MARIETTA, Ohio — Former Marietta College women's track and field All-American
Laura Pullins (Long Bottom, Ohio/Reedsville Eastern) was presented with the 2021 Cleland-Lazorik Award Saturday (Sept. 18) evening. The award is presented annually to a senior female for outstanding achievement in athletics and academics.
"I got to work with Laura for four years. She is a tireless competitor. She was always super driven and motivated. She was a true pleasure to work with as she bought in her freshman year and really worked toward the goals that we talked about together," said Head Coach
Jason Davis. "She did everything that was asked of her and more. On top of being one of Marietta's all-time great athletes, you won't find a more caring and truly good person.
Pullins was a seven-time letter winner in indoor and outdoor track and field, and was a two-time team captain. The high jumper qualified for the NCAA Division III Championship five times in her career, and was a two-time national runner up. Pullins was a five-time OAC champion, and is the school record holder for both indoor and outdoor women's high jump.
Pullins was an Early Childhood Education major, and sent all eight semesters on the Dean's High Honor List. She was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Pullins volunteered for the Special Olympics hosted at Marietta College and worked in the College's admissions department.
Established in 1988 through the generosity of former Marietta College President Dr. Sherrill Cleland, the Betty Cleland Award was renamed the Cleland-Lazorik Award in 2016. The award is named in honor of President Cleland's late wife, Betty, and former Marietta College Director of Athletics Debbie Lazorik.
Ms. Cleland, who died in 1986 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer, was an inspiration to the entire College community. Her example of dedication to volunteerism makes it the most prestigious award given to a female student-athlete at Marietta College.
Lazorik has been a tireless advocate for women's sports since coming to Marietta College in 1980. She served as head volleyball coach for seven seasons and head women's basketball coach for 12. Lazorik became the first female Athletic Director in the OAC in 1989 and served in that role through 2007.
