University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Graduating Class Honored at Senior Breakfast
5/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | General
May 12, 2015 HOUSTON - University of Houston Athletics and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee honored the 2014-15 graduating class with its second annual Senior Breakfast, held Tuesday morning at the Athletics/Alumni Center.
Student-athletes and family, as well as staff and members of the H-Association, came together to honor the senior class who received their graduation stoles and a few select members who were honored with special awards.
Men's Basketball forward Mikhail McLean received the Senior Breakfast's newest award when he was honored with the Cougar Lifetime Achievement Award. McLean appeared in 101 games and averaged 2.4 points per game in just over 11 minutes per game. The Nassau, Bahamas, native was the Conference USA Winter Spirit of Service Award and was named to the 2013-14 American Athletic Conference All-Academic team.
"Being a student-athlete has meant a lot to me," said McLean. "When I came here five years ago, I was young, inexperienced and immature, but I really grew over the last five years and learned a great deal from coaches and mentors. It has been a great building experience."
Senior tennis player Elena Kordolaimi received the Robert L. Grainger Leadership Award, which honored the Lamia, Greece, native for proudly serving the community as an outstanding Cougar Ambassador. Kordolaimi leaves Houston as a four-time All- Conference selection and the single-season program leader in dual wins (25) and dual winning percentage (.926), and she became the first Cougar in a decade to win 30 singles matches in a season. The former Lykeio Lamias standout volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sister and with the Zina Garrison Academy, helping to conduct tennis clinics for under-privileged youth.
"In my four years, I learned so many life skills, like how to adapt to situations and how to be organized," said Kordolaimi. "I'd say that being a student-athlete has helped me grow as a person just as much as I have grown on the tennis court. It was a special opportunity, and I wouldn't trade it for the world."
Cougar volleyball outside hitter Kadi Kullerkann received American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American honors as well as the American Athletic Conference Sport Excellence Award. Kullerkann was a two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and earned 2013-14 American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honors. The Keila, Estonia, native is a two-time All-American Athletic Conference award recipient and ranks third in school history for most kills in a single season (644).
The committee also took time to honor and thank softball second baseman Kayla Holland for her time as the 2014-15 SAAC President with a highlight video of her career. As president, Holland represented Houston to the American Athletic Conference and coordinated efforts with the Special Olympics and the campaing "It's On Us."
Following the presentation of the awards, the Cougar seniors gathered to receive their graduation stoles and enjoy a postseason highlight film honoring their achievements. Breakfast concluded with the graduating class and guests singing the Alma Mater one final time.
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