the third-straight season and earned a spot on the all-tournament team as she led Samford to its second SoCon Tournament Championship in the last four seasons. She also was tabbed as the conference's Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 8.
 
The talented outside hitter finished her career on the court as Samford's all-time leader in attacks (4,107) and kills (1,639) while leading the SoCon during her senior season in kills (3.77kps) and points (4.20pps).
 
"Honestly, shocked was my initial response! It was a privilege to play at Samford in the Southern Conference and I am unbelievably honored to be selected as the Female Athlete of the Year," Reesor said.  "I honestly could not have imagined it possible, but if I've learned anything it's that God does immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. Also, I just want to give a huge thank you to my family, teammates and coaches who continue to stand by my side and support me."
 
The Caledon, Ontario native is a four-year member of Samford's Dean's List; she was also a member of the SoCon Academic All-Conference team for three straight years and graduated in May with a 3.90 GPA from Howard College of Arts and Sciences as a Journalism and Mass Communication major.
 
The Southern Conference awarded Reesor the Dorothy Hicks Graduate Scholarship on April 27, of this year so she can continue her education towards an advanced degree. She was awarded the scholarship based on her academics, athletic performance and community service.
 
Off the court and outside of the classroom Reesor dedicated her time with various organizations throughout the years. She has volunteered with Hippo Africa, the Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, the Alabama Kidney Foundation and Cornerstone Middle School.
 
The Athlete of the Year Awards are selected annually by the Southern Conference athletics directors and a media member representing each conference school. The award recognizes athletic achievement, academic performance and civic involvement. Prior to 1990-91, the award was selected solely by members of the Southern Conference Sports Media Association. Beginning in 1991-92, the men's award was named after the late Bob Waters, who was Western Carolina's head football coach from 1969-88.