Courtesy of Boston University Athletic Communications
CENTERVILLE, Mass. - Senior Bailey O'Brien
of the Boston University women's swimming & diving team has
received the ECAC Award of Valor for the 2010-11 academic year, the
Eastern College of Athletic Conference announced Monday afternoon..
The Award of Valor is handed out annually and was established in 1985
to honor ECAC student-athletes whose courage, motivation and relentless
determination serve as an inspiration to all. The recipients of the
Award of Valor exemplify strength of character and perseverance
deserving recognition as being truly triumphant.
"Through her battle with cancer, the amount of sacrifice and
discipline that Bailey has - and continues - to put forth is only
surpassed by the brightness of her positive attitude," said head coach Bill Smyth.
"She is the personification of what this award honors. Through which,
she continues to inspire us as individuals and as a team."
During her freshman year, O'Brien learned that she had melanoma and
after treatment went into remission. She came back to help the Terriers
win back-to-back America East championships her sophomore and junior
years, but following that high point, O'Brien learned that her cancer
had returned.
After extensive treatments this past summer, the Putnam Valley, N.Y.,
native learned that the cancer was in full remission. O'Brien is now
back on campus and working towards completing her degree.
Back in February after hearing her story, all of the America East
swimmers and divers rallied around O'Brien to raise funds and pay
tribute to her. Led by UMBC's Ashley Miller, collection baskets were
placed around the Germantown Indoor Swim Club, host site for the meet,
and over $1,500 was raised for the Bailey O'Brien Fund.
The athletes also organized a moving tribute to O'Brien, in which they
all gathered around the pool and held hands in unison. O'Brien watched
the tribute via Skype and was rendered speechless by the support. For
their efforts, all swimmers and divers were awarded the America East
Sportsmanship Award in June.
For a past list of ECAC Award of Valor recipients, please go to http://www.ecac.org/awards/valor