Kaitlyn Birrell receives RIAIAW award

Kaitlyn Birrell ’13 joined athletes from neighboring colleges and universities at the annual Rhode Island Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (RIAIAW) Distinguished Athlete Reception last week. She was recognized as a two-sport standout, holding school career records in both soccer and basketball.

Birrell won back-to-back offensive player of the year honors from the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) for women’s soccer and is a three-time all-New England selection with the New England Women’s Intercollegiate Soccer Association. She owns all the single season and career scoring records.

In basketball, Birrell is a two-time CCC defensive player of the year. Reaching the 1,000-point milestone in her final basketball game, she helped the Seahawks to a pair of NCAA appearances and one Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference postseason.

“One can go on and on about Katie’s athletic prowess and impact on Salve athletics, but the two words that keep coming to my mind are growth and leadership,” head basketball coach Cori Hughes said. “Never have I had an athlete that competed at Katie’s level continue to improve and grow the way she did as a player. That is a testament to Katie’s competitive nature and work ethic. We certainly will sorely miss Katie both on and off the court here at Salve Regina.”

“Katie will leave Salve as one of the most decorated players in the soccer program, leading in every category,” head soccer coach Kerri Scroope said. “It is only fitting for her to be recognized by the RIAIAW for all of her accomplishments. Katie is incredibly talented in both sports and will be missed by her teammates and coaches.”