GREEN BAY, Wis. – Recently-graduated Green Bay women's basketball standout Mehryn Kraker has been named the women's recipient of the Horizon League's 2016-17 Cecil N. Coleman Medal of Honor, becoming the ninth female from Green Bay to win the award and the sixth Phoenix basketball player overall.
The Horizon League's highest individual honor, the Coleman Medal of Honor is presented annually to the League's top male and female student-athletes who best exemplify the dignity and high purpose of the League and its membership. The individuals demonstrate outstanding achievement in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities. Candidates must be seniors who have exhausted their eligibility and were participants on the varsity level in a League-sponsored sport. In addition, nominees must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, or its equivalent.
"I'm extremely grateful and thankful that this can represent Green Bay and the wonderful people that invest in me day in and day out," Kraker said. "My years at Green Bay were more than I could've ever hoped for and there are so many people that helped make my experience so amazing and impactful. I am honored to represent UW-Green Bay and the Horizon League as the Cecil N. Coleman Medal of Honor recipient."
Kraker recently walked across the stage to receive her master's degree in applied leadership in teaching and learning from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, graduating with 3.947. She was also an active member on campus, taking on the roles such as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Vice President and Director of Community Outreach.
She becomes the sixth member from the women's basketball program to win the Coleman Award and the ninth Phoenix female overall. Kraker joins Chari Nordgaard (1998-99), Kristy Loiselle (2002-03), Kayla Tetschlag (2010-11), Julie Wojta (2011-12) and Ellen Edison (2014-15) to achieve this honor.
"Mehryn has been an exceptional representation of our program and is everything a coach hopes for in a student-athlete," head coach Kevin Borseth said. "She's a terrific leader, teammate and has a great relationship with the faculty on campus. Not only did Mehryn have a tremendous career at Green Bay on the court, she also excelled in the classroom and recently graduated with her master's degree. She is a once in a lifetime student-athlete. Fortunately for us at Green Bay we have the privilege of working with the best there is and are proud to see Mehryn join Chari Nordgaard, Kristi Loiselle, Kayla Tetschlag, Julie Wojta and Ellen Edison in receiving the highest honor in our league. We could not be more proud for this deserving accomplishment."
On the court, Kraker helped Green Bay extend its streak to 19-consecutive Horizon League Championships and make three NCAA Tournament appearances. She was named espnW's Mid-Major Player of the Year and collected Horizon League Player of the Year honors.
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