By Dylan Vazzano, Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Leadership, a selfless attitude, and the overwhelming insistence to go above and beyond to serve the community made the decision a real no-brainer. Tennessee Tech women's basketball player, Lindsey Jennings, more than checked the box in all three of these categories, leading to her recognition as the Tennessee Tech Athletic Department's Unsung Leader for the month of January.
As the Golden Eagles recently closed the book on their 2016-17 season, a novel that led them back to the OVC Tournament for the first time in three years, Jennings' name appeared bold and bright throughout numerous chapters as a leader instrumental to the success of the squad. After starting in just two of the first 16 games, the 5-foot-8 senior guard started the final 14 contests, immediately helping give the Golden Eagles a jolt as TTU went 5-2 in her first seven games after re-entering the starting lineup.
Displaying the on-court characteristics of a player that can impact a game in a variety of ways, Jennings averaged 5.0 PPG, was third on the team with 4.1 RPG and finished second on the squad with 65 assists. One of four seniors that played this season, the Madison, Ala. native appeared in all 30 contests.
"This season for us was all about improving and growing on and off the court, and Lindsey Jennings has grown as much as anyone on our team," TTU head coach Kim Rosamond claimed. "I am so proud of the investment and commitment she has shown as a student-athlete and her willingness to serve in the community. Lindsey has embraced her role on this team and she has been willing to do whatever she can to help us be successful."
Off the court, Jennings' positive impact and contributions within the community were undeniable, with a propensity for going above and beyond. During Christmas break, the Golden Eagles lent a hand at Bethesda Health Care, assisting in wrapping gifts for the residents as well as delivering gifts purchased by the team. Not only did Jennings play a crucial part in this process, but the day after the team helped out, she returned to Bethesda and painted some of the resident's fingernails.
One of many community-driven examples for the senior, Jennings also made it a point to visit Algood Elementary and read to the third graders.
"I appreciate how she has grown as a teammate and I respect her desire to give back to others outside of our team," Rosamond said. "Our program is all about finding ways to serve other others and Lindsey has grown leaps and bounds in her commitment to her teammates as well as the community. She has brought community service ideas to the staff and has spent extra time volunteering herself. The best way to ensure your own success is to help others be successful and I am excited that Lindsey has bought into that and is trying to live it each day."
One student-athlete each month, nominated by members of the athletics staff, is selected and recognized for exemplifying outstanding leadership qualities. The leadership can be shown on the field, in the weight room, at practice, in the classroom, in study hall, on campus, in the community, for a student club or organization.
This award honors a varsity student-athlete who has made a positive impact on their team and the Tennessee Tech community as a whole, through his or her dedication to demonstrating leadership traits, such as:
* Keep Learning, Growing, and Improving
* Follow Through with Excellence
* Accomplish More than Expected
* Inspire and Motivate Others
Photo by Thomas Corhern
