Carter named finalist for Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award

Another senior student-athlete at the University of Memphis looks to receive the honor of being named the recipient of the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.

Brittany Carter, senior guard for The University of Memphis women's basketball team, is one of 10 finalists for the award. Carter would join senior women's soccer player Lizzy Simonin, who won the award for Division 1 women's soccer for the 2011 season.

The Lowe's Senior CLASS Award is a national award given to senior student-athletes in 10 NCAA sports each year who show outstanding character and leadership on the court, in the classroom and in the community.

"Brittany Carter is one of the finest basketball players in the country," Lynn Parks, assistant athletic director said. "She is an incredible athlete and she is worthy of the award."

 A media committee selects the finalists, while fans choose the winning athlete.

The award honors student-athletes for their commitment to the community, as well as their commitment to stay in school and excel in the classroom.

Carter is working on a second degree after receiving a bachelor's in criminal justice last May.

Consideration for the award requires athletes to be active in the community, be in good  academic standing, be competitive and display outstanding character on and off the court.

"Carter always is the first to volunteer for team projects," said Tammy DeGroff, assistant media relations director at The U of M.

Fellow coaches selected her as the preseason Player of the Year in Conference USA. She has also won player of the week once this year and is on the watch list for the Naismith award for the best college basketball player sponsored by The Atlanta Tipoff Club.

"The Lowe's award consists of leadership, academics, and sportsmanship and Brittany has all those qualities," said head coach Melissa McFerrin. "Brittany Carter is the Lowe's award."