Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

NEWARK, Del. -- University of Delaware senior volleyball standout Michelle LaLonde (at right) has been honored with the University’s Girard S. and Sharon R. Clothier “EGG” Scholarship for the second straight year.

Known as the ‘EGG’ scholarship for its motto, “enjoy, give, grow,” the award is presented to a select Blue Hen female student-athlete who best exhibits the enjoyment of sports, the giving of herself to her teammates and others, and a growth in athletics as well as in life.

A three-year letterwinner from Wooster, Ohio (Wooster High School), LaLonde has led the Blue Hens to the Colonial Athletic Association title and an NCAA Tournament berth each of the last two seasons for head coach Bonnie Kenny.

LaLonde will be looking to return to form this fall after seeing limited action in 2008 with a leg injury. She appeared in 15 matches during the 2008 season, recording 34 kills (.89 per game), a .185 hitting percentage, and 25 digs (.66 per game). She has appeared in 80 career matches and recorded 708 kills (2.51 per game) and a .304 hitting percentage. She was named to the CAA All-Rookie team as a freshman in 2006.

A team co-captain in 2008, she is an honor student as a biology major and has been an ESPN The Magazine/College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-American nominee each of the last two seasons as well as earning CAA Academic Honor Roll notice.

Off the court and outside the classroom, she has made her presence felt in the community as well. During her stay in Newark, she has continually helped champion the Blue Hens' community service activities, assisting with the Special Olympics, youth volleyball clinics, and many other positive projects.

The Blue Hens will open the 2009 season August 28-29 at the University of New Mexico Tournament.