Smash and Dash, Double Trouble or even the Dynamic Duo. No matter what you call seniors Christina Wirth and Jennifer Risper, the fact remains that they have done a fantastic job complementing each other for the past four years.
And now, they are our 2008-09 Vanderbilt women's Co-Athletes of the Year.
With Wirth leading the way on offense and Risper locking down opponents on defense, the Commodores have given opponents fits on the hardwood during these two stars' decorated careers.
Wirth came to Vanderbilt already a heralded player, as the McDonald's High School All-American was also named the Gatorade Arizona Player of the Year. She lived up to those expectations, being twice named to the All-Southeastern Conference First Team and leading the Commodores to two SEC Tournament Championships. She was also recently named to the All-Senior All-America Team by the Lowes Senior CLASS award committee.
Risper made a name for herself with her play on defense and was recently named the WBCA National Defensive Player of the Year for her efforts. She was also a two-time Second Team All-SEC Pick for the Commodores, and her efforts setting the tone on defense keyed some major victories for the team, as well as the near-upset of top-seeded Maryland in the Sweet 16 of the Women's NCAA Tournament.
These two ladies have been the heart and soul of Vanderbilt women's basketball for the last four years, and their leadership and production will surely be missed.
Both were recently drafted into the WNBA, with Wirth going to the Indiana Fever and Risper going to the Chicago Sky.
Vanderbilt fans should be proud of what Christina Wirth and Jennifer Risper have accomplished in their four years in Nashville, because no matter where their games take them, they will always be Commodores at heart.
Honorable Mentions:
Josie Earnest, bowling
Named NCAA Player of the Year in bowling for second straight season and only a junior, won Holiday Classic in March, won Jeanette Lee Invitational in December, helped lead team to No. 1 ranking and fourth straight appearance at nationals
Molly Kinsella, soccer
Started all 19 games at midfielder and led team with eight goals and four assists, named first-team All SEC, led conference in shots on goal and was fourth in goals scored
Rita Jorgensen, cross country, track and field
Star in cross country and track, given All-Region honors for her performance at NCAA Regionals, led team at Pre-Nationals and SEC Championships, finished first overall at Commodore Classic in September, recently led track team with excellent time at 1500 meter race at Ole Miss Invitational, set school record in 3000 meter race with 9:37.14
