Oct. 16, 2008
Sean Kelley, a junior men's soccer player, and Rebecca Walter, a junior women's volleyball player, each had terrific months in September and for their efforts, they were named George Mason Male and Female Athletes of the Month for September.
Kelley tallied four shutouts during the opening month of the season to help lead the Patriots to a 5-2-1 start. On Sept. 13 at the Prego's Express Italian Men's Soccer Invitational Tournament in Dallas, Texas, Kelley held No. 15 Tulsa's attack in check, holding them without a goal in a 1-0 Patriot victory. The Lexington, Ky. native also shut out American, Richmond and Saint Joseph's. Kelley played every minute of the team's eight matches during the month, recording 31 saves and a 0.94 GAA.
Walter had an outstanding opening month to the 2008 women's volleyball schedule. The Monbulk, Victoria, Australia native led the team with 152 kills (3.38 kps) and was second in the CAA over that time. Of the Patriots' 12 matches in August and September, Walter slammed double-digit kills in all but two, and recorded three double-doubles in that span. On Sep. 27 against James Madison, she complemented her double-double with a career-high five total blocks. She was named to the All-Tournament Team three separate times, with honors coming in the D.C. Volleyball Challenge, the Patriot Invitational, and the Davidson Wildcat Classic. Walter also tallied 93 digs, 19 blocks and seven aces for a team-best 170.5 points in August and September.
Kelley is the second men's soccer player to win the award in its two-year history. Last year, Fro Adu earned the honor in September. Walter is the second women's volleyball player to win the award as Jaqueline Kohler won it last year, also in September.
