David Cohen
Director / Strategic Brand Engagement
CINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati student-athletes Clay Amlung (men’s golf) and Hannah Bolinger (volleyball) were named the 2022 Jean Stephens Memorial Award Recipients.
The duo was honored on Sunday, Feb. 6 during the men’s basketball game against Houston. The award was presented by Sue Stephens, sister of Jean Stephens, as well as Susan Grieff, another family member.
ABOUT JEAN STEPHENS
In 1999, UC Athletics lost one of its most loyal and dedicated staff members, Jean Stephens. Two years later, to recognize and promote the qualities Stephens exemplified in her 15 years of service, the Jean Stephens Memorial Award was instituted to recognize a female and male student-athlete for their high integrity, high ethical standards, respect for all persons and commitment to both UC Athletics and the University of Cincinnati.
The complete list of all-time honorees can be found here.
Hannah Bolinger • Volleyball
Bolinger, a senior biological sciences major, earned UC’s Ally Sidloski Bearcats Strong Award for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years.
Quotes from Bolinger’s nomination:
- Pours maximum effort of commitment on the court and in the workout room, as a walk-on for three years with little playing time, is a true sign of commitment to the team, and has done it for four years
- Chosen as team captain, an incredibly tough role for a young person to not only be a player, but a liaison to the coaching staff, seeking counsel from mentors to resolve conflict and helping team finish third in AAC
- Recognized freshman responsibilities that could otherwise be shared by team; choosing right thing to do and spreading responsibilities among everyone so that newcomers could feel equitable treatment (freshmen became top leaders and performers because of it)
- As a Cincinnati native and lifelong Bearcat, was invited back to her grade school to be guest speaker for Olympic Day, giving encouraging speech to never give up on their dreams and always work for what they want
Clay Amlung • Men’s Golf
Amlung, who earned his finance degree in Spring 2021, was in the Lindner College of Business Honors Program and is currently pursuing his MBA.
Quotes from Amlung’s nomination:
- Entered as a walk-on with a long road ahead to make an impact, ultimately becoming one of the top amateur players in the country and choosing to pursue an MBA during his final year of school.
- A fierce competitor who remains the consummate patron, treating other players with respect and in many cases cheering his opponents on to beat them at their best.
- Despite sub-standard showings in two tournaments before AAC Championships, he made it known he wanted to earn his spot, rather than handed off previous accomplishments, but that if he earned it would bring his most positive energy. He then played extraordinarily well in the qualifier and earned All-Conference honors.
- “Never seen in all my years of coaching a player grow so much in their four years of college, and that is what I’m most proud of”
Female Nominees
Hannah Bolinger • Volleyball
Sofia Gritzali • Basketball
Katie Hallinan • Golf
Ellie Leather • Cross Country/Track & Field
Emma Miceli • Tennis
Camryn Streid • Swimming & Diving
Male Nominees
Clay Amlung • Golf
Austin Edwards • Cross Country/Track & Field
Blake Hanna • Swimming & Diving
Mason Madsen • Basketball
Griffin Merritt • Baseball
This news is republished from another source. You can check the original article here