Mars Hill's Gianikos Named 2020-21 SAC Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year
ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – Mars Hill's Gabrielle Gianikos was voted the 2020-21 South Atlantic Conference women's basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. This will be the first time Gianikos will have received this honor.
The South Atlantic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to one student-athlete in each of the Conference's championship sports and is voted on by the SAC's Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee. The winners are selected based on their achievements in academics, athletics, service, and leadership.
Gianikos, a senior guard, has been a member of the women's basketball program for four years and currently has a 3.95 Cumulative GPA, highest in the program of 17 members. She is a Studio Art major and will graduate this spring with her bachelor's degree.
On the court, as a true freshman starter she averaged 7.2 points per game, 2.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists in her first season. Gianikos faced and overcame a spinal fusion and ACL/meniscus surgery her Sophomore year only to become a team captain and starter in her junior season. She led the team in assists (2.0), while averaging 4.9 points per game and 3.1 rebounds. As she finished her senior season, she led her team in assists, was 4th in the SAC for minutes played, 9th in points and 13th in points per game.
"Gabby's leadership has been instrumental for the women's basketball team and has set the standard of expectations on and off the court for the program, said Mars Hill's Head coach Briana Clark. She is the first one on the court and always the last one to leave. She is a two-time team captain and took that title very seriously. Over the course of the last two seasons, I have watched Gabby not only deal and struggle with her own issues off the court but also those of her teammates. To see a player who has dealt with the injuries she has sustained over the course of her time at Mars Hill is remarkable. Injuries that would have left most players without a chance to continue playing the sport they love; her focus and strong-willed mind didn't stop her from being a huge contributor to the school's growth. She is fearless. Gabby is undoubtedly the best teammate anyone could ask for. She is always honest and willing to offer a piece of advice for any situation.
Clark added, "Off the court, Gabby is a true Lion through and through. Her school spirit is uncanny and loves not only her own teammates but enjoys the success of all student athletes on the playing fields. Gabby receives my highest recommendation for this award."
A native of Charlotte, N.C., Gianikos is active on and off of the court in the Mars Hill community. She has hosted game nights at Mars Hill Church for children and adults with disabilities on multiple occasions. Put together small group talks with troubled kids at Mars Hill Elementary, while also coaching and counseling for kids at Dream Big Basketball Academy every summer. She was an active member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee at Mars Hill where she put together a Trick or Treat activity for young children every year. Gianikos was involved in MHU athletics helping with game day operations and activities as well as volunteering to take photos for the athletics department.
SAC Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete Finalists
Emily Phillips, Catawba
Gabby Gianikos, Mars Hill
Kennedy Weigt, Lenoir-Rhyne
Julie Kinard, Newberry
Kalee Johnson, UVA Wise
Lexi Kiser, Lincoln Memorial
Maddie Sutton, Tusculum
Taylor Stevens, Queens
-#MakeSACYours-