Van Hout named Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winner
June 03, 2015 | Swimming & Diving
June 3, 2015
MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin swimming and diving senior Aja Van Hout was one of 28 honorees announced as an Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winner by the Big Ten Conference on Wednesday.
A first-team All-American and All-Big Ten performer, Van Hout was chosen from a group of more than 350 students honored who displayed positive sportsmanship throughout the 2014-15 academic year. All of the Sportsmanship Award winners distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the honorees were in good academic standing and demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
Van Hout was one of three swimmers recognized by the Big Ten, joining David Zoltowski of Michigan State and Greta Leberfinger of Rutgers.
A team captain in the pool and exemplary student on campus, head coach Whitney Hite has felt Van Hout to be one of the program's greatest leaders and examples.
"No one works harder than Aja Van Hout," Hite said earlier this season. "I don't think I've ever had in the history of my coaching -- maybe two or three other kids -- anyone that I've seen work harder. For her to see the success that she did...that's how it should be."
A native of Madison, Van Hout contributed to Wisconsin's Big Ten recrod-breaking 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays this season. At the 2015 NCAA Championships, she finished fourth in the 200-yard freestyle relay and sixth in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Van Hout finished her UW career a part of the school records for the 200-, 400- and 800-yard freestyle relay.
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