2003 Award Honoree

Jessica Lenderman
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
Vanguard University (California)
Dr. LeRoy Walker Sportsmanship Award

Jessica Lenderman of Vanguard University (Cal.) is the recipient of the fifth annual NAIA Dr. LeRoy Walker Sportsmanship Award, which honors a student-athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of scholarship, character and sportsmanship.

The Walker Award was created as part of the NAIA's association with CTSA, and is named for the past president of both Benedict College (S.C.) and the United States Olympic Committee.

A three-year captain of the women's basketball team, Lenderman is the embodiment of a model student, quality athlete and caring citizen. She earned an Exercise Sport Science degree in 2002 and her teaching credential from Vanguard in 2003. The 2002 Vanguard student-athletic Trainer of the Year maintained a 4.0 grade-point average and received three academic All-Golden State Athletic Conference and three NAIA scholar-athlete awards during her career.

As a senior during the 2002-03 season, Lenderman's years of hard work paid off as she helped lead Vanguard to its third NAIA national tournament during her five-year career. She was named co-Lion of the Year by her teammates after Vanguard finished with a 28-10 overall record.

Following the 2002 season, Lenderman was selected as Vanguard's Female Champion of Character. She is committed to community service and civic responsibility, and does so with exemplary leadership.

"Jessica is a principled person who incorporates an ethic of service into her character and conduct," said Bob Wilson, director of athletics at Vanguard. "She has a passion for life that is demonstrated in the joyful and diligent way she pursues her college degree and the persistent way she faces competitive challenges."

Competing in athletics has taught Lenderman about hard work and discipline. She wants to become a certified athletic trainer and plans to use her Christian education to teach at the high school level.