ROCK HILL, S.C. - Anderson senior Nick Trull and Mars Hill
junior Kristen Metcalf have been selected as the SAC Basketball
Scholar-Athletes of the Year, a distinction recognizing academic
achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership.
The awards are voted on by the conference's Faculty Athletic
Representatives.
"The SAC is proud to be represented by Nick and Kristen, two
individuals who live out a commitment to excellence in all phases
of the student-athlete experience," said SAC commissioner Patrick
Britz. "Their accomplishments athletically, academically and in
their communities make them ideal role models for young people and
fellow student-athletes."
Trull, who won the SAC Scholar-Athlete Award in 2011 as well, is
in the midst of a standout season for the Trojans, who won the
conference's regular season title after going 22-4 overall and 17-1
in the league.
He finished the regular season as the SAC's ninth-leading scorer
at 15.5 points per game and third in three-pointers per game at
2.62. The Charlotte, N.C., native ranks second on Anderson's
all-time scoring list.
Trull also excels in the classroom, having been named the
2011-12 NCAA Division II Capital One Academic All-American of the
Year last week. He was also the recipient of the NCAA's
prestigious Elite 88 Award in 2011, which is presented to the
student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average at
the finals site for each NCAA championship.
He currently carries a 3.90 GPA majoring in Kinesiology.
Trull is a visible member of Anderson community as well, serving
with the AU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Fellowship of
Christian Athletes. In addition, he coaches youth basketball at
Hickory Grove Recreation Center and participates in numerous
service projects through local churches.
"Nick is the perfect example of what we want a student-athlete
to represent," said Anderson head coach Jason Taylor. "He is the
complete package."
Metcalf started 19 games for Mars Hill this season, finishing
third in the SAC with an average of 2.04 three-pointers made per
game. She was the Lions' fifth-leading scorer at 8.1 points per
game, led the team in steals and was second in minutes played.
Off the court, Metcalf has a cumulative grade-point average of
3.80 studying sociology - criminal law with minors in business and
psychology. She was a member SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll last
season.
Metcalf has been very active on campus and in the Mars Hill
community during her career, working alongside groups including
Fellowship of Christian Athlete, Boys & Girls Club and
YMCA.
The Black Mountain, N.C., native also volunteers at numerous
schools and youth camps, and has served at a local animal shelter
as well.
"I have known Kristen for three years, and over that time I have
been inspired by her dedication to success both on the court in and
in the classroom," said Mars Hill head coach Jen Williams.
"Kristen is just as competitive as a student as she is as an
athlete because she demands the best of herself."