Collier, Mackey Named SoCon Coleman Lew Leadership Award Winners

May 27, 2009

Greenville, S.C. - Furman men's soccer defender Jonathan Collier and softball pitcher Lana Mackey are among 24 recipients of the fourth annual Southern Conference Coleman Lew Leadership Award, it was announced by the league office this week.

The award recognizes student-athletes from each of the Southern Conference's 12 member institutions. Coaches, faculty athletic representatives and senior woman administrators nominate prospective candidates based on leadership, academic excellence and athletic achievement in both the college environment and the community. Athletic directors and representatives from Coleman Lew & Associates, Inc., a national executive search firm, conducted one-on-one interviews with the finalists before determining the award winners.

Collier, a native of Fayetteville, Ga., joined the Furman men's soccer team this past season after playing two seasons at Virginia Tech. He made an immediate impact earning second team All-Southern Conference honors while helping the Paladins to an 11-8-1 record that included victories over both South Carolina and Clemson. Collier netted game-winning goals in victories over Davidson and Presbyterian.

Mackey earned second team All-SoCon honors after leading the league with 171 strikeouts and posting a 2.64 ERA as a junior. The Perry, Ga., native became just the fourth pitcher in Paladin history to record 500 career strikeouts. She totaled four shutouts on the season and posted a 1.71 ERA against SoCon competition.

"Our firm, as an educational partner with the Southern Conference, is proud to present the fourth annual Coleman Lew Leadership Award to these outstanding student-athletes," said Kenneth D. Carrick, Jr., partner-managing director. "These students represent the best in academic performance, athletic skill, community service and leadership ability."

Recipients will be recognized at the Southern Conference Honors Dinner on Wednesday, May 27 at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Hilton Head, S.C.