An Iowa basketball player was nominated for an AAU award. | File Photo
An Iowa basketball player was nominated for an AAU award. | File Photo
Two Hawkeyes were named finalists for the Amateur Athletic Union James E. Sullivan Award.
Hawkeye basketball athlete Caitlin Clark as well as former Hawkeye Luke Garza were two of the 38 athletes selected for the honor, according to Hawkeye Sports.
“Iowa sophomore Caitlin Clark and former star Luka Garza are among 38 athletes selected as finalists for the AAU James E. Sullivan Award," Derek Martin said in a post to his Twitter account Sept. 20.
AAU CEO and President Jennings "Rusty" Buchanan also praised the nominated athletes.
“These exceptional athletes truly embody the spirit of the AAU James E. Sullivan Award,” Buchanan said, Hawkeye Sports reported. “They not only top performers in their sport, but also display qualities of leadership, good character and sportsmanship both on and off the field.”
The AAU James E. Sullivan Award is the only award in the U.S. that puts the best athletes, male and female, head-to-head for the title of “top athlete.” The award has been around since 1930, The Daily Iowan reported. The award will be presented in Orlando, Florida, on Oct. 22.
The October presentation will recognize athletes’ achievements in the 2020-2021 school year, not 2021-2022, according to The Daily Iowan. Anyone can vote on the award at aausullivan.org, however, voting closed Sept. 27 at 11:59 p.m.
Last year's winners were Sabrina Ionescu of the University of Oregon and Spencer Lee of the University of Iowa, according to Hawkeye Sports.
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