AUBURN, Ala. – Former Auburn student-athletes Kylee Carter, Jordyn Peters and Haley Pembroke received prestigious honors Saturday before Auburn's football game vs. Akron.
Carter (2021) and Pembroke (2020) earned the Leah Rawls Atkins Award while Peters is this year's recipient of the Cliff Hare Award.
The Leah Rawls Atkins Award is presented annually for excellence in academics and athletics to a female student-athlete who models scholarship, character and leadership.
"It's really special," Carter said. "Knowing that you've been here for six long years and that it's paid off and it's recognized. It's an honor to be footprinted and stamped into some Auburn history."
The most decorated javelin thrower in Auburn history, Carter concluded her career at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships as a three-time All-American and 2019 SEC javelin champion. She continues to train in Auburn with an eye on competing in the 2024 Olympics.
"To lead and excel in the classroom as well as in track and field, it's really cool to be honored," said Carter, who earned her master's degree in exercise science.2021 Leah Rawls Atkins Award recipient Kylee Carter
A member of the New York Giants practice squad in his NFL rookie season, Peters received the Cliff Hare Award, presented annually to a senior student-athlete for academic and athletic success as well as leadership, integrity and courage.
"It's amazing. I thank God every day," said Peters, who earned his marketing degree from Auburn University's Harbert College of Business. "I pride myself on being a people person and trying to be there for people when they're in need or not."
Peters credits his mother for instilling in him the values the Cliff Hare Award embodies.
"In this world, you need education," he said. "It makes my heart happy knowing I accomplished something like that."
Auburn also recognized Pembroke, the 2020 Leah Rawls Atkins Award winner, since pandemic precautions prevented on-field recognitions in 2020.
"This award was such a big surprise but it's so cool to be back here for this," said Pembroke, a member of two Auburn equestrian national championship teams. "It's really a reflection of everything Coach Williams, Coach Braswell and Coach Meneely have taught me over the years and everything I learned from my teammates."
A graduate student at the University of Nebraska, pursuing her master's in business specializing in intercollegiate athletics administration, the NCAA Women's Enhancement Graduate Scholarship recipient aspires to be a Power Five athletic director or conference commissioner. In addition to her graduate studies, Pembroke works for Nebraska's gymnastics program and Opendorse, a sports technology company.
"This is such a huge honor and it's really special to be back here for this," Pembroke said. "It was definitely worth the wait."2020 Leah Rawls Atkins Award recipient Haley Pembroke
"Really special."@SEC Javelin champ & @AuburnTFXC All-American @KyKyCarter wins the 2021 Leah Rawls Atkins Award.*
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 8, 2021
* (Given annually to female student-athlete who exemplifies scholarship, character, leadership & athletic accomplishments). pic.twitter.com/8yR8PgUhvE
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer