This year for the first time the banquet featured a silent auction to
raise funds for the team's trip to Europe in the summer of 2006.
Kornell Battle, Director of Basketball Operations, Kerwin Lonzo, who
handles media relations for women's basketball, and Candice Storey,
former player and currently compliance director at Vanderbilt enjoyed the
meal.
Hillary Hager, one of last year's seniors and a graduate assistant with
the team this year, poses with sophomore guard Cherish Stringfield and
freshman post Katie Eggers.
At this time next year, juniors Nicole Jules and Erica Grimaldi will be
the seniors saying goodbye.
Long time-manager Chanel Thomas, who hopes to attend graduate school at
Peabody in the fall, poses Kornell Battle, and sophomore post Carla Thomas.
Another new feature at this year's banquet were table sponsorships.
Besides the sponsor's invited guests, players and staff sat at the table,
too.. Redshirt sophomore post Liz Sherwood shared a table with this
young fan.
Chancellor Gordon Gee couldn't stay for the entire proceedings, but he
stopped in and chatted with Head Coach Melanie Balcomb.
After dinner, it was time for the traditional highlight film, including
highlights from this season as well as highlights from earlier seasons
in the seniors' Vanderbilt careers.
Next, the team was introduced. Sophomore guard Dee Davis (right)
attended the banquet on crutches. Earlier in the day she'd had surgery to
repair a torn meniscus in her knee, but still came to the banquet to
celebrate the season and to honor the seniors. From left: Abi Ramsey, Ashley Earley, Erica Grimaldi, Nicole Jules (in rear), Carla Thomas (in rear), Cherish Stringfield, Caroline Williams, Liz Sherwood (in rear), Katie Antony, Dee Davis, Katie Eggers (in rear).
If it's an Awards Banquet, then there are sure to be awards. Each award
was presented by a different member of the staff. Here, Assistant Coach
Stephanie Norman awards Caroline Williams with the Most Improved Player
award.
Other awards included the Bedford Hunter Loyalty Award (Ashley Earley
and Erica Grimaldi), the Chloe Stroop Spirit Award (Cherish
Stringfield), Outstanding Defensive Player (Abi Ramsey), and the Commodore Award
(Ashley Earley).
In addition, four players were recognized for making the SEC Honor
Roll: Caroline Williams, Erica Grimaldi, Cherish Stringfield, and Ashley
Earley.
Next Coach Balcomb spoke. She thanked many people for their help and
support, beginning with the administration right on through the "practice
guys" and honored the graduating seniors.
Then it was the seniors' time to talk. Abi Ramsey talked first . . .
. . . and Ashley Earley followed.
.
Then it was time to say goodbye two special seniors, who have left
their mark in the Vanderbilt record books, in the banners in Memorial Gym,
and in the hearts of their teammates, coaches, and fans..
Photographs copyright 2005 by WhitneyD for Vandymania.com.
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