Denise “Penzy” Penzkofer attended Montreat-Anderson College, now known as Montreat College during the 1981-1982 and 1982-1983 academic years. After a two-year college experience, Denise wanted to pursue her four-year degree. This Florida native, ran into MC present Director of Athletics Kandis Schram when both were home from a break. The pair played at rival high schools, but both played competitive fast-pitch softball during the summer. Kandis told Penzy about the excitement of Maryville playing in the first NCAA Division III National Championships in volleyball. Volleyball was Denise’s first love and when Coach Sharon Brown recruited her, her love for orange and garnet and her desire to become a Scots only grew.

Because she played two years of volleyball and basketball at Montreat, MC only got to see this athletic phenom for only two seasons, fortunately she was able to play three season of softball because Montreat did not offer the spring sport.

In 1983-84, Denise stepped on to the court and took charge. Coach Brenda Ott-Ammons took over for Sharon Brown and this strong (right-side) hitter helped her Scots go 15-15 on the season.

A foot injury and surgery gave Denise the winter off with a red-shirt during the basketball season. All-American and Wall of Fame inductee Sara Covington excelled on the court and Penzy’s teammates could not wait to see her excel once she was healthy.

The spring time allowed Denise’s foot to heal and Scots Softball was in an interesting transition. The NCAA Division III only recognized fast pitch for post season consideration, but the WIAC only played slow pitch. The WIAC All-Tournament selection and MC Co-Outstanding player (along with Kandis Schram), Penzy hit .478 during the fast pitch segment and stroked at a .541 clip during slow pitch.

Denise’s final collegiate volleyball season was special. She finished her two-year career with 672 kills while adding 171 digs. This 1984-85 All-American nominee also posted an amazing 145 service ace and 156 solo blocks during her MC tenure. While her team won the WIAC Conference Championship, Penzy was named All-Conference, All-Tournament, and selected as the Scots Most Valuable Player.

The winter approached and Denise was finally ready to take to the basketball court. With teammates Cindy Blair and Nancy Koehl the Scots finished with a strong record. Penzy was named MC’s Most Improved player.

The softball season did not give any break in Denise’s schedule. Playing with MC Wall of Fame inductee Donna Clancy was an exciting memory for the strong hitter. Penzy once again excelled at the plate where she hit .357 on the fast pitch circuit and .490 within the conference during slow pitch. She was second on the team in RBI and struck out only two times on over 70 at-bats.

In order to complete her degree, and having the itch to complete her eligibility in basketball and softball, Denise was a volleyball student coach in 1985-86. She resumed her playing career on the basketball court where she garnered All-WIAC honors and was named to the leagues All-Tournament team. The “Slam Sisters” of Penzy and Pam Gunter helped Coach Arrington build the program in her second year as a collegiate coach. Denise concluded her career on the softball diamond, winning another WIAC title while hitting .314 and once again only striking out three times in 90 at-bats.

In May of 1986, Denise was recognized by the MC Athletic staff for her dedication and success on a variety of Scots venues and was named the recipient of the 1986 J.D. Davis Award given to MC’s top student-athlete. Penzy stated, “I was surprised and actually shocked that I won the award, but I knew something was up because my parents from Florida were at the banquet. They could not attend many of my events, but they were very supportive throughout my athletic career and education.”

This dynamic three-sport standout exhausted her eligibility and graduated with a degree in Physical Education in 1986. Her degree took her toward a variety of experiences. She worked in municipal recreation and even managed a Pizza Hut. Today, after attaining her Masters Degree in Exercise Science, she currently is in her 8^th year as a tenured Associate Professor at Pellissippi State where she teaches orientation, exercise science, sport management, weight training, and volleyball classes.

Ladies and gentlemen, a student-athlete that excelled in volleyball, basketball, and softball as a Lady Scots. Please help me congratulate Denise Ann Penzkofer on her induction into the 2009 Maryville College Wall of Fame.