Knoxville, Tenn. (utsports.com)-- The University of Tennessee Athletics Department held the third annual VOLSCARS Monday at the Knoxville Convention Center.

The concept for the VOLSCARS was developed by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a way to showcase and celebrate the accomplishments of both the men’s and women’s athletic departments. The event was a sports award show modeled after the ESPYs. Tennessee student-athletes began the evening on the “orange” carpet with media interviews in true Hollywood style, followed by a dinner and awards show.

Nominees and award winners included:

Rookie of the Year - given to the rookie in both men’s and women’s athletics who made a direct impact through hard work and dedication.

Female
Jenny Connolly/Women's Swimming & Diving

Male
John-Patrick Smith/Men’s Tennis

Best Supporting Staff Member – awarded to the staff member that has helped, through constant support, make it possible for the head coach to do their job.

Angie Boyd Keck/Admin.-nominated by Volleyball Coaches

Best Comeback – awarded for the best comeback during a game, match or meet

Men’s Tennis - 4-3 come-from-behind win over top-ranked Ohio State to advance to semifinals of ITA National Indoor Tournament

Supporting Role – given to the unsung hero; a high impact player that does not always get credit, but that the team needs for success.

Female Best Supporting Role
Phoebe Wright/Women's Track & Field

Male Best Supporting Role
Barry Murphy/Men’s Swimming & Diving

Big Orange Award - given to a student-athlete who exhibits high character and enthusiasm, has a positive attitude, and encourages their teammates.

Female Big Orange Award
Ashley Quinn/Women's Swimming & Diving

MaleBig Orange Award

Nick Reveiz/Football

Volunteer Award - presented to the female student-athlete who showed commitment to service, volunteerism and leadership.

Howard Aldmon Female Volunteer Award

Bryttany Curran/Women's Swimming & Diving

Male Volunteer Award
Wayne Chism/Men's Basketball

Best TV Moment – awarded to the most exciting TV moment of the year.

Pat Summitt’s 1000th Win

Scholar-Athlete Award – awarded to the student-athlete with the highest GPA.

Helen B. Watson Female Scholar
Lillian Hammond/Softball

Male Scholar
Steve Tobin/Men's Track & Field

Coach of the Year – awarded to the coach with the best year-end results.

Lady Vols Head Coach Of The Year
J.J. Clark/Women's Track & Field

Vols Head Coach of the Year
Sam Winterbotham/Men's Tennis

Mr. Tennessee - given to the student-athlete who exemplifies the spirit of Tennessee and is awarded based on academics, athletics, team leadership and service.

Geoffrey Sanders/Men's Swimming & Diving

Miss Tennessee - given to the student-athlete who exemplifies the spirit of Tennessee and is awarded based on academics, athletics, team leadership and service.

Sarah McCall/Women's Swimming & Diving

VOLSCARS Best Athlete – awarded to the student-athlete that made the most valuable contribution to the team during the timeline of March 26, 2007 through April 8, 2008.

VOLSCARS Female Best Athlete
Sarah Bowman/Track & Field

VOLSCARS Male Best Athlete
Eric Berry/Football

Team of the Year – awarded to the team with the best year-end finish.
Female Team of the Year
Women’s Track & Field

Male Team of the Year
Men’s Tennis