Kaufman wins top WAC athlete award

Amber Kaufman, a national semifinalist in volleyball and national champion in track and field for the University of Hawaii, was named winner of the Western Athletic Conference’s Joe Kearney Award today.

The award, named for a former WAC commissioner, goes to the top athletes in the conference each year. Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore is the male honoree for 2009-2010.

Kaufman was an All-American in volleyball in the fall as UH went to the final four. Earlier this month she won the high jump at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships.

Diver Emma Friesen (2007-2008), football player Colt Brennan (2006-2007), and volleyball players Kanoe Kamana’o (2005-2006, 2006-2007) and Kim Willoughby (2002-2003, 2003-2004) are previous Kearney Award winners from UH. Willoughby also played basketball in 2003.