COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Recognizing her achievements in the classroom and community, the NJCAA Executive Committee announced Johnson County Community College sophomore thrower Kendyl McDougald as the recipient of the 2014-15 Lea Plarski Award.

"I can't begin to express how proud I am of Kendyl for winning this award," said Johnson County throwing coach Phil Groves. "I always want to be able to say three things about our student-athletes here at JCCC – they are great students, outstanding athletes and even better people. I can't think of any individual who better embodies those ideals."

The NJCAA's Lea Plarski Award is handed out annually since 1995 in the name of former NJCAA President Lea Plarski as recognition of her tremendous service to the NJCAA and two-year college athletics. The award is been presented to an NJCAA student-athlete who exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, community service, academic excellence, athletic ability and achievements – qualities that were the cornerstones of the Plarski "era".

"This award not only represents Kendyl and her family but raises the bar for her teammates in the Cavalier family," said Johnson County director of athletics Carl Heinrich. "She has set an example of how student-athletes can utilize time management and be successful. Very few have gone through our program that have done what she has done."

For more information, and to read the entire JCCC media release, please click here : JCCC's McDougald Award