WEST LAFAYETTE — Moments after winning the third state championship of her high school career, New Palestine senior Emily O’Connor found out she had one more accolade coming her way.
She was joined by her parents on the field and presented with the Mental Attitude Award, handed out by the IHSAA Executive Committee to an outstanding senior who excels in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability.
The award comes with a $1,000 check presented to the winner’s school from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
“It means the world. In front of all these people, I just said that God is my number one,” O’Connor said. “Without me receiving that award, I would never be able to do that. That’s my dream, to just share my faith. It means a lot.”
O’Connor is the fifth softball player in school history to receive the IHSAA’s highest individual honor, joining Alyssa Marcum, Sara Evans, Elisha Barker and last year’s winner, Ashley Prange.
She is also the seventh overall New Palestine athlete to receive the Mental Attitude Award.
“They’re true student-athletes,” New Palestine coach Ed Marcum said. “I expect a lot from them not only on the diamond, but off the diamond. It’s because of that, it opens everything up for our Mental Attitude Award winner. I’m so excited for Emily. She’s had a great career.”