LAWRENCE, Kan.— Kansas Athletics hosted the Jayhawk 2020-21 celebration on Sunday night, which showcased the Jayhawks’ academic and athletic achievements throughout the 2020-21 seasons. Kansas Track and Field’s Gleb Dudarev and Alexandra Emilianov received the 2020-2021 Male and Female Athletes of the Year awards, respectively, highlighting the many outstanding student-athletes who were recognized on Sunday night.

True Blue: Ellie Flanagan

The True Blue Award honors a student-athlete who demonstrates dedication to academic and athletic excellence while advancing Kansas Athletics through participation in student organizations or community service projects. The award was presented by Kansas track and cross country alumni and former True Blue award winner Riley Cooney. Flanagan, a senior on the KU swim and diving team, was named to the 2020 All-Big 12 Academic First Team and scored 18 points for the Jayhawks in the Big 12 Championship.

Jayhawker: Cheyenne Hornbuckle

The Jayhawker Award is presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated a commitment to Kansas principles and demonstrated mental toughness in the face of adversity and competition while making a positive contribution to Kansas Athletics. Jeff Long, former member of the KU baseball and football team and former president of the K Club, presented the award Sunday night to Cheyenne Hornbuckle of KU softball. Hornbuckle, of Bakersfield, Calif., Started 21 games in 2021 for the Jayhawks.

Best Jayhawk in a Supporting Role: Lauryn Parrish

The nominees for Best Supporting Jayhawk not only give their all day in and day out, but they also have the ability to get the most out of their teammates, upping the competition every day. The student-athletes nominated for this award demonstrate extraordinary sportsmanship, support and loyalty to their teammates and Kansas Athletics. The Best Supporting Jayhawk was presented by former award winner, former Kansas swimmer and diver Haley Molden. Molden presented the award to fellow swimming and diving student-athlete Lauryn Parrish. Parrish, of Fishers, Indiana, was a member of the Big 12’s first academy team and was named Marlene Mawson Exemplary Women Student-Athlete Award in 2021. She also finished in the top five in 200 backstroke at the Big 12 in 2021. .

Del Shankel Excellence in Teaching: Mary Fry

The Del Shankel Teaching Excellence Award is presented to an outstanding faculty member at the University of Kansas. Kansas Athletics School of Athletics Representative Dr. Susan Michelle Stagg-Williams presented the award to Mary Fry, Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology and Director of the Sport and Exercise Psychology Lab of the KU. His research focuses on the creation of a caring climate involving tasks for individuals (p.

GPA Team: Swim and Dive

The winner of the highest cumulative team average went to the Kansas Women’s Swim and Diving Team, which posted a cumulative team average of 3.75 in the fall semester of 2021.

Crimson Climb: Caleb Sampson

The nominees for the Crimson Climb Award have overcome challenges and exceeded academic expectations to serve as inspiration to others. Deputy Director of Sports and former KU rowing and football student-athlete Stephanie Mahal presented the award. Kansas football’s Caleb Sampson received the award for his ability to overcome adversity and serve as an inspiration to others.

Male Athlete of the Year: Gleb Dudarev

Kansas Track and Field’s Gleb Dudarev was named Male Athlete of the Year after a sensational senior season. The Vitebsk, Belarus native was the 2021 Big 12 champion in the men’s hammer throw and a first-team American all-star with his second place finish at the 2021 NCAA away championship. Dudarev went on to win a trip to the Games Olympic hammer throw, where he represented his homeland, Belarus.

Female Athlete of the Year: Alexandra Emilianov

Kansas track athlete Alexandra Emilianov won the female athlete of the year award. Emilianov had a stellar season with the Jayhawks, setting both women’s records in the shot put and outdoor discus during the 2021 season. Emilianov was the Big 12 indoor shot put champion and was a All-American for indoors and outdoors. Emilianov also won a trip to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, where she represented her homeland, Moldova, on discus.

All-Americans

In addition to the awards presented on Sunday night, seven All-Americans were honored for their athletic achievements during the 2020-21 season, including Hussain Al-Hizam (Track & Field), Rylee Anderson (Track & Field), Zach Bradford ( Athletics), Gleb Dudarev (Athletics), Alexandra Emilianov (Athletics), Honor Finley (Athletics) and Samantha Van Hoecke (Athletics).