2016 AAU Sullivan Award finalists

MADISON, Wis. – Lauren Carlini, the only four-time All-American in Wisconsin volleyball history, has been named a finalist for the 2016 AAU James E. Sullivan Award, the organization announced on Wednesday.

"I am humbled to get the opportunity to represent Wisconsin and be a finalist with some of the greatest athletes the country has to offer," said Carlini. "To be on the same stage as men and women who won Olympic gold medals for our country is an honor."

The top seven finalists will travel to New York City on April 10-11 for the award ceremony. Other finalists are Kayla Harrison, judo; Laurie Hernandez, gymnastics; Ashleigh Johnson, water polo; Kyle Snyder, wrestling; Aly Raisman, gymnastics; and Ginny Thrasher, target shooting.

The AAU Sullivan Award has been presented annually since 1930 to the most outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. Representatives from the AAU created the Sullivan Award with the intent to recognize contributions and achievements across the country of amateur athletes. World renowned golfer Bobby Jones, co-founder of The Masters, received the inaugural award in 1930 and swimmer Anne Curtis became the first female to accept the award in 1944.
 
Carlini joins Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, who was one of five finalists for the award in 2000, as the only other Badger recognized.
 
A 6-2 setter, Carlini earned four All-America honors during her career, including three first-team honors. She was named the 2014 Big Ten Conference Player of the Year and earned four first-team all-conference awards. The Aurora, Illinois, native was also a two-time Big Ten Setter of the Year and was named the 2013 Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

She earned nine all-tournament honors during her career, including the 2013 NCAA Championship All-Tournament team. Carlini was an 11-time Big Ten Setter of the Week and also earned four all-region selections. A standout in the classroom, Carlini was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and earned Academic All-America honors in 2016.

Carlini led the Big Ten and ranked third nationally with 11.81 assists per set in 2016. She ended her career with 5,599 assists, which ranks second on the Badger record list. The setter also averaged 11.52 assists per set through her four years, which ranks fifth at UW. Carlini had double-figure digs in 74 matches in her career, setting a school record for most double-doubles at 74. She recorded 1,367 digs in her four years, which ranks seventh.

During her four seasons, the Badgers qualified for four straight NCAA tournaments, advancing to at least the Elite Eight round each season. Wisconsin competed in the championship match in 2013 and lost to the eventual NCAA champions three different years. UW also never finished lower than fourth in the Big Ten standings in her four years, winning the championship in 2014.

The seven finalists, all of whom will be in attendance at the award ceremony, will be flown to New York on April 10, at the AAU expense, and provided with accommodations at the New York Athletic Club.
 
The second round of voting is now open.  Fans can vote daily from multiple devices and browsers from now until March 22!

go.wisc.edu/CarliniSullivanVoting