Words Unlimited bestows honors on Seahawks

Words Unlimited, Rhode Island’s organization of sportswriters, sportscasters and publicists, has chosen a non-Division I athlete as its female athlete of the year for the first time in the 67-year history of the organization. Kaitlyn Birrell ’13 will receive the Marion Perkins Memorial Award during the annual awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 24.

Birrell excelled at both soccer and basketball for Salve Regina. In soccer, she elevated the all-time marks for goals, assists and points during her senior campaign while earning Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) offensive player of the year honors for the second straight season. Birrell earned additional accolades from the Eastern College Athletic Conference and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and ranked 20th in the nation in goals per game.

Also in 2012, Birrell helped lead the women’s basketball program to its second straight conference championship and NCAA appearance while earning CCC defensive player of the year honors. She owns the school’s all-time record for steals and assists.

In addition, the men’s rugby team will receive Words Unlimited’s Vin Cullen Award for small college achievement after winning the Small College National Championship last season. In its second straight trip to the national semifinals, Salve Regina defeated Franciscan University in the opening round before beating California Maritime Academy 22-15 to win the national championship.