May 1, 2001
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Sun Devil track and field and cross country standout Lisa Aguilera was named the Student-Athlete of the Year, while teammate Kelly MacDonald earned the Heather Farr Award as Arizona State University honored its female student-athletes at the annual Wings of Gold Banquet and Auction held at the Scottsdale Conference Resort Monday night.
Last fall, Aguilera turned in the best individual performance in ASU cross country history, becoming the third Sun Devil woman to earn All-America honors, while leading the women to their best national finish ever (sixth) with her school-record fifth-place finish at the NCAA Championships in Ames, Iowa, Nov. 20.
Aguilera, a junior from Peoria, Ariz. was named the West Region Athlete of the Year, the Pac-10 Athlete of the Year, a first-team Pac-10 All-Academic selection and a first-team Academic All-American. Also an All-American in indoor and outdoor track, Aguilera has qualified in three events for the 2001 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships (3000m steeplechase, 1500m, 5000m) and for 20 days held the world's fastest time this year and the collegiate record in the women's 3000m steeplechase.
MacDonald, a senior from Tualatin, Ore., was honored with the Heather Farr award, a distinction given to the ASU female student-athlete who excels in athletics, academics and community service. The honoree must have inspired her teammates by leadership, integrity, courage and dedication.
A two-time indoor All-American and one of three cross country All-Americans in ASU history, MacDonald is the ASU record holder in the indoor 3000m (9:34.56), indoor 5000m (16:31.41) and the outdoor 5000m (15:55.90). MacDonald was the Pac-10 Champion in the women's 5000m last season and competed in the 2000 Olympic Trials. She also is a two-time Pac-10 All-Academic selection and is an Academic All-America nominee this year. In her final season of outdoor track at ASU, MacDonald has qualified for the NCAA Championships in two events, the 1500 and 5000.
In addition to her outstanding athletic and academic achievements, MacDonald has volunteered in many community outreach programs in her home town of Tualatin, Ore., as well as in the Phoenix area. She also helps organize team dinners and functions and provides leadership to both the track and cross country teams.
Also honored at the banquet were the MVPs of each women's sport: Natalie Tucker (Basketball), Lisa Aguilera (Cross Country), Trish Malatesta (Diving), Riley Mants (Swimming), Kelly MacDonald (Track and Field), Amanda Burbridge (Volleyball), Kelly Cowley (Gymnastics), Miriam Nagl (Golf), Kirstin Voak (Softball), Stacey Tullock (Soccer) and Adria Engel (Tennis).