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The Family Circle Cup Community Outreach program is all about making a difference in the community. In 2002, the tournament started a scholarship grant at the College of Charleston for outstanding female student-athletes who excel both on and off the playing field. Every year, $5,000 is donated to a well-rounded student based on a number of criteria including academic accomplishment, community involvement, financial need, and athletic prowess. This year’s winner is junior Alyssa D’Orazio, a Business Administration major and standout member of the College of Charleston’s Women’s Track & Field team. In addition to the $5,000 grant, D’Orazio will have an opportunity to participate in a coin toss prior to a stadium court match at the Family Circle Cup.
Each scholarship applicant was asked to write an essay on what makes her a good candidate for this scholarship. Through her letter, D’Orazio, a junior from Haddonfield, NJ, conveyed that she is as ambitious about education and volunteerism as she is about athletics. She went on to illustrate how important it is to give back to those in need, especially to underprivileged children in the Charleston community.
Pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management, D’Orazio has maintained a 3.7 GPA. She has distinguished herself as a Scholar Athlete each year at The College, been named to the Academic All-Conference Team four times, and positioned herself on the Director of Athletics Honor Roll throughout 2010, all by maintaining a high GPA. She is currently the Director of Finances of the College of Charleston’s Club of Hospitality and Tourism, and a member of the Student Finance and Investment Club.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be chosen for this honor, and I really appreciate the Family Circle Cup’s generosity and support, as well as the impact this will have on my education,” said D’Orazio. “I’ve worked so hard at the College of Charleston, both on and off the track, and this scholarship will really help me cover a good portion of my tuition in the fall semester.”
Outside of her normal coursework, D’Orazio maintains 20-40 hour per week employment as a guest services agent at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Charleston, and is also currently committed to a semester-long, volunteer internship with the Jewish Community Center where she is helping organize the 2011 Kids Fair Gala. In previous years, she has volunteered at numerous charitable events, participated in an instructional track program for youth in Mount Pleasant, SC, and lent her time in support of the March of Dimes. As a capstone of her volunteer achievement, D’Orazio helped to expand the Global Soap Project in Charleston via the Club of Hospitality and Tourism in 2010, where the group collected used soap which was sanitized, recycled, and shipped to refugee camps in Africa.
“Alyssa D’Orazio is a shining example of achievement. She is a role model for young women who want to be the very best they can, as they live a fulfilled life centered around success in academics, volunteerism, and athletics,” said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. “We commend her for all of the hard work she has given to the College of Charleston over the past three years, and we can only hope that this grant will relieve some of the stress in her busy life.”
Despite a demanding class schedule and volunteerism calendar, D’Orazio has also committed a significant amount of her time as a highly successful student athlete, garnering Southern Conference (SoCon) All-Academic honors each year from 2008 through 2010. She was also named to the SoCon All-Freshman Team and received All-Conference Honors in 2009 with a 3rd place finish at the SoCon Indoor Championship. In addition, D’Orazio set College of Charleston records in the 800 meter individual event and distance medley relay in 2011, and a new school 4x800 meter relay record in February, 2011.
"I'm very proud of Alyssa and feel she is very deserving of this recognition. She works very hard in practice, in the classroom and in the community and we feel she represents our program and university very well," said Amy Seago, Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach, College of Charleston.
Historical Scholarship Winners *All data from original scholarship applications.
| 2010: Mary Zolga |
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Student Athlete: Mary Zolga
From: Raynham, MA
Major: Business Administration
Year: Junior
GPA: 3.43
Sports: Track & Field
Volunteerism:
- Bingo for Books
- Relay for Life
- St. Thomas Food Bank
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Academic Accomplishments:
- Southern Conference Academic Scholar-Athlete (3.43 GPA)
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Athletic Accomplishments:
- Track & Field MVP in 2008
and 2009
- School record in the 400-meters
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"It is a true honor to receive this
grant and to represent the
College of Charleston."
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"These funds will greatly buffer my
educational expenses as I finish
my academic and athletic career
as a Lady Cougar.”
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| 2009: Isabel Boersma |
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Student Athlete: Isabel Boersma
From: Franklin, TN
Major: Biology
Year: Sophomore
GPA: 3.3
Sports: Track & Field
Volunteerism:
- Post-Anesthetic Care Unit at MUSC
- Mt. Pleasant Track & Field Clinic
- Tour guide at College of Charleston
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Academic Accomplishments:
- Vice-President of Cougar Student-Athlete Advisory Board (2008)
- Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll (3.3 GPA)
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Athletic Accomplishments:
- School record in
60-meter hurdles
- Sixth in pentathalon at
conference championships
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"Receiving the Family Circle
Cup scholarship is an honor
and an undeniable proof that
there are rewards for passion-
ate, hardworking, young
women." |
"I can spend more time doing
the things I love: volunteering,
studying, and running."
