Decorated women's basketball player Taylor Cannon received the John S. Egli award, an annual honor bestowed upon one outstanding male and female athlete by the Penn State University Athletic Conference. Cannon is the second consecutive Hazleton recipient of the award, following softball player Krystin Baker's achievement selection in 2014.
The award was established in 1982 in honor of Egli, who served the University as a student-athlete, faculty member, coach and most notably, the first Commonwealth Campus coordinator of athletics, responsible for the growth and development of athletic programs at the campuses. The award honors an upper-class student athlete who has a minimum 3.0 grade-point average and has had a distinguished athletic career at one of the 13 PSUAC campuses. Recipients have been involved in activities outside of the realm of athletics and display characteristics of high morality and outstanding leadership qualities.
Cannon has always been driven to achieve excellence at Penn State Hazleton. She served as captain of the women's basketball team. Her career came to a head in her senior season as she became the fourth player in campus history to reach the 1,000-point milestone. Cannon went on to lead her team to the PSUAC finals, a second-place finish in the conference and a selection to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Tournament. Cannon concluded her career becoming the third all-time leading scorer with 1,288 points, was named second team all-conference by the PSUAC and was recognized as Penn State Hazleton's female student athlete of the year for the 2014-15 semesters.
Beyond the basketball court, Cannon was an active member of the Psychology club on campus and a member of the student athlete advisory board, addressing issues and initiatives affecting athletes at the campus. She is a four-time member of the PSUAC All-Academic team and a three-time USCAA Academic All-American. She achieved a 4.0 grade-point average in her final four semesters at Hazleton, graduating with a degree in psychology and a 3.82 cumulative grade-point average.
Cannon plans to pursue a graduate degree in criminal psychology and ultimately would like to work for the FBI. Her illustrious career at the campus serves as a prime example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Hazleton Athletic Director Ryan Ehrie said, "Taylor exemplifies what the John S. Egli award is meant to honor. She's been a role model and leader to classmates, the type of student-athlete who makes our jobs rewarding and enjoyable each and every day."
Women's Basketball Head Coach Cy Fulton was on hand to help present the prestigious award to Taylor, saying, "I am extremely proud of how Taylor has developed as a player and, more importantly, as a person. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be successful, wherever her path leads her."