FLUSHING, NY - The City University of New York Athletic Conference has announced the 2014 women’s indoor track and field all-stars and honorees. This season Hunter dominated the field, winning a total of seven conference awards, including the top honors of Rookie and Coach of the Year. CCNY grabbed a total of five awards, while York picked up four. Lehman and Medgar Evers rounded out the pack, as the Lightning won two awards while the Cougars won one.

MEC’s Samantha Brathwaite was named Performer of the Year, after completing a phenomenal sophomore season on the track. Brathwaite racked up multiple awards in the CUNYAC championships this month, including the highly coveted MVP title, which she won by scoring 43 points.

"I'm thrilled for the honor of being named Performer of the Year,” said Brathwaite. “I had my ups and down throughout the season, and being named to this award voted on by the coaches means a lot. I like to thank my coaches and teammates, for the push they gave me to succeed in every meet. I hope I can improve on my performances in the seasons to come."

The Brooklyn native placed first in the triple and high jump, second in the 200 meter dash, and third in the 60 meter hurdles. Braithwaite had a chance to sweep the medals in jumping but was edged out by Hunter’s Toshwana Adams who won the Long Jump with a final time of 5.05m.

Taking the next top honor was Hawk freshman Deborah Ramirez who performed well throughout her first season, but dominated for the Hawks during the Indoor Championships. The Woodhaven native earned gold medals for her squad in the distance medley relay, the mile run, and the 3000 meter run. She also earned a second place finish for the Hawks in the 800 meter run.

"I feel so awesome,” said Ramirez. “I feel thankful to have supportive teammates, coaches, and a great athletics department who believes in me! This award is just one of the many achievements I hope to accomplish as a Hunter Hawk."

With strong victories across the board, the Hawks returned to dominance in the Indoor competition for the first time in nine years. Instead of attributing it to their performances on the track, the Hawks will most certainly give the credit to their veteran Head Coach, Ed Zarowin.

Zarowin, who might be the oldest head coach in collegiate sports, has helped Hunter reclaim the title from powerhouse teams like CCNY and Lehman--which won the last two Indoor Championships.

Lastly, the Sportsmanship Award was handed out to CCNY’s Shakeema Mckie. Mckie’s distances in the triple jump and the weight throw helped her earned two bronze medals for the Beavers, and her fifth place performance left her just off the medal stand in the long jump. The natural born leader has elevated her game this season by setting personal records in almost every jumping and throwing event. She has also motivated her team on and off the track, making a her great fit for the team captain position. Not only does she constantly work to improve her skills but she also motivates and trains her teammates. This junior, Brooklyn native embodies the term student-athlete.

"Participating in a team sport that is comprised of  many individual events makes it difficult  sometimes to really appreciate the concept of team,” said Mckie. “This year, more than any other, I was able to really see how important it is to  be there for each other to support, encourage and help  in training, in school, in competition and in our progression towards our success.  This award is truly and honor and brings me great joy because its shows that when you put team before self everything is possible."