Markel Humphrey is the 2009 recipient of Marshall’s Ed Starling Male Athlete of the Year Award. The award is given annually to the best all-around male student-athlete who shows leadership and sportsmanship and excels in academics and athletics.

Humphrey was a four-year letterwinner in men’s basketball for Marshall from 2005-09. During his career for the Thundering Herd, Humphrey was named to Conference-USA’s All-Freshman team, and earned third team All-Conference honors on three occasions.

Humphrey is the only player in school history with more than 1,000 points (1,415), more than 600 rebounds (674), and more than 100 three-point field goals (113). Humphrey is second in school history in games played (119), 13th in rebounds (674), 17th in career scoring (1,415), 20th in assists (192), 23rd in blocked shots (36), and tied for 25th in steals (98).

Humphrey earned his degree in management during the Summer of 2009.

Ed Starling was a coach and administrator with the Marshall Athletic Department for almost 20 years and was inducted into the Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame. His dedication to the Thundering Herd and the surrounding community have made him an integral part of the Marshall family.

Tennis standout Kellie Schmitt is the recipient of the 2009 Dorothy Hicks Female Athlete of the Year award. This honor is given to the best all-around Marshall University female student-athlete who demonstrates leadership, sportsmanship, as well as academic and athletic excellence.

Schmitt shined on the court while at Marshall, and especially flourished in her senior year as she was named Conference USA Player of the Year. Schmitt posted a brilliant singles record of 21-4, and was 17-6 in doubles action.

On her way to being a C-USA First-Team selection, Schmitt earned C-USA Player of the Week three times. She finished the season ranked No. 63 according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings.

Schmitt graduated in 2009 with a sports management degree.

Dr. Dorothy Hicks, one of the founders of women’s athletics at Marshall, inspired the award with her dedication to developing well-rounded student-athletes. Hicks, a former faculty representative to the NCAA and Southern Conference, remains an influential force in women’s athletics at Marshall.