2015 Maurice Batie Award of Excellence Recipient

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2015 winner Mira Grinsfelder (left) presented by Adam Beamer

The following speech was made by 2014 Mo Award winner, Greta Geist on June 11, 2015 as she announced the 2015 Maurice Batie Award of Excellence.


I am so excited to be here tonight to announce the recipient of this years Maurice Batie Award of Excellence.  I can’t explain the emotions I felt when my name was called last year. Being selected for this award by people who I look up to and have helped me in many ways was so humbling. It is a moment I will never forget, and I can’t wait for this years recipient to experience her own special moment.

I would like to thank Curt and Adam, the coaches, players, and families of Northern Lights for having such a positive impact on my life. This club represents discipline, work ethic, teamwork, passion, life-long friendships, and family.  Trying out for Northern Lights when I was 13 years old lead to memories and relationships that I will cherish forever. People who aren’t a part of this family don’t realize how much support, love, and genuine goodness this club brings into peoples lives.

I did not get to meet Maurice Batie, but he is spoken of in the highest regards throughout the Northern Lights gym. The two phrases he used that represent this award are “player” and “good people”. A player is someone who is not necessarily the most skilled or athletic, but plays with heart. A good person is someone who is positive and brings out the best in others.

When I was told who this years recipient is, I couldn’t help but smile. She embodies so many traits that Maurice Batie would appreciate.  If you have ever been lucky enough to watch this girl play or play with her, you immediately notice the heart and passion she brings to the court.  Not only is she skilled, but she works extremely hard and makes everyone around her want to work that much harder. I’ve never been on a team with her, but getting to scrimmage her and have conversations with her off the court, I can tell you that she makes everything more fun.  She will easily make your day with her go-get-em attitude and uplifting spirit.

While being here at Lights, this girl has been a part of two teams that have been AAU National Champions and one team that was AAU National Championship Runner-ups. She was also selected to be an AAU All American two years in a row. She has been very involved with younger players by volunteering to coach Friday youth clinics. She did such a good job that she was added as a regular coach for the clinics and is the 11-1’s assistant coach. This again reflects her love for the sport of volleyball and passion to help others.

This years award winner is so deserving and, with out a doubt, overachieves in being a player and a good person.  Her future is exciting as she will continue her volleyball career at Emory University in the fall. They are so lucky to have her.  Without further adieu, I am proud to present this award to an unbelievable human being… Mira Grinsfelder.