Chicago, Ill. - The Roosevelt Athletic Department annually recognizes two student-athletes who exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete, demonstrating a commitment to success in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community. This year the Lakers Award was given to sophomore Maria Tamburrino of the women's basketball team and Tony Valdes of the baseball team.

Tamburrino, a Mathematics/Education major, earned both athletic and academic All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference honors in 2011-12 as a starting forward for the Lakers women's basketball team. Outside of her athletic commitments, Tamburrino also served as a tutor in the Academic Success Center.

Valdes was a senior leader for the Roosevelt baseball team in 2011-12. He paced the team on the field with a .339 batting average, two home runs and 20 RBI, while off the field continuing pursuit of his degree in Criminal Justice and working within the athletic department as a recruiting aide.