Photo by: Ashton Daniel Robertson
Cathey Named Finalist for MA Sorensen Award
4/11/2024 11:07:00 AM | Women's Rugby
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown junior Akilah Cathey was named a finalist for the 2024 MA Sorensen Award, given annually to the best women's collegiate rugby player in the nation
The MA Sorensen Award is named after groundbreaking Williams & Mary and USA prop MaryAnne Sorensen, who played in three World Cup finals and followed up on that with a brilliant career as a medical doctor. MaryAnne has personally presented the Sorensen Trophy at every awards dinner at the Washington Athletic Club, which sponsors the award. The award celebration is held in June at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle, Washington.
"We are so proud of Akilah and all of her accomplishments," said Rosalind Chou, the Kathleen Flores Women's Rugby Head Coach "She is so deserved of this recognition as she is beloved by her teammates and cares deeply about the team. She is exemplary at representing Brown University, her family, and community."
Cathey was initially named one of 17 nominees for the award along with classmate Nikki Lynch. Cathey earned Honorable Mention All-NIRA honors this fall after leading the Bears with 11 tries and 55 points. This spring, Cathey has four tries.
The Memphis, Tennessee native is Brown's first MA Sorensen Award finalist. Mahdia Parker '23 was a nominee for the award a season ago.
"Being named a finalist for the MA Sorensen Award is an indescribable honor that extends far beyond my achievements – it's a tribute to my roots in Memphis and the transformative power of rugby in our community, introduced to us by Memphis Inner City Rugby in 2012," said Cathey. "This recognition embodies the dreams and struggles of everyone from my neighborhood, proving that despite our limited opportunities, our resilience and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements.
"I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Coach Kathy, whose belief in my potential has guided me here; I dedicate this moment to her, carrying forward her legacy with pride and humility. Thank you to everyone who continuously supports me – this honor is ours to share."
2024 MA Sorensen Award Finalists:
Akilah Cathey – Brown
Matilda Kocaj – Life University
Tianha Padilla – Harvard
Freda Tafuna – Lindenwood
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the lifeblood of the athletics program, and exists to enhance the student-athlete experience through philanthropic support from alumni, parents, fans and friends. A gift through the Sports Foundation makes an immediate impact on today's Brown Bears and helps them to be their best in the classroom, in competition and most importantly in the community. To learn more about supporting the Bears, please click here.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on Twitter, @BrownU_Bears on Instagram, like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
The MA Sorensen Award is named after groundbreaking Williams & Mary and USA prop MaryAnne Sorensen, who played in three World Cup finals and followed up on that with a brilliant career as a medical doctor. MaryAnne has personally presented the Sorensen Trophy at every awards dinner at the Washington Athletic Club, which sponsors the award. The award celebration is held in June at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle, Washington.
"We are so proud of Akilah and all of her accomplishments," said Rosalind Chou, the Kathleen Flores Women's Rugby Head Coach "She is so deserved of this recognition as she is beloved by her teammates and cares deeply about the team. She is exemplary at representing Brown University, her family, and community."
Cathey was initially named one of 17 nominees for the award along with classmate Nikki Lynch. Cathey earned Honorable Mention All-NIRA honors this fall after leading the Bears with 11 tries and 55 points. This spring, Cathey has four tries.
The Memphis, Tennessee native is Brown's first MA Sorensen Award finalist. Mahdia Parker '23 was a nominee for the award a season ago.
"Being named a finalist for the MA Sorensen Award is an indescribable honor that extends far beyond my achievements – it's a tribute to my roots in Memphis and the transformative power of rugby in our community, introduced to us by Memphis Inner City Rugby in 2012," said Cathey. "This recognition embodies the dreams and struggles of everyone from my neighborhood, proving that despite our limited opportunities, our resilience and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements.
"I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Coach Kathy, whose belief in my potential has guided me here; I dedicate this moment to her, carrying forward her legacy with pride and humility. Thank you to everyone who continuously supports me – this honor is ours to share."
2024 MA Sorensen Award Finalists:
Akilah Cathey – Brown
Matilda Kocaj – Life University
Tianha Padilla – Harvard
Freda Tafuna – Lindenwood
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the lifeblood of the athletics program, and exists to enhance the student-athlete experience through philanthropic support from alumni, parents, fans and friends. A gift through the Sports Foundation makes an immediate impact on today's Brown Bears and helps them to be their best in the classroom, in competition and most importantly in the community. To learn more about supporting the Bears, please click here.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on Twitter, @BrownU_Bears on Instagram, like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
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