Each year, a female student athlete’s hard work and determination in athletics is recognized and honored through the presentation of the Athena Award.

After looking through athletic awards and honors of girls that participate in a varsity sport, the athletic office nominates the most prestigious candidates, according to assistant athletic director Shawn Mathews.

The candidates are then scored based on a vote taken by female varsity athletes, a vote from coaches and points received from athletic awards. The athlete with the highest ranking across these three categories wins the award.

Emmi Zheng was the 2015 Athena Award winner and received the award for her performance in swimming throughout her high school career.

“It was a really big honor that I won the award. I was happy that I got it because I have put a lot of heart into swimming and I’m glad my achievements were recognized,” Zheng said.

Team member Meagan Hein said she thinks Zheng is deserving of this award due to her leadership and work ethic in swimming.

“Emmi is the perfect role model for other girls on the team,” Hein said. “Ever since seventh grade, she has consistently been one of the hardest workers.”

Head coach Joe Yaeger said he thinks Zheng is not only deserving of the award because of her leadership, but her passion for the sport as well.

“Along with everything she brings to the team as a leader, she also has a great talent for swimming,” Yaeger said. “Throughout her years, she has done nothing but excel expectations.”

Zheng said her views on athletics helps her to excel in swimming and she hopes younger athletes can benefit from this mindset.

“My secret to success is not to compete with others around you, even though it’s a competitive environment,” Zheng said. “I’m always more satisfied when I impress myself rather than other people.”