TUCSON, Ariz. – Senior backstroke and freestyler, Bonnie Brandon has been selected as one of five finalists for the prestigious Wooden Citizenship Cup, announced on Tuesday by Fred Northup, President of Athletes for a Better World. The award is given to athletes that best display character, teamwork and citizenship, and for that is “regarded as the highest award in college sports”.
The winner will be announced at the awards banquet on April, 27th Atlanta, Ga. Voting is done by the Board, the Advisory Board and over 100 distinguished individuals involved in athletics across the country.
Brandon has been honored not only for her All-American career in the pool, but her excellent work both in the classroom and in the community.
During her career at Arizona, Brandon has thus far been a six-time All-American. She holds the school record in the 200 back (1:50.70) and 1,650 free (15:48.35), both from competing at the Texas Invitational. During her sophomore year, Brandon was a member of the 800 free relay team that finished second at the NCAA Championships, setting a school record with 6:57.26. She is a current 2016 Olympic hopeful, with trial cuts in the 100 back, 200 back, 200 free and 400 free.
Brandon has been named to the Pac-12 All-Academic First-Team two years in a row, demonstrating her success outside of the pool as well. She continues to maintain a high, 3.815 GPA with a major in Nutritional Sciences and a minor in Biochemistry. Brandon was also named a CSCAA Scholar All-America honoree for her accomplishments.
In order to be a finalist for the Wooden Cup, an athlete must demonstrate leadership and citizenship throughout the community. Brandon has done just that, dedicating close to 75 hours speaking to children about the importance of education and having a healthy lifestyle. Within her sport, she was voted team captain of the current women’s team.
The swimmer has been involved in numerous leadership groups across the university. Brandon is the Co-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and a member of the Peer Athletic Leaders. She is additionally the coordinator of Team IMPACT, which helps to improve the quality of life for children with life threatening diseases.
This past November, Brandon was the chair of the MOVEMBER campaign, raising money for men’s health issues. The senior also found time to be trained in the Step UP! Bystander Intervention Program, which was created at Arizona and adopted by the NCAA.
Brandon exemplifies each component of the Wooden Citizenship Cup both within the swimming program and throughout the university.
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Swimming news courtesy of Arizona Swimming & Diving.
