2010 Maurice Batie Award of Excellence Recipient

Danielle Dombeck

2010 winner Danielle Dombeck (left) presented by 2009 winner Madeline Haben (right)

The following speech was made by 2009 Mo Award winner, Madeline Haben on June 6, 2010 as she presented the 2010 Maurice Batie Award of Excellence.

Hi, Im Maddie (I thought I would say that for the last time and I would like to apologize because unfortunately I did not have time to make a third “Hi Im maddie” video this year. I know you all must be very disappointed. Anyway, I would first like to start off by saying thank you to northern lights. I have been truly blessed to be apart of such a great organization but more importantly to be surrounded by such dedicated people. I can honestly say that Northern Lights is home to some of the most inspirational people that I have ever met.

This speech has been on my mind for sometime. The first reason why I was thinking about it was because I am not a particular fan of giving speeches. I tend to get nervous and it is not my cup of tea. However, I told myself that it would only be in front of several hundred people. And after telling myself this, I instantly calmed down. JUST kidding. No but in all seriousness, the big reason I was pondering the speech was I was thinking about who the next recipient of the Maurice Batie award would be. When Curt informed me of this years winner, I was definitely happy. This person, I believe is beyond worthy of this award. She is not only “A player”, but she is more importantly a “good person”.

One thing that I have learned in life is that Great people are not found everyday. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Maurice Batie, I have heard enough about him to know that he was a great person. The recipient of this years award is not only defined by being a stud volleyball player, she has character that can not be matched. Always finding the best in people and in life, this person truly stands alone. I have had the opportunity of playing with her over the past several years and she is always been upbeat and positive. She makes every team she plays on better with her never dying enthusiasm and energy. She can play every position and she will always do so with a smile on her face. Always giving 150%, this individual does not have the word “quit” in her vocabulary.

So after 7 years in the club, numerous individual awards throughout high school, and way too many national championships to count, North Dakota State got lucky when Danielle Dombeck signed with them. Congratualtions D, you deserve this award.