2017 Maurice Batie Award of Excellence Recipient

Emily King - Batie Award Winner 2017

2017 winner Emily King presented by Adam Beamer

                King Photo 2 King Photo 3 King Photo 4

The following speech was made by 2016 Mo Award winner, Haley Kauth on June 9, 2017 as she announced the 2017 Maurice Batie Award of Excellence.


I am so excited and honored to be here to announce this year’s Maurice Batie Award of Excellence. Last year when I heard my name called, I was overcome with so many emotions. I will forever cherish that moment.
I want to thank Northern Lights again for all that they do. This club has helped me become the person I am today. Not only did they improve my volleyball knowledge and skills, but also taught me many life skills. Northern Lights became my second family and I am forever grateful for the opportunity I had to play here for six years.
Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet Maurice Batie, but I have heard many great things about him. The years I spent here I learned that the two phrases he used were “player” and “good person”. These are the best compliments an athlete can receive. A player is a person who may not have the best skill set, but plays with her heart. A good person is a player who boosts up others with positivity and displays characteristics of loyalty and kindness.
This year’s recipient of the Maurice Batie Award of Excellence is definitely a “good person” and “player”. This athlete is a true player, no matter what team she was placed on or position she was asked to play, she gave it her all. She is committed to the game and has rarely missed a practice in her seven years with the club. Her smile and positivity is undying. Off the court she shows her commitment to the classroom as she graduated third in her class.
In her time here she has won two qualifiers and placed fifth in Italy. She will head to Maine next year to continue her career spreading her kindness and positivity across the country. Without further adieu this year’s recipient of the Maurice Batie Award of Excellence is Emily King. Congratulations.