2008 Woodie Awards
Katelyn Whiton selected as Josten's Trophy finalist
Christin Kloewer/Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: Sports
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The Josten's Trophy is a national award honoring the most outstanding men's and women's Division III basketball players of the year. The award recognizes three very important parts of the athlete including basketball ability, academic competency and community service. The trophy represents a well-rounded Division III student-athlete. The trophy's motto is "Service above Self."
"It is a big honor to be selected for this award," Whiton said. "However, none of it would even be close to possible if it wasn't for all of the team and coaches that push me to get better every day."
Whiton was a 2007 honorable mention All-American and has broken an individual record this season. She now holds the school record for career field goal attempts. Whiton is also second in school history in career steals with 222.
Whiton commented how being on the basketball team and reaching the level they are at has taught her so much about herself and taught her a lot of valuable life lessons that will help her later in life.
"Being a part of the team has been great," Whiton said. "Along with the friendships, I have been able to be a part of a winning program."
Whiton has been playing basketball for as long as she can remember; her mom even played basketball in college, so she started her basketball career young.
Basketball, however, isn't the only activity that consumes Whiton's life. She has been a very active member in her surrounding community. She has stocked shelves at the Perry Food Pantry and served food at the Perry Soup Kitchen.
Whiton has also worked at a Des Moines homeless shelter as well. Her most recent contribution to her community has been by volunteering at The Village in Indianola.
"I really did enjoy going to The Village to help with things," Whiton said. "I met some nice women that had experienced a lot and who just wanted to talk."
Whiton believes community service is very important because some people really need the help and others just love the company.
Nicolle Whalen, assistant women's basketball coach, believes they are very lucky to have such an all-around great person on the team.
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