JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 3, 2007) - Senior women's soccer player Trista Haupt (Myersville, Md.) recently received the first ever Buccaneer Athlete Leadership Award at 2007's "The Summit".

The Summit celebrates the superior accomplishments of students outside of the classroom. It recognizes student organization presidents and advisors, community service efforts, campus programs, and outstanding student leaders at ETSU.

Haupt, a four-year starter for the Bucs was one of the greatest man-marking backs in ETSU history. She helped lead the team to a 12-win season during her freshman campaign and was also a member of several record setting teams. During the 2003 season the team set records for fewest goals against (19), goals against average (1.02). In both 2003 and 2004 she helped the team record six shutouts each season. As a member of the 2005 team Haupt helped the Bucs set records for most goals scored (39), most points (101), and most shots (293). She helped the team clinch berths in the SoCon tournament in 2003 and the Atlantic Sun tournament in 2005 and 2006. Haupt played in 71 matches during her career and started 54 of them.

Academically, she has been a member of the Buccaneer Honor Roll seven times, the ETSU Honor Roll five times, and the Dean's List twice.  Haupt was also named to the Southern Conference All Academic Team in 2004 and the Atlantic Sun All Academic Team in 2005 and 2006. She is currently writing for a science journal and is working on her thesis and research for the honors program. She will graduate Cum Laude from the Honors Chemistry program with a minor in Criminal Justice on May 5, 2007.

Haupt has also been a part of many community service events throughout the Tri-cities area. She has helped host local Parks and Recreation clinics, Girls Incorporated clinics, and Toys for Tots with the ETSU soccer team for the past four years. Outside of the soccer program Haupt has also volunteered her time at Johnson City Medical Center working in the emergency room.

She has also been active within the ETSU campus community working in many different events. Haupt has helped assist with many of the Pirate Club events such as the Pirate Club BBQ and the Pirate Club Auction. She has also participated in Alcohol Awareness Week and Move-In Day. Additionally, Haupt worked with the SAAC in serving concessions at basketball games and volunteered time at the ETSU Child Studies Center.

"Trista has been that role model student-athlete on the field, in the classroom and in the community. She has represented ETSU athletics in a wonderful and very respectful way. We are very proud that she is the first ever recipient of this award," said head coach Heather Henson.

This year marks the first time the Buccaneer Leadership Award was present at The Summit. The award recognizes one student athlete each year for outstanding leadership and contribution in four categories: athletic achievement, academic achievement, community service, and campus involvement. The recipient of this award represents the best of the best in all around leadership and excellence in ETSU athletics.