Former Gator Great Gemma Spofforth Recipient of 2010 Outstanding Leadership Award
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 | Women's Swimming & Diving
Former Gator great Gemma Spofforth (West Sussex, England) became one of three University of Florida students to be awarded with the Fall 2010 Outstanding Leadership Award for Graduating Seniors, announced today by the UF Alumni Association. Julie Dumbroff and recently graduated Gator gymnast Ashley Kerr (Sarasota, Fla.) were the other award recipients.
“I am extremely grateful to receive such a prestigious award,” Spofforth said. “Everything I do comes from the support of an amazing team and family.”
The family, youth and community science major was chosen for her invaluable contribution on campus and in the community. For the last two years, the seven-time NCAA champion and 25-time All-American at UF (2006-10) has put in countless hours at the Alachua County Crisis Center taking phone calls and counseling people in need. The world record holder in the 100-meter backstroke also worked with Goodwill Gators delivering sneakers to local students through the Gator Tracks program and participated in last fall's Climb for Cancer Sports Camp, which allows children with cancer the chance to interact with Gator student-athletes.
Spofforth was additionally a two-time CSCAA Scholar All-American as well as a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection en route to being named the 2009 and 2010 SEC Female Swimmer of the Year. Earlier this year, the only swimmer in SEC history to win three-straight titles in the 100 and 200-yard backstroke was also named the winner of the 2010 Ben Hill Griffin Award for her contributions to the Gainesville community and Gator athletics.
