TRINIDAD, Colo. –The George W. Scott Award is presented to the Trinidad State athlete, or athletes who have participated in one or more major sports over three consecutive semesters and have the highest scholastic record of all athletes over that same period. This year Trinidad State had six student-athletes earn the prestigious award. The 2021 award winners are Andy Setser, Anna Palomar, Michael Allsup, Natalia Ospino, Antonio Collado, and Maria Llorente.

"This group had to work harder than past Scott award winners due to the COVID issues which consistently interrupted their time in the classroom," commented Athletic Director Mike Salbato. "They all handled the adversity well and excelled not only in the classroom, but they all stepped up as leaders on their teams and across campus. Managing to compete at a high level in college athletics at any level while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA is impressive enough, but doing it during the COVID pandemic made it extra challenging and they all stepped up to the task. They are all high achievers who have amazing futures in front of them."

Andy Setser was a member of the Cross Country, Half Marathon and Track teams. He was All-Region in Cross Country and just missed being named All-American in numerous events at the NJCAA National meets.  "Andy was the model of a student-athlete," praised Coach Lauren Masterson. "He worked diligently in the classroom and on the field of play to achieve his goals and represent Trinidad State to the best of his ability. He's made us proud in both areas". Andy is from Wichita, Kansas.

Anna Palomar played third for the Region IX champion Trojan softball team, hitting .258 on the year with a pair of home runs and 12 RBIs. "Anna is a student athlete that was driven from day one," TSC Softball Coach Steve Swazo said, "I can remember her telling me that was a goal of hers to have the highest GPA. Just a great team player and even better student athlete". Anna is from Pueblo, Colorado. She plans to return home to attend CSU-Pueblo in the fall and to play softball.

Michael Allsup is a right-handed pitcher from Denver, Colorado. He was 1-1 on the season, pitching in eleven games, striking out 18 batters. "Michael Allsup has been a huge asset to our program," said Coach Justin Wichert. "His character, determination and work ethic are unparalleled, and you'd be hard pressed to find another individual more deserving of the George Scott Award than Michael Allsup. He's a great example of what we want our players to represent."

Natalia Ospino was an outside hitter/middle for the volleyball team as well as a member of the beach volleyball squad. She had 147 kills and 29 blocks this season. Trojan Volleyball Coach Karli Salazar commented "This award is a tribute to Natalia's hard work, dedication and diligence that shows both in the classroom and on the court". Nat is from Bogota, Colombia. She plans to return to Trinidad State in the fall to play another season of volleyball after her sophomore season was shortened due to the pandemic.

Antonio Collado was one of the leaders in the soccer midfield for the Trojans as well as in the residence Halls as a RA. "I'm very excited for Tony to earn the Scott award," noted Soccer Coach Peter Freeman. "He was a standout student athlete while at Trinidad State. He is the first member of the men's soccer team to earn this award. It was a pleasure to have him in our program, and I look forward to hearing about his future success". Tony is from Leon, Mexico. He plans to continue his soccer/academic career in California this fall at San Diego Christian College.

Maria Llorente was the point guard for the basketball team coming to Trinidad from Madrid, Spain. She led the team with 17 points per game. "It was a great pleasure to coach María for the past two years and I can personally attest to her dedication, loyalty and, competitiveness on an off the floor," commented Coach Destiny Bragman. "Maria was the floor general for our team and her teammates would whole heartedly agree that she has held that title since the first day of her freshman year. While achieving multiple basketball awards such as being selected for the 2021 Region 9 All-Conference and All-Defensive Team, she also signed a NCAA D1 National Letter of Intent to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on a full athletic scholarship. Academically Maria maintained a 4.0 accumulative GPA, was a member of the PTK Honor society (Phi Theta Kappa) for both years at Trinidad State and was a four-time consecutive Dean's List recipient. We are so proud of Maria and her accomplishments at Trinidad State College, and we cannot wait to see what her and the Vaqueros do next year!"

The George W. Scott award is named for long-time Coach and Administrator George W. Scott, who led Trojan athletics in the 1930's. Scott Gym on the Trinidad State campus also bears his name.