Patty Kerman brings the heat as a pin hitter for the Westmont College volleyball team.
She also delivers in the classroom as a double major in economics/business and communication studies, carrying a grade point average of 3.92.
The Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table is honoring Kerman as the 2020-21 Scholar Athlete of the Year for Westmont.
Kerman was recognized by award sponsor Marc Gamberdella in a virtual ceremoney that included Westmont volleyball coach Ruth McGolpin.
“Patty is one of those special athletes. When she came to Westmont, she had that verve for constantly learning,” McGolpin said of the redshirt junior, who recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her knee during the spring of her freshman year to become one of the leading attackers and leaders on the volleyball team.
Her play helped Westmont advance to the NAIA Women’s National Volleyball Championships final in 2019.
“She excels on the floor and definitely in the classroom,” McGolpin said.
Kerman was a 2019 recipient of Westmont’s Golden Eagle Award, presented to local four-year collegiate athletes for their athletic and academic achievements, and received the Westmont Presidential Scholarship Award.
She also was honored as a Golden State Athletic Conference and NAIA Scholar Athlete in 2019.
Kerman’s course load in communications includes advanced composition and public discourse. She’s doing her senior capstone research project on the impact a student-athlete’s faith has on their motivation and engagement in their sport.
She’s also taking a senior seminar in economics and business.
The future academic plan for the daughter of James and Catherine Kerman is to attend graduate school and pursue a master’s degree in business administration.
In the community, Kerman volunteers as an ocean ambassador, helping to clean up the beaches in the Santa Barbara area.
SBART Scholar Athlete of the Year: Patty Kerman from Dream Cast Media Group on Vimeo.
McGolpin said Kerman was a force in Westmont’s run to the NAIA championship in 2019.
“In big moments, she blossomed as a player,” the coach said. “In the GSAC championships, she had the most incredible match, and had one of the best matches of her life in the NAIA Final.”
Kerman tied for team honors in kills with 12 and hit a sizzling .478 in a loss against No. 11-ranked Marian, Ind.
McGolpin said Kerman’s humor brings a light to the practices.
“She’s amazing on memes,” the coach said. “Her teammates absolutely adore her. She’s one of those special players, and I’m happy she is part of the Westmont Warrior women.”
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
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