During a year in which several Sacramento State athletes emerged as school and conference stars, it was the Big Sky?s Most Valuable Player, and Hornet volleyball star Tasman Dwyer who earned The State Hornet?s 2001-02 Female Athlete of the Year.

Dwyer led the Hornets to a share of their fifth-consecutive regular season championship this past season, while coming within a game of the NCAA tournament. For her efforts, Dwyer was named the conference?s MVP and was just one of two players to be selected unanimously for the second straight season.

Hornet coach Debby Colberg knew Dwyer was a lock for some conference honor this season, but never thought Dwyer was going to receive the conference?s top individual accolade.

“I knew she was going to be a good volleyball player, not the MVP,” Colberg said. “But she was willing to work hard.”

Dwyer led Sac State?s attack, ranking first in both total kills and kills per game this season. Dwyer amassed a total of 356 kills throughout the season, averaging 3.42 kills per game.

She also finished second on the team in blocks behind Kazmerie Imrie, averaging 1.13 blocks per game. Her defensive improvement hasn?t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff, especially Colberg.

“When she first came, she couldn?t block anything,” Colberg said. “She worked on it and got better at it.

“Her blocking skills really came a long way,” she added. “That was her challenge.”

While her offensive prowess is feared around the league and her defensive ability continues to be praised, it is her intensity and commitment that is her greatest tool and her deadliest weapon on the court.

“She?s dynamic. She brings personality to the court,” Colberg said. “I?ll remember her for her fire that she brought to the court.”

It was never more apparent than during the 2000 Big Sky Conference Championships against Eastern Washington University.

Needing just one more point to solidify the conference?s automatic bid the NCAA tournament, the Hornets continuously failed to notch the game-winner with Dwyer out of the rotation and on the bench.

When she finally got the chance to rotate back into the game, she quickly dispensed of the Eagles and sent her team dancing.

“She was the go-to player,” Colberg said. “When she?s not (on the court), you miss her. Her focus and intensity, you depend on it.”

However, things weren?t always as glamorous for Dwyer.

Joining the Hornets as a freshman, a young, raw Dwyer was limited to the bench where the coaching staff thought her physically ability favored other sports rather then volleyball.

“When she came in as a freshman, she rode the bench,” Colberg said. “We knew she was an athlete, but more of a basketball player. But she had such drive in terms of training, weight lifting and soaking up the coaching.”

It?s that work ethic and drive that Colberg believes will be Dwyer?s lasting impression on the Hornet volleyball program.

“She impacts all players. She?s very verbal,” Colberg added. “If things aren?t going right, she?s going to tell you what to do. She has the attention of all players. That?s what I?ve always loved about her ? there are no excuses.

“She brought leadership to the rest of the players. She?s a good role model and a real good example for all the rest of the players.”

Honorable Mention

Lisa Wrightsman, soccer: She led the Hornets in scoring, finshing third in the Big Sky in total points with nine (3 goals and 2 assists).

Myesha Kirtman, track and field: Owns a personal best time of 13.74 in the 100-meter hurdles, ranking her first in the Big Sky. Her time is second best in the program?s history.

Gabriella Lundqvist, tennis: The No. 1 singles player on the team, Lundqvist led the team to its best finish in program history and its frst-ever NCAA tournament berth.