The second annual Top Dawg Awards streamed live on the Union University Athletics website at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28. The Union athletic community gathered with their families to celebrate their athletic achievements from this year.
The awards show was presented by the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC). It was hosted by SAAC President Kristen Pickens, senior softball player and business marketing major, and SAAC member Elli Pratt, junior basketball player and business marketing major. Many special videos were played throughout the awards show, including a team dance battle, Bulldog Blast recap, senior spotlight and a hype video.
“We wanted to create a night to unite us all and give the best conclusion to seasons as we could,” said Pickens.
The main goal of the ceremony was to recognize award winners of the night. Each team had one recipient for each award.
The Heart of a Champion award recipients are athletes who displayed the most team pride and deep love for their teammates and for the game.
The Trailblazer Award recipients are the athletes who showed extraordinary leadership and had a positive impact on their team.
The Buster Award recipients are those who “busted their tails” the most during competitions.
The Heart of Service Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies servant leadership and serves the entire athletic community with a grateful heart. The 2020 Heart of Service Award went to head athletic trainer Erica Pitt.
Men’s and women’s sports teams with the highest GPA were also recognized.
To see all of the 2020 Top Dawg Award recipients, click here.
Some teams watched the Top Dawg Awards together on Zoom. Addison Dunn, senior nursing major, soccer player and SAAC member, watched the Top Dawg Awards on campus with her fellow teammates.
“I thought the awards did a great job of highlighting those teams and individuals who had success this year and hopefully brought some closure for those whose seasons were perhaps cut short due to this pandemic,” said Dunn. “I loved the fun elements, such as the dance-off between teams, the coach imitations and the Bulldog Blast highlights. Also, Kristen and Elli were super engaging and energetic in their delivery of the ceremony and truly were the highlight!”
SAAC wanted to make sure athletes had a chance to be celebrated during this time.
“We have had such a positive response from the show. With almost 600 views in less than 24 hours, it had impacted so many people,” said Pickens. “I love seeing parents post and brag on their kids. I love seeing the athletes supporting each other, and I love the spirit that was felt by each household.”
Pickens and Pratt finished off the awards show by asking viewers to record themselves putting their hands in the middle and saying, “Go Dawgs on Three. One, Two, Three! Go Dawgs!”
