Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Hiller Awarded Charlotte West Scholarship
10/24/2002 | 12:00:00 | Women's Golf
Oct. 24, 2002
Carbondale, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Associate Athletics Director Kathy Jones announced today that Alison Hiller was chosen this year's recipient of the Charlotte West Scholarship.
Hiller, a native of Atlanta, Ga., is currently finishing up her undergraduate work at SIU. She holds a cumulative grade point average of 3.17 as a communications major and a history minor, while serving as an assistant coach of the Saluki women's golf team. A member of the Student Athletic Advisory Board (SAAB), Hiller is also active in the SIU Achieve Program.
"I am honored and grateful to have received such a prestigious award," said a humble Hiller.
Prior to her coaching debut this season, Hiller capped off a remarkable playing career in 2002. Playing a total of 95 rounds over four years, she recorded 55 in the 70s and two in the 60s. Her mark of 68 last season currently ranks as the lowest single round score in SIU history.
Most importantly, however, Hiller qualified for the 2002 NCAA Women's Golf Central Regional, becoming the first Saluki to accomplish the feat since 1978. Additionally, she was a three-time all-Missouri Valley Conference pick.
"It's very be-fitting that Alison won this award because Dr. West was so instrumental in women's athletics, not only at SIU, but across the country as well," said Saluki women's golf coach Diane Daugherty. "I'm sure Dr. West is proud of how much Alison has excelled in the classroom and on the golf course."
The scholarship, which was first established in 1997, is awarded to a female student who has demonstrated an interest or a commitment to ensuring equitable benefits or enhancing opportunities for female athletes. The candidate must also display qualities of dedication, integrity, responsibility and leadership.
It was named in honor of West who served as the Salukis' head women's basketball coach from 1959-75 and SIU's Director of Women's Athletics from 1975-87. Once the men's and women's athletics departments merged in 1987, she then became Associate Athletics Director and remained in that position until her retirement in 1998.
Previous Charlotte West Scholarship Recipients2001-02 Chiara Calvetti, Softball (1998-01)
