DURANGO, Colo. — Courtney Hancock received the inaugural Skyhawk Award for women's lacrosse at the 2011 Skyhawk Awards Banquet, held April 7 at the Student Union Ballroom.

Hancock, a 5-foot-9 senior defense from Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton, Colo., has appeared in each of the 33 games in the three-year history of Skyhawk lacrosse. She ranks among FLC's career leaders in caused turnovers (fourth, 18), ground balls (sixth, 34), draw controls (eighth, 20), goals (17th, 4) and total points (19th, 4).

“I called it the Skyhawk Award because I didn't want to necessarily give it to the 'best' player on the team,” said first-year FLC head coach Kelsey MacDonald. “My criterion for giving this award is to honor the player who best represents [what it means to be] a Fort Lewis Skyhawk. Courtney has been a part of the program since it originated back in 2009. She has been though ups and downs during her three years here and has played in every Fort Lewis lacrosse game

“This year Courtney dedicated herself to the lacrosse team. She would always ask, 'What can I do to better to make my team better?' She excelled on defense this year and was one of our leaders on the field,” MacDonald added. “I am going to miss Courtney next year because she is one of those players who soaks up everything you teach like a sponge. Courtney's drive and enthusiasm towards learning will make her successful in anything that she does.”

Hancock majors in General Biology.

In its first two seasons, the entire women's lacrosse team shared the Most Valuable Player Award at the banquet.

Fort Lewis finished its third-ever season of women's lacrosse 7-7 overall and 4-2 in Western Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association games under MacDonald. The Skyhawks set new school standards for virtually every single-game and single-season record in 2011. The team loses just two seniors — Katharine Allen and Hancock — to graduation.