Tahnee Robinson, senior captain for the University of Nevada, Reno women's basketball team, has been named a semi-finalist for the Sullivan Award, a national award to honor the country’s best amateur athlete.
Robinson is one of 12 semi-finalists, which include such well-known amateur athletes as Cameron Newton, Maya Moore, Evan Lysacek and Jimmer Fredette. The 2010 Sullivan Award applies to accomplishments from the 2010 season.
“These twelve outstanding athletes give it their all on and off the field or court," a statement for the Sullivan committee read. "They have talent, leadership, character and sportsmanship; they have what it takes to be America's top Amateur Athlete.”
Robinson finished 2010 as the eighth-best scorer in the country with 22.7 points per game and 15th in the nation with 3.1 three-pointers per game.
She was twice named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week and named MVP of the Caribbean Classic after averaging 24.5 points in two games, shooting 47.2 percent, 17-36 from the field and a total of seven three-pointers.
She was named to the John Ascuaga’s Nugget Classic All-Tournament Team after picking up her second career double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds against Pepperdine. She re-wrote her personal record book setting personal bests in almost every category including 33 points against Cal Poly Pomona and six three-pointers against Illinois State.
In addition to her on-court performance, Robinson has diligently worked through personal hardship throughout her career. She has had to carry a significant academic load since transferring from Sheridan College last season and has handled it, putting herself on course to graduate this summer.
“Tahnee’s biggest achievements have been off the court this year,” head coach Jane Albright said. “During this year she has learned to discipline herself as an athlete, student and person. She has worked so hard to graduate this summer and has spent so much of her personal time to serve as a role model for the Native American Community in Northern Nevada. She is truly one of the most impressive people I’ve ever coached in my 26 years of coaching.”
The committee has selected the semi-finalists, but a public vote through USA Today will select the winner of the award. Anyone wishing to vote for the award can do so online at USA Today.
