In the world of college athletics, numerous awards are given to recognize outstanding performance, skill, and contribution to the sport. While many athletes achieve greatness and collect accolades throughout their careers, a select few stand out by winning certain prestigious awards not just once, but twice. This article delves into the rare phenomenon of awards that have only been claimed by one college athlete on two occasions, celebrating the extraordinary achievements that set these individuals apart from their peers.
The Landscape of College Athletics
Before diving into the specific awards, it’s important to understand the competitive landscape of college athletics. With thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) oversees a multitude of sports and championships. Each sport often has its own set of awards, which can be given for various accomplishments such as player of the year, academic excellence, and sportsmanship.
Winning a prestigious award in college sports is a significant achievement that often foreshadows a successful professional career. However, the odds of winning the same award multiple times are astronomically low, especially given the level of competition and the variety of talented athletes across the nation.
Awards with Unique Double Winners
1. The Naismith Trophy
The Naismith Trophy is one of the most coveted awards in college basketball, honoring the best player in men’s and women’s college basketball. Only one athlete has achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Naismith Trophy twice: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor).
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, playing for UCLA from 1966 to 1969, dominated college basketball during his tenure. He won the Naismith Trophy in 1967 and again in 1969. His impressive college career included three consecutive NCAA championships and a scoring average of 26.4 points per game over three seasons. Abdul-Jabbar’s unique combination of height, skill, and basketball IQ set a standard in the sport, making him not only a standout player in college but also in the NBA.
2. The Walter Payton Award
Named in honor of the legendary NFL running back Walter Payton, the Walter Payton Award is presented annually to the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The award has only been claimed twice by one athlete: Tony Romo.
Romo, who played for Eastern Illinois University, won the Walter Payton Award in 2000 and 2001. His unique ability to read defenses and his pinpoint passing made him a standout in the FCS, where he set numerous records. After his successful college career, Romo transitioned to the NFL, where he became a household name with the Dallas Cowboys. His dual victories in the Walter Payton Award highlight his exceptional talent and consistency in performance.
3. The Honda Sports Award
The Honda Sports Award recognizes the top female collegiate athlete in various sports. The award has only been awarded twice to one individual: Michelle Akers. A pioneer in women’s soccer, Akers was a standout player for the University of Central Florida in the late 1980s.
Akers won the Honda Sports Award in 1989 and again in 1990, solidifying her status as one of the greatest female soccer players in history. Her scoring prowess and exceptional skills helped elevate women’s soccer to new heights, culminating in her critical role in the United States women’s national team’s success in the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991. Akers’ contributions to the sport and her two Honda Sports Awards exemplify her enduring legacy in athletics.
4. The Jim Thorpe Award
The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the best defensive back in college football. Kenny Easley, a former University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) star, is the only player to have won the award twice. He was awarded the Jim Thorpe Award in 1980 and again in 1981.
Easley’s extraordinary talent on the field, combined with his leadership abilities, made him a dominant force in college football. His accolades in college helped propel him to a successful career in the NFL, where he became a Hall of Fame inductee. His back-to-back victories in the Jim Thorpe Award emphasize his exceptional skill and impact in the game.
5. The Golden Spikes Award
The Golden Spikes Award is presented annually by USA Baseball to the best amateur baseball player in the United States. Bobby Witt Jr. is notable for being the only athlete to have won this prestigious award twice while playing for the University of Oklahoma.
Witt Jr. showcased incredible power and pitching abilities during his time at Oklahoma, winning the award in 2018 and 2019. His dual victories signify not just talent but an unwavering commitment to excellence that set him apart from his peers. Witt Jr. has continued his success into the professional ranks, where he is regarded as one of the most promising young players in Major League Baseball.
The Impact of Double Award Winners
Winning a prestigious award in college is a significant milestone for any athlete, but achieving this feat multiple times elevates an athlete’s legacy to a new level. These unique accomplishments highlight various aspects of an athlete’s career, including:
- Consistency: Winning an award twice demonstrates an athlete’s ability to perform at a high level consistently over multiple seasons. This level of performance is rare in the competitive landscape of college sports.
- Skill Development: Athletes who achieve repeated success often display remarkable improvement and adaptability, honing their skills to meet the evolving challenges of their respective sports.
- Leadership and Influence: Many double award winners are also leaders on their teams, influencing their peers and setting an example through hard work and dedication.
- Legacy and Inspiration: The achievements of these athletes serve as inspiration for future generations. They set the bar high and provide a tangible goal for aspiring athletes to strive for in their own careers.
Conclusion
In the competitive world of college athletics, the distinction of winning an award twice is an extraordinary achievement. From the Naismith Trophy in basketball to the Walter Payton Award in football, these honors celebrate the hard work, dedication, and talent of athletes who have transcended the norm to etch their names in the annals of sports history.
The unique accomplishments of these athletes remind us of the possibilities that lie within the world of college sports, showcasing not just individual talent, but also the potential for greatness that exists in every athlete striving for excellence. As they continue their journeys, whether in professional leagues or beyond, these double award winners serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of athletes.