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| 2008: Megan Manthey |
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Student Athlete: Megan Manthey
From: Ferndale, Washington
Major: Sociology
Year: Junior
GPA: 3.46
Sports: Soccer
Volunteerism:
- Mentor to 6th and 7th grade girls
- Reads to children at elementary schools
- Assists with services at Seacoast Church |
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Academic Accomplishments:
- U of Colorado Honor Role (2005-2007) - U of Colorado Dean's List (2006)
- Academic All Big-12 First Team (2006)
- Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll |
Athletic Accomplishments:
- CofC Player of Week (2007)
- Started all 20 games in '07
- Shared team lead w/4 goals
- Led the team with 37 shots |
“My goal is to pursue soccer
professionally, not only
because of my passion for
the game, but also to serve
as a female role model. |
"I plan to use the money to
buffer my expenses in my
senior year, and to make
myself more available to the
charities I’m involved with.” |
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| 2007: Katie Hedley |
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Student Athlete: Katie Hedley
From: Richmond, VA
Major: Arts Management
Year: Sophomore
GPA: 3.88
Sports: Cross Country and Track & Field
Volunteerism:
- Elias Club
- Komen Charleston Race for the Cure
- Mt. Pleasant Track Club |
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Academic Accomplishments:
- Perrenial Dean's List student
- SoCon Comm. Award (2007)
- Phi Eta Sigma
- Spring All-Academic Team
- Fall All-Academic Team
- Academic Honor Roll |
Athletic Accomplishments:
- SoCon Runner of Week
- 2-time CofC Athlete of Week
(2006 & 2005)
- CofC Coach’s Choice Award
- Led team in the 2006
NCAA Southeast Regional |
"This grant will allow me
to greatly increase my
volunteerism throughout
the community, and help
me in many other ways
throughout my college
career.” |
“My dream is to introduce
underprivileged children
to the theater so they have
an equal opportunity to
appreciate the benefits
of culturally enriching
activities." |
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| 2006: Teryn Schuetz |
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Student Athlete: Teryn Schuetz
From: Sarasota, FL
Major: Elementary Education
Year: Junior
GPA: 3.9
Sport: Soccer
Volunteerism:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Relay for Life
- WYMCA
- Physical Fitness Day Instructor |
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Academic Accomplishments:
- Highly Distinguished Honors (3 yrs.)
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Athletic Accomplishments:
- CREF Academic All-
Conference Team
- Game-winning goal vs. Elon
- #10 in CofC’s All-Time
scoring list (30 pts.) |
“I get the thrill of a lifetime
aiding others by teaching,
tutoring, or just talking to
a child who needs a mentor."
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| 2005: Kaycie Carr |
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Student Athlete: Kaycie Carr
From: Sylvania, Ohio
Major: Elementary Education
Year: Junior
GPA: 3.6
Sport: Volleyball
Volunteerism:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Read - a - Thon and the Folly Beach Sweep |
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Academic Accomplishments:
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
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Athletic Accomplishments:
- Co-captain of 2004 NCAA
tournament team
- 1st team All-Southern Conf
- 2004 TIAA-CREF Fall
Academic All-SoCon team
- Led SoCon in assists
- American Volleyball Coaches
Assoc. All-South Region
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| 2004: Kylie Palmquist |
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Student Athlete: Kyle Palmquist
From: Middletown, CT
Major: Biology
Year: Sophomore
GPA: 3.7
Sport: Track & Field / Cross Country
Volunteerism:
- Charleston Soup Kitchen & Clean
Sweep - Girls on the Run
- Alliance for Planet Earth |
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Academic Accomplishments:
Faculty Honors (2002 & 2003)
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Athletic Accomplishments:
- 1st in 5k Citadel Invitational
- SoCon Runner of the Week
- 84th in NCAA Cross Country
Regional
- Won 3000m - Coastal Car.
Chanticleer Classic
- Won 5000m at Weems
Baskin Relays |
“In both running and
school, I strive to achieve
and succeed in order to
educate myself, and
become the best person
I can be athletically
and intellectually.”
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| 2003: Chakosha Lance |
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Student Athlete: Chakosha Lance
From: Georgetown, SC
Major: Biology and Psychology
Year: Freshman
GPA: 3.6
Sport: Track & Field
Volunteerism:
- Charleston Soup Kitchen
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Athletic Accomplishments:
- Won Hammer Throw in
numerous events
- 1st Cougar to win Conf
champ. Track & Field
in weight throw at
SoCon indoor champ. |
- 2004 NCAA East Regional
Track & Field Qualifier -1st
NCAA Regional qualifier
in school history
- School record in weight
throw (16.33m)
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| 2002: Claire Wigfall |
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Student Athlete: Claire Wigfall
From: Mt. Pleasant, SC
Major: English
Year: Freshman
GPA: 3.6
Sport: Soccer
Volunteerism:
- Church Choir (14 years), Board
Member and Usher
- Little Peles
- Clean City Sweep |
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Academic Accomplishments
- Put herself through school
- Outstanding Marks in H.S.
(Wando H.S.)
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Athletic Accomplishments:
- 13 goals (6th all-time at
CofC)
- 88 career shots (3rd all time
at C of C)
- 31 shots on goal (3rd all time
at C of C) |
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College of Charleston Quick Facts
School: College of Charleston
Location: Charleston, SC
Enrollment: 11,617
Founded: 1770
President: Dr. George Benson
Athletics Director: Jo Hull
Affiliation: NCAA Division I
Conference: Southern
Colors: Maroon and White
Nickname: Cougars
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