Sophomore Andola Dortch recently received the Chuck Ealey Undefeated Spirit Award at The University of Toledo’s Songfest in Savage Arena.
Andola Dortch, the 2011-12 MAC Defensive Player of the Year, received the Chuck Ealey Undefeated Spirit Award.
The primary criteria for this award are displaying an inspiring drive and leadership with teammates, campus, community and/or youth. The person also must possess strong family values with strong family support, as well as a strong focus on education and community/campus involvement.
The 2011-12 Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a second-team all-league selection has battled through two torn ACL injuries since arriving on campus.
She became the first Rocket ever to garner defensive player of the year accolades, finishing tops on the team in scoring (13.6 points per game), assists (4.8 assists per game), steals (2.0 steals per game) and free throws made (132). Dortch tallied at least three thefts on 14 occasions this season. She also was second on the squad in field goals made (148), minutes played (33.3 minutes per game), free-throw percentage (68.4 percent, 132 of 193) and three-point field-goal percentage (36.8 percent, 35 of 95), third in three-point field goals made (35) and sixth in overall rebounding (4.0 rebounds per game).
Dortch ranked third in the MAC in assists (43rd in NCAA), fifth in three-point field-goal percentage (36.8 percent, 35 of 95) and assist/turnover ratio (1.2), sixth in scoring, tied for seventh in steals and 15th in free-throw percentage.
The Akron native scored in double figures in a squad-best 27 contests in 2011-12, including a career-best 28 points at Western Michigan Jan. 5.
In league contests, Dortch contributed a team-high 13.4 points, 4.6 assists, 3.6 caroms and 1.6 steals. She finished fourth in the league in helpers, eighth in assist/turnover ratio (1.1), ninth in scoring and 12th in three-point field-goal percentage (35.4 percent, 17 of 48) in MAC play.
Dortch currently sits fifth in school history in minutes played (1,131, 2011-12), ninth in assists (162, 2011-12) and free throws attempted (193, 2011-12), 10th in free throws made (132, 2011-12) and tied for 10th in steals (68, 2011-12) in a single season.
Also active outside of collegiate athletics, Dortch has participated in such activities as Habitat for Humanity, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Sponsor a Family for Christmas and Cullop’s Kids Camp, among others.
Dortch and the Rockets finished the 2011-12 campaign with a 24-10 overall record and claimed a share of a third consecutive MAC West Division crown with a 13-3 league ledger. UT also earned its third straight appearance in the Postseason WNIT, advancing to the Sweet 16.
