HIGH POINT, N.C. – For the first time in 15 years, two High Point University student-athletes have garnered Christenberry Award honors from the Big South Conference.
Amy Burch of women’s soccer and Brandon Sloan of men’s soccer are two of seven student-athletes from the conference that have earned the prestigious award for 2015-16.
It marks the first time since 2000-01 that two Panthers have garnered the award.
The Big South Conference presents the George A. Christenberry Award for Academic Excellence each year to one male student-athlete and one female student-athlete who attain the highest grade point averages during their college careers and are graduates of a member institution during that year. In case of ties, additional awards are provided.
“I’d like to extend my congratulations to both Amy and Brandon on this truly outstanding academic achievement,” athletic director Dan Hauser said. “Our athletic department seeks to empower student-athletes to attain record-breaking success on the field and in the classroom. Amy and Brandon exemplify what it means to be a High Point University student-athlete.”
Burch is a 2015 CoSIDA Academic All-Region selection, a two-time Big South All-Academic team member, a four-time Millis Scholar-Athlete and a four-time Big South Honor Roll selection. She is graduating with a degree in exercise science and a 4.0 cumulative GPA. Burch has played in 84 games with 77 starts over four seasons and was named All-Big South honorable mention as a senior. She captained a defense that set a new Big South single-season record with a 0.46 goals-against average in 2015. The defender helped HPU record 32 shutouts over four seasons and leaves HPU with four goals and two assists.
Sloan is a three-time Millis Scholar-Athlete and Big South Honor Roll selection who is graduating in three years with a degree in accounting and actuarial science and a 4.0 GPA. He has played in 21 games in three seasons with the Panthers and recorded four points on two goals. Sloan has helped the Panthers record three-straight seasons of .500 or better, including a 10-win season in 2014.
All-Time High Point University Christenberry Award Winners
Maya Latinvic, tennis (1999-00)
Mirva Maenpaa, tennis (2000-01)
Peter Mellstrom, tennis (2000-01)
Leslie Cook, basketball (2006-07)
Brielle Spencer, soccer (2011-12)
Shawn Sloan, soccer (2012-13)
Amy Burch, soccer (2015-16)
Brandon Sloan, soccer (2015-16)