Michelle Thao named 2022-23 Lea Plarski Award Winner
Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA has announced Michelle Thao, volleyball student-athlete from Surry Community College (NC), as the 2022-23 Lea Plarski Award winner.
Throughout her time as an NJCAA student-athlete, Michelle Thao was an integral part of the Surry volleyball team as well as the Surry Community. Thao has proven that a student-athlete can excel both on and off the field while also serving the community. While a member of the Knights program, Thao served in many volunteer capacities with various organizations and events including the Surry Health Fair, blood drive, volleyball camp, and youth camp. Thao has also been an active member of the Surry Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Thao has been recognized on the Dean's List and President's List for her academic achievements while maintaining a 3.85 GPA. By many, Thao is described as sincere, humble, kindhearted, competitive, and a well-respected leader.
Thao's leadership as a two-year captain of the Knights' volleyball team was evident in the success she exhibited on the court. As a freshman, Thao's accolades included being named the NJCAA Region 10 DII Player of the Year, NJCAA Region 10 All-Region First Team, NJCAA Region 10 All-Tournament Team, and NJCAA Division II Volleyball Honorable Mention All-Amercia. Thao built on her first-year success as a sophomore, repeating many accolades and being named to the NJCAA Division II Volleyball All-America Second Team.
Thao will continue her academic and athletic career at the University of North Carolina at Ashville where she will study Business Management, pursue a career in Human Resources Administration, and compete as a member of the UNC-A Bulldogs volleyball team.
"Michelle Thao is a special young lady. She is the epitome of a student-athlete, and always humble with her success. In addition, Michelle is an outstanding leader on and off the court. This is the first time a student-athlete from our college has received the prestigious Lea Plarski award from the NJCAA, and Michelle is extremely deserving of this honor. All of us at Surry are excited to see what the future holds for her," said Mark Tucker, Surry Athletic Director.
Thao will be honored during the NJCAA Foundation Awards event, held on Thursday, June 8 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place at 6:30 PM ET. The event will recognize the NJCAA Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year, the Lea Plarski Award winner, the Champion Award winners, and the Difference Maker Award winner, in addition to the 2023 class of the NJCAA Hall of Fame.
To learn more regarding the NJCAA Foundation Awards event, visit: NJCAA Foundation Awards
To learn more about past Lea Plarski Award recipients, visit: Lea Plarski Award Winners
About the Lea Plarski Award
The NJCAA's Lea Plarski Award is handed out annually in the name of former NJCAA President Lea Plarski as recognition of her tremendous service to the NJCAA and two-year college athletics. The former director of athletics at St. Louis Community College/Florissant Valley, Plarski helped to establish the Women's Division of the NJCAA in 1975. She served as Vice-President for Women from 1975-1990 when she made NJCAA history as the first female ever elected to the office of President, a position she held from 1990-1996. In honor of her numerous accomplishments, as well as her undeniable dedication to the student-athlete, the NJCAA Lea Plarski Award was created. Since 1995, the award has been presented to an NJCAA student-athlete who exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, community service, academic excellence, athletic ability, and achievements – qualities that were the cornerstones of the Plarski "era".
