MARYVILLE – Two dynamic conference players of the year earned the 2023 Maryville College J.D. Davis Award as student-athletes of the year.
Meredith Bonee from volleyball and
Myles Rasnick from men's basketball are this year's honorees. Also earning nominations from their coaches were Anna Kate Bechman from women's basketball, Jace Brittain from football, Jenica Brown from softball and Ndubueze Henry from men's soccer.
The J.D. Davis Award seeks to honor male and female senior student-athletes who exhibit leadership, athletics ability, Christian values, and academic achievement. These are all characteristics for which J.D. Davis is remembered.
"We are very proud of Meredith and Myles for the way they have consistently displayed the values of being a Maryville Scot," Maryville Director of Athletics
Sara Quatrocky said. "They have competed at the highest level of their sports and led their teams both on the court and in the locker room, while also finding success in the classroom.
"These successes foreshadow their future endeavors, and we can't wait to welcome them back to campus time and again as honored members of our alumni community."
Four-Time All-Conference First Team
Bonee passed both the 3,000 career assist and 1,000 career dig plateaus this season en route to her fourth straight All-Conference First Team selection. This year, she was named co-Collegiate Conference of the South Player of the Year after leading the Scots to a 22-9 overall record and 13-3 league mark.
Head coach
Kandis Schram called Bonee a team leader the moment she stepped on the court. She was involved in FCA, she attends church with her family and she has been coaching young players at the K2 Volleyball Club. In addition, Bonee graduated with Bachelor of Arts Degrees and one minor in 4½ years, all with honors.
Two-Sport Leadership & Success
Rasnick became the fourth All-American in program history after he was named by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He also was an All-Region First Team selection after being named the inaugural Collegiate Conference of the South Player of the Year.
Head coach
Raul Placeres called Rasnick the hardest-working player he ever has coached. Rasnick eclipsed 1,000 career points in just two full seasons plus a Covid year, and he was part of three consecutive regular season league titles and two conference tournament championships. The Knoxville native made the honor roll three years in a row and was responsible for Best Buddies Group on campus.
About J.D. Davis
The J.D. Davis award was established in 1979 by the Maryville College athletic staff. It is an annual award given in memory of the long-time coach and physical education director.
In the late 1920s, J.D. Davis was a superior athlete on the Maryville College campus. He excelled in three sports --- football, basketball, and baseball --- receiving 12 letters and numerous honors for his achievements. After a short stint in professional baseball, Davis returned to his alma mater and began his dedicated service as a coach and teacher.
Davis was a positive influence in the lives of hundreds of young people on the Maryville College campus. He coached football, wrestling, and track and field, and he served as the chair of the physical education department. Davis retired in 1971 after 40 years of service.
