www.uuathletics.com/topdawg

JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) announced the winners of the 2020 Top Dawg Awards via video Tuesday night. Tuesday, April 28, 2020 was to be the in person banquet on Union campus. However, due to the COVID-19 guidelines, the in person event was cancelled. The Union SAAC, the sponsor for the event now in its second year, decided soon after that the awards will be announced by way of a video show. 

Watch the full 2020 Top Dawg Awards Show on Union's YouTube channel (UUAthletics). The awards show was hosted by Union and GSC SAAC Chair, Kristen Pickens (softball) and SAAC member Elli Pratt (women's basketball). 

Pickens said, "The 2020 Top Dawg Awards happened at a perfect time: a time when all athletes, coaches, and families needed a sense of community, celebration, and excitement. This night allowed our whole department to come together as one family to finish our seasons on a positive note. Our student-athletes are so easy to celebrate, and this night was for them! This year's show looked a little different, but being able to celebrate with families made it all the more special. We are still united and strong! As always, GO BULLDOGS!"

Union Director of Athletics, Tommy Sadler, said, "Our SAAC did a great job again with the Top Dawg Awards this year. I know all of our student-athletes really appreciate the effort that went into putting this video together in the challenging times. It is just another reminder of how lucky I am to have a front row seat to watch our student-athletes be excellent not only in the sports they compete in, but also seeing them excel in the classroom and leading across our campus."

The 2020 winners are listed below. 

Miss. Top Dawg - Jada Smith (women's basketball)
Mr. Top Dawg - Jordan Botwinick (men's golf)

Heart of Service Award - Erica Pitt (head athletic trainer)

The Heard of a Champion Award - Trey Tidwell (men's golf), Emma Korte (women's golf), Gentry Wolfe (volleyball), Bryson Butler (men's basketball), Sadie Knee (women's basketball), Amber Meade (women's soccer), Molly McKelvy (softball), Joe Gee (baseball), Sam Barkman (men's cross country), Chloe Veilleux (women's cross country), Euan Morton (men's soccer)

The Buster Award - Sam Ross (men's golf), Nicole Taylor (women's golf), Anna Claire Winchester (volleyball), Tyree Boyking (men's basketball), Jacie Higgins (women's basketball), Tiffany Linser (women's soccer), Ashten Petty (softball), Ryan Mets (baseball), Caleb Allen (men's cross country), Abby Bergquist (women's cross country), Gavin Scott (men's soccer)

The Trailblazer Award - Cal Templeton (men's golf), Delaney Sain (women's golf), Abbie Rahn (volleyball), Samory Gueye (men's basketball), Jada Smith (women's basketball), Cresencia Kerr (women's soccer), Parker Davis (softball), Josh Frantz (baseball), Josh Whitney (men's cross country), Amanda Leatherwood (women's cross country), David Hurtado (men's soccer)

NSCA All-American Strength and Conditioning Award (new award in 2020) - Laura Rose Gray (volleyball), Sam McMillin (baseball)

-UNION-