Jessica Tsao: WCC Scholar-Athlete of the year!

SAN BRUNO, Calif. - The 2011 West Coast Conference Mike Gilleran Scholar-Athletes of the Year and West Coast Conference Postgraduate Scholarship winners were announced at the second annual WCC Honors Dinner last evening at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco.

Dylan Leslie of the Saint Mary's men's soccer team was named the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
The Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Postgraduate recipient went to Portland's Jessica Tsao. The Male Postgraduate Scholarship winner went to Chris Mosier from Santa Clara.

This is only the second time in conference history that a female student-athlete has won both the Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Postgraduate Scholarship. The first time occurred in 2004 when Portland's Imani Dorsey was awarded both honors.

The WCC Mike Gilleran Scholar-Athlete of the Year is selected by a vote of the WCC's Executive Council to recognize the finest accomplishments in athletics, academics and community service by individuals who have completed their WCC eligibility.

This is also the eighth consecutive year that the WCC has awarded one male and one female student-athlete with a scholarship to assist with graduate school or professional school education. Candidates must own a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate a significant athletic contribution on the varsity athletic level in a WCC sponsored sport, and participate in a WCC sport for a minimum of two years. In addition, candidates must have a record of participating in campus or community activities, completed their athletic eligibility, and competed in intercollegiate athletics in the academic year in which they are nominated.

DYLAN LESLIE, SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE, MEN'S SOCCER
Dylan Leslie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Mary's College after pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. Leslie was a two-time member of the WCC Commissioner's Honor Roll, a 2010 CoSIDA Academic All-District 8 First Team Member, and a recipient of the 2010 Edward P. Madigan Award, which is awarded to the most outstanding student in the Kinesiology Department.

On the field, Leslie was a midfielder that helped his team set a school record for wins in 2009 and 2010 and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. As an individual, Leslie was a 2010 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Candidate, garnered the George R. McKeon Scholar-Athlete Award, selected to All-WCC First Team selection three times and named to the 2010 NSCAA Far West Region Third Team.

In the community, Leslie participated in the "Moraga the Beautiful Clean Up Day" and the October Carnival for Kids. He also has served as the Sacred Heart Elementary School Physical Education Assistant since 2006.

JESSICA TSAO, UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND, WOMEN'S SOCCER
Jessica Tsao graduated from the University of Portland as a three-time Dean's List selection and a member of UP Honors Program. She finished with a degree in biology and minored in French. She was a two-time member of Commissioner's Honor Roll and selected to the 2009-10 ESPN Academic All-America First Team. A Rhodes Scholar Finalist and NCAA Walter-Byers Postgraduate Scholarship Finalist, Tsao will be pursuing a Master's Degree in Sports Biomechanics in Liverpool as a UK Fulbright Scholar.

On the field, Tsao was an integral defender for a team that posted a 78-9 win-loss record and a 27-0-1 WCC record during her four years. She was a four-time conference champion, four-time NCAA participant, and competed in the NCAA Championship Quarterfinals from 2007-09. Tsao was also named the 2010 WCC Defensive Player of the Year and was selected to the 2010 NSCAA All-West Region First Team.

In addition to her world both in and out of the classroom, Tsao was very involved in community service, from volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and raising $6000 to sponsor a room to serving as a student teacher and SAAC representative.

CHRISTOPHER MOSIER, SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY, CROSS COUNTRY
Christopher Mosier will graduate Magna Cum Laude from Santa Clara University with a double major in Political Science and Economics. He was a three-time member of the Commissioner's Honor Roll, four-time Dean's Scholar, and was a Class of 2011 Senior Award Nominee.

Athletically, Mosier was named the Varsity captain of the Bronco cross country team and was a top 7 postseason runner for three years before being injured as a senior. He also participated in the NCAA Regionals three consecutive years.

In addition to academics and athletics, Mosier has been heavily involved in student life. Mosier has served as Student Body President, chaired the Student-Senate and represented student-athletes' interests on the Student Life Committee. He also extended his service into the community through his involvement with the Santa Clara Community Action Program (made breakfast for clients diagnosed with mental illnesses at Julian Street, distributed food in Tenderloin for Project Open Hand, taught English) and participating in Relay for Life.