Metcalf Named SAC Basketball Scholar-Athlete

ROCK HILL, S.C. - Anderson junior Nick Trull and Mars Hill junior Kristen Metcalf have been selected as the SAC Basketball Scholar-Athletes of the Year, a distinction recognizing academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership.

The awards are voted on by the conference's Faculty Athletic Representatives.

"The SAC is proud to be represented by Nick and Kristen, two individuals who live out a commitment to excellence in all phases of the student-athlete experience," said SAC commissioner Patrick Britz.

"Their accomplishments athletically, academically and in their communities make them ideal role models for young people and fellow student-athletes."

Metcalf started 19 games for Mars Hill this season, finishing third in the SAC with an average of 2.04 three-pointers made per game. She was the Lions' fifth-leading scorer at 8.1 points per game, led the team in steals and was second in minutes played.

Off the court, Metcalf has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.80 studying sociology - criminal law with minors in business and psychology. She was a member of the SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll last season.

Metcalf has been very active on campus and in the Mars Hill community during her career, working alongside groups including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boys & Girls Club and YMCA.

The Black Mountain, N.C., native also volunteers at numerous schools and youth camps, and has served at a local animal shelter as well.

"I have known Kristen for three years, and over that time I have been inspired by her dedication to success both on the court in and in the classroom," said Mars Hill head coach Jen Williams.

"Kristen is just as competitive as a student as she is as an athlete because she demands the best of herself."

Trull, who won the SAC Scholar-Athlete Award in 2011 as well, is in the midst of a standout season for the Trojans, who won the conference's regular season title after going 22-4 overall and 17-1 in the league.

He finished the regular season as the SAC's ninth-leading scorer at 15.5 points per game and third in three-pointers per game at 2.62. The Charlotte, N.C., native ranks second on Anderson's all-time scoring list.

Trull also excels in the classroom, having been named the 2011-12 NCAA Division II Capital One Academic All-American of the Year last week. He was also the recipient of the NCAA's prestigious Elite 88 Award in 2011, which is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average at the finals site for each NCAA championship.

He currently carries a 3.90 GPA majoring in kinesiology.

Trull is a visible member of Anderson community as well, serving with the AU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In addition, he coaches youth basketball at Hickory Grove Recreation Center and participates in numerous service projects through local churches.

"Nick is the perfect example of what we want a student-athlete to represent," said Anderson head coach Jason Taylor. "He is the complete package."