Nov. 1, 2011
SAGINAW, Mich. -Oakland freshman Peyton Apsey will accept the 2010-11 Tom Slade Athlete of the Year Award on Saturday at the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Banquet. Before joining the OU women's basketball team, Apsey was a standout in volleyball, soccer and basketball at Hemlock High School.
"They don't tell you that you are nominated so I was very surprised and excited when I found out that I had won," said Apsey. "I really didn't see it coming, so at first I was just shocked; after it sunk in I was excited and happy."
As a high school athlete, Apsey set the Hemlock school record for career assists (288) and steals (317). She also rewrote the school records for single-season steals (144) and assists (139) as a senior. As a two-time team captain, Apsey and current Oakland teammate Shelby Herrington led Hemlock to the semifinals of the state basketball tournament in 2011. Apsey was an All-State honorable mention selection and a two-time All-Midland Dream Team selection.
"Peyton has been a great addition to our team," said Oakland head coach Beckie Francis. "She is a phenomenal athlete. It is very fitting that she would receive this award, as she has already demonstrated her athletic prowess with our team."
In addition to her work on the court, Apsey also set Hemlock school records on the soccer field, where she is the school's leader in goals for a career (72) and for a season (39). She also played on the Hemlock volleyball team, helping the team win a pair of district titles.
"I think this award is special because of the legacy it represents," said Apsey. "I knew a little bit about the history of the award, but my dad and I did some research and learned about the legacy of Mr. Tom Slade. Knowing that this award is named after him and knowing all of the great athletes who have won it in the past makes winning really special for me."
While her wok as an athlete is impressive, Apsey is a well-rounded person who succeeded in many areas beyond athletics. She was the Valedictorian at Hemlock with a 4.0 grade point average. She was a member of the student council the National Honor Society. Apsey was also elected homecoming queen by her classmates.
"Winning this award and knowing that the county thinks I am a top athlete really boosts my confidence," concluded Apsey. "It gives me confidence that I can come in to Oakland and contribute at the collegiate level. I just want to work hard and do my best to help the team succeed."
-OAKLAND-
