Birrell receives RIAIAW award

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Salve Regina University senior Kaitlyn Birrell (Hope, R.I.) joined athletes from neighboring colleges and universities at the annual Rhode Island Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (RIAIAW) Distinguished Athlete Reception hosted by Brown University on Wednesday evening.

Birrell was recognized as a two-sport standout, holding school career records in both soccer and basketball. She won back-to-back offensive player of the year honors from theCommonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) in soccer; in basketball she's a two-time defensive player of the year.

In soccer, Birrell is a three-time All-New England selection with NEWISA. She owns all the single season and career scoring records.

Reaching the 1,000-point milestone in her final basketball game, Birrell helped the Seahawks two a pair of NCAA appearances and one ECAC postseason.

"One can go on and on about Katie's athletic prowess and impact on Salve athletics," sixth-year head basketball coach Cori Hughes said, "but the two words that keep coming to my mind are growth and leadership.  Never have I had an athlete that competed at Katie's level continue to improve and grow the way she did as a players; that is a testament to Katie's competitive nature and work ethic  And as a leader – Katie Birrell was second to none; she led with both words and action – tirelessly and unselfishly. We certainly will sorely miss Katie both on and off the court here at Salve Regina."

"Katie will leave Salve as one of the most decorated players in the soccer program leading in every category," sixth-year head soccer coach Kerri Scroope said. "It is only fitting for her to be recognized by the RIAIAW for all of her accomplishments. Katie is incredibly talented in both sports and will be missed by her teammates and coaches."

First-year senior woman administrator Kelly Scafariello faclitates Salve Regina's efforts with the state-wide organization. 

"The RIAIAW is such a wonderful organization that honors female student-athletes ranging from Division I to Division III. As a representative of the organization, I am proud of the commitment of all members to continue celebrating the contributions of females on our respective campuses and shaping the future landscape of women's athletics."

"Katie is such an easy choice to represent our University and our great state of Rhode Island. To know that after graduation she will continue her involvement with young women athletes by coaching basketball at Bayview Academy in East Providence, RI. She will be just as impactful in her new role as coach as she was here in her roles as both a soccer and basketball student-athlete."