AMHERST, N.Y. - Daemen College volleyball signee Sydney MacInnis (Superior, Colo./Fairview) has been named as one of 12 incoming freshmen to receive 2016 Trustee Scholarships, the college's most prestigious academic scholarship that is renewable throughout each recipient's undergraduate studies, the college announced in a press release last week.

"Sydney has a high level of commitment not only on the volleyball court, but also in the classroom," said Stephanie Albano who is entering her first season as the team's head coach in 2016 after serving as the associate head coach last fall.  "We know that striking a balance between competitive athletics and rigorous academic work is an essential part of being a Division II student-athlete, and it's evident that Sydney already understands that philosophy.  We are very proud of her for earning this prominent scholarship, and we look forward to everything she'll bring to Daemen College, both as a student and as an athlete."

To be considered for the Trustee Scholarship, prospective first-year students are nominated by Daemen President Gary A. Olson to apply for the awards and then participate in on-campus interviews with college faculty and staff.  MacInnis, a Business Administration major, was selected from more than 185 exceptional students from across the country and several foreign countries who competed for this year's coveted scholarships.

Selection is based on academic achievement, vision for self and society, enthusiasm and inspiration, academic and personal discipline, and leadership ability.  Both intellect and character are considered, and selected scholars are those who have the potential to make a difference in their careers and in the Daemen and external communities.

A 5-foot-11 setter, MacInnis will make the more than 1,500-mile trek to Daemen from her home in suburban Denver, Colo.  Her signing, along with three others, was announced jointly during the NCAA early signing period last November.  The coaching staff announced additional signings in mid-April, including Division I transfer Courtney Scanlan (Ellicottville, N.Y./Stony Brook University).  The Wildcats are coming off a 12-17 campaign in 2015, including a 7-9 mark in East Coast Conference play, and are set to return players responsible for 80-percent of their kills, 99-percent of their assists, 97-percent of their service aces and 96-percent of their digs.

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