By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Anyone who has been around the Tennessee Tech softball program recently knows how much of a presence sophomore Raleigh Lewis provides to the Golden Eagles.
Whether it's a can-do attitude, friendly banter with her teammates and coaches, or even just the support she provides, Lewis is the epitome of what the Unsung Leader award is designed to recognize, making her a perfect pick for December's award.
The Unsung Leader Award is compiled from nominations submitted by the Tennessee Tech coaching staffs and recognizes outstanding leadership qualities within the previous month, whether on the field, in the weight room, in practice, in the classroom or study hall, on campus, in the community or a student club or organization.
The award honors that varsity student-athlete who has made a positive impact on their team and the Tech community as a whole, through his or her dedication to demonstrating leadership traits, such as learning, growing and improving; following through with excellence; accomplishing more than expected, and inspiring and motivating others.
"Raleigh is an action-oriented leader," said Tech softball head coach Michelle DePolo. "She is always fully engaged in what the team is doing, whether it's on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom, around campus or in the community. Beyond that, she is constantly motivating her teammates and bringing her best work ethic personally."
Within the last month, Lewis had two examples that helped her personify the award's ideals as she helped with the TSSAA BlueCross Bowl high school state football championships and the SAAC Homecoming clothing drive.
"It was made a point to me that she had a stellar representation at the TSSAA football games hosted here," DePolo said. "I received a message that she was fantastic in all ways and generous with her time. Recently, she was a driving force behind the softball team handily winning the clothes drive."
In the clothing drive, the Tech softball team brought in 746 items or 33.9 items per student-athlete. The second-place team brought in 243 items, 11.04 per student-athlete.
"On a day-to-day basis, Raleigh fits the criteria of an 'unsung leader,'" DePolo said. "On the field and in the weight room, she has a 'first-in, last-out' mentality. During workouts, she is always the energy for the team, cheering them on and motivating them. Afterward, she does not leave a venue until everything is clean and picked up.
"Whenever there is something I may need from players, she is always dependable to help or volunteer her time. In the classroom, she is very diligent about her personal studies but also serves as a tutor to others. Her presence with community involvement is palpable. In all community activities, she is interactive, helpful and a great representative of Tennessee Tech and our softball program."
There's no question that Lewis has made a great impact on people she has helped.
"When our team is involved with the community, there is not an event that goes by where I don't get positive feedback from others about Raleigh and her positive involvement with others," DePolo said. "As a coach, it's always encouraging to hear good things about your team and its members if you aren't around."
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
