HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba Valley Community College women's basketball program capped off a successful 2017-18 season this past week with its year-end awards banquet.
Red Hawks head women's basketball coach Tisha England presented awards to her players during a ceremony held in the Multicultural affairs wing on the campus of CVCC.
UNC Pembroke signee Shaniya Lester was awarded as the Red Hawks' Most Valuable Player, and she also received honors for being named All-Region X, All-Region X tournament and a National Junior College Athletic Association DII All-American.
Sophomore forward Tanisha Wall, who signed to continue her academic and athletic career at Montreat College, was named the Red Hawks' Most Improved Player.
Freshman Monique McAbee and Alizeyah Mitchell were honored as well for their Region X All-Academic team accolades, and sophomore guard Tory Agrusa was also honored for her All-Region X award.
Each member of the Red Hawks women's basketball team also received a special plaque for their participation in this past season.
"It is a testimony of how hard they've worked all year long and throughout our program," England said of the team awards. "I cannot thank them enough for what they've done for the program to put CVCC on the map. These girls are true student athletes. When people didn't believe in them or didn't give them an opportunity, CVCC came in and we gave them a chance. We told them what our program is all about, and they bought into the system. Great things have happened for them. I'm looking forward to hearing all the great things ahead of them in academics and on the court. This week is an emotional roller coaster for us graduating kids and bringing new kids in, but at the end of the day, we're all family."
Following the awards ceremony, England and her players were treated to a fun-filled afternoon at The Pit Indoor Kart Racing in Mooresville, N.C.
CVCC players and coaches not only raced again each other on go-karts, but also participated in laser tag and a rock climbing wall before one final team meal together.
"We just had a great time," England said. "We have been having a great time all year long. Just to have that banquet to solidify everything that we've been working hard for all year long — that's what it is all about. We made friendships and created memories. The girls enjoyed themselves. It wasn't only just the girls, but myself, too. It brought back great memories.
"They had no mercy on me on the go-kart driving," England added. "Everybody wanted to hit or bump me. That was their time to get me back, but we had a good time. We still talk about it today. Just the fellowship that we had together was remarkable."
PHOTOS: http://gocvcc.com/sports/wbkb/2017-18/photos/0023/index