Lee University is one of the 22 NCAA Division II schools and three conferences that have been named finalists for DII's 2016 Award of Excellence. Lee volleyball is the representative of the Gulf South Conference among the finalists. The 25 are being considered for special events or activities held or begun in 2015 that exemplify the six "Division II attributes: learning, balance, resourcefulness, sportsmanship, passion and service," according to the announcement release. It lists "initiatives benefiting Make-A-Wish, Team Impact, members of the military and other comunity groups" among the events. Lee is being considered for its annual "Volley for a Cure: Real Heroes Wear Pink" volleyball match calling attention to the fight against breast cancer. According to the release, this year's event in association with the MaryEllen Locher Foundation "raised more than $20,000 and included a survivors luncheon, a pregame Pink Party, a silent auction, a conference volleyball game and the awarding of the Volley for a Cure scholarship." Lee's own release in response to the announcement noted that the VFAC started under the leadership of coach Andrea Hudson in the fall of 2007, raising $15,000. "It is very gratifying to be informed that we are finalists for this prestigious award," said Dr. Paul Conn, Lee's president. "Our goal has been to become leaders, and not merely members, of NCAA DII. To have our coaches and athletes recognized for their excellence in service is a wonderful affirmation from our NCAA peers."
Golf
* Sean Elliott from Dalton State gives Lee's Taylor Davis some area company in the Patriots All-American golf tournament that starts today at the Wigwam Golf Resort in Phoenix. Davis' invitation was previously reported, but Elliott - the reigning NAIA individual champion - also is part of the field comprised exclusively of All-Americans from NCAA Division I, II and II, the NAIA, the NJCAA and the AJGA. All the players will be carrying bags honoring killed or disabled in military service for the United States. Elliott's Folds of Honor soldier is Army Staff Sergeant Jeremy Katzenberger, who was killed in June 2011 in Afghanistan.
Basketball
* Former Carson-Newman standout Ish Sanders from Cleveland is headed to Australia's Big V league in his advancement as a professional basketball player. He has signed with the Sunbury Jets after previously playing for Vellaznimi Gjakove in Kosovo. At Carson-Newman he had three games of 30 or more points and ended with 1,922 points and the most made 3-pointers (343) in program history.