By Jim Henry

jhenry@joplinglobe.com

The award came as a surprise to Courtney Collins.

“I was completely shocked,” she said. “I didn’t expect it at all.”

Collins, a 2004 Joplin High School graduate, was named Senior Female Athlete of the Year at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Ark. Baseball player Jantzen Black received the men’s award.

Every head coach at ATU submitted nominations, and the winners were selected by a committee based on athletic and scholastic achievements, character and community service involvement.

“I’m excited to come away with this outstanding award,” Collins said. “This puts a cap on my four years here at Arkansas Tech University.”

Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for today at ATU.

“It has gone by quick,” Collins said. “I probably would not have told you that during the four years. Looking back on it, it seems like it flew by.”

Collins played in 118 volleyball matches in four years with the Golden Suns, starting most of her senior year. A libero/defensive specialist, she ranks sixth in school history with 140 career aces, and she has 583 career digs.

The Golden Suns qualified for the Gulf South Conference tournament in three of the last four years.

“I have a lot of memories with my teammates,” Collins said. “Certain games when you played your heart out and come out with a victory, it is a feeling like no other.”

“Courtney was my first four-year player here at Tech, and it is hard to say good bye to her,” Golden Suns head coach Kristy Bayer said in a press release. “She was very dedicated and always worked hard in the offseason.”

In the classroom, Collins made the Dean’s List for five semesters and was a four-time member of the GSC Academic Honor Roll. She has a 3.62 cumulative grade point average as an early childhood education major.

Collins, who started her junior and seniors years for coach Sandy Shelley at Joplin High School, will remain in Russellville after graduation. She’s accepted an elementary teaching position in the Russellville district.