Hawkeye Reporter

Mount Mercy University issued the following announcement on April 16

Mount Mercy's Ayra Nur Jehan Aminuddin (FR/Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) was selected Rookie of the Year and Andy Diercks was named the Kerm Helmer Women's Coach of the Year on Wednesday when the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA) announced their awards for the 2019-20 season. Aminuddin was also an NCBCA first-team all-American while teammates Cassidy Courey (JR/Brooklyn Center, Minn.) and Sydney Urben (SO/Dorr, Mich.) received honorable mention.

Aminuddin's freshman campaign was impressive and made her a finalist for the International Bowling Media Association (IBMA) Storm Collegiate Bowler of the Year award. She posted a 205 average overall -- including a 207 mark in Tier 1 tournaments -- and finished in the top 25 at all 11 events this season. That included seven top-five finishes, eight top-10s, and victories at the Five Seasons Classic and Cedar Valley Open. Caitlyn Johnson of Webber International was named Storm Collegiate Bowler of the Year, while Aminuddin, Breanna Clemmer of McKendree, Lauren Piotrowski of Pikeville, and Abby Ragsdale of St. Francis (Ill.) were runners-up.

"This award really means a lot to me as it's my first year of collegiate bowling," Aminuddin said. "I sincerely want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me, especially Coach Diercks, my teammates, friends, and most importantly, my family back home. I wouldn't be here without all of them."

Courey and Urben also had tremendous seasons for the Mustangs. Courey had a 198 average in 11 events, including a 202 average in Tier 1s. She won the Golden Eagles Invitational and was a top-five finisher in four events. Courey also posted five top-10s and six top-25 finishes. Urben's season also included a 198 average and a 207 mark in Tier 1 tournaments. she counted a top-five finish, was in the top-10 twice, and the top 25 on four occasions.

"This was an incredible validation of the hard work and vision we have had for our programs for several years," said Diercks. "We are blessed with great administrative support, an incredible training center in May City Bowl, and amazing student-athletes. While we're unbelievably proud of Ayra, Cassidy, and Sydney, the entire team had a breakout season and everyone played a role in our success."

Diercks was named the Kerm Helmer Women's Coach of the Year after guiding Mount Mercy to the best season in school history. Despite being denied the chance to compete for a national championship, the Mustangs ended the season ranked second in the final NCBCA Coaches' Poll behind perennial-power Wichita State.

"It's an honor even being nominated for this award among so many tremendous coaches," said Diercks. "This award truly belongs to our players. I didn't throw any shots all season. They trusted our process and one another, which made a great season possible."

Mount Mercy played its best in Tier 1 events, winning two while finishing second twice and third once. Prior to the 2019-20 season, the Mustangs only had one top-three Tier 1 finish since the program began competition in 2011. The Mount Mercy men's squad also ended up in the NCBCA top 20 for the first time in school history, checking in at No. 16.

For a complete list of 2019-20 NCBCA awards, click here.

Original source can be found here.