2019-20 Most Outstanding Contribution Award | Kendall You Mak '20

Senior Kendall You Mak (Basketball, Soccer) has been named the 2019-20 Wellesley College Athletics Awards recipient of the Most Outstanding Contribution Award. 

Most Outstanding Contribution is awarded to a student who has made significant and positive contribution to the PERA department as demonstrated by their vital involvement (View Past Recipients). Students are nominated by department faculty and staff.

A three-sport student-athlete (Lacrosse), Kendall was also an event worker and a Fitness Center monitor who took part in SAAC, as well as PERA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DE&I), Shades of Blue and the Athlete Mentor Program. Kendall could be counted on to be a part of every department event either as an athlete, a worker or a participant. They participated in everything from the annual dodgeball event to the Student-Athlete Celebration and everything in between. Theirs was a familiar face in the offices and a contributor to the department for their four years at Wellesley.

"For me, Kendall represented the best of what a student-athlete could be. There was no drama, there was no entitlement, there was just plain old hard work and perseverance. I saw Kendall everywhere during their four years. Of course, on the field or court playing three sports, which hasn't been done in years in the department. But also working in the fitness center or managing balls at a volleyball match. While also being selected academic all conference several times. Kendall's contributions to the DE&I committee were always thoughtful and considerate of others. I know they took this work seriously and I will never forget Kendall arriving late to what turned out to be our last meeting, having just had their separated shoulder reduced after a basketball injury several hours before. This is the kind of student who doesn't come around often and their contributions have truly been outstanding."

- Martha Dietrick, Associate Director for Finance & Personnel

"I would just say that they have impacted our program from the beginning. Even though, for three years, they have come to basketball season late after participating in soccer, they have been as steady a presence as anyone. Their work ethic and attitude are completely beyond reproach. Their sense of fairness and sportsmanship is readily obvious to teammates and spectators. I would also say that they have reminded me of how important it is to be competitive and compassionate at the same time."

- Jennifer Kroll, Head Basketball Coach

"Kendall was a part of the event staff beginning their first year. Kendall would always take as many shifts as was possible, and more importantly, always filled in when there was a last minute need. Kendall wanted to keep working even when they were competing, we were the ones who had to cut down their shifts for their own well-being! Kendall was a pleasure to have on staff each year."

- Marni Friedman, Associate Director for Facilities & Operations

"I had the pleasure of coaching Kendall on my team for one season, their athleticism is incredible. They were also an active contributor as an AMP (Athlete Mentor) and are fully deserving of this honor." 

- Lauren Schoenberger, Head Lacrosse Coach

"Kendall has made a significant impact on the department. All the teams they were a part of and the positions they held cannot capture the impact they had on the department. I will always remember Kendall as one of the hardest working student-athletes in the weight room and although sometimes they did not have a lot to say their actions spoke much louder. In the times when the team was in need of someone to step up and lead Kendall always answered. Their physical and mental toughness could not be compared. Kendall had a relentless drive whether it be on the court, field, or any form of competition. In addition to being a fierce competitor, Kendall would do anything for their teammates, coaches, and support staff. Even if they were tired from everything they were a part of, they always followed through and if you were lucky enough even gave a smile! Thank you for everything you have contributed to this department Kendall!"

- Tim Snyder, Director of Sports Performance and Fitness

"Kendall's commitment to PERA and all of our student athletes is immeasurable. It's not just that they play multiple sports, it is the resolve, loyalty, and heart that Kendall demonstrates that makes them deserving of this award."

- Missy Price, Head Soccer Coach

Wellesley Athletics strives for excellence at the conference, regional, and national levels, while providing opportunities for students to achieve their potential and learn the values of discipline, leadership, critical thinking, and responsibility to oneself and others.