—Photo submitted by Briar Cliff athletics Bishop Garrigan graduate johanna vaske stand with athletic director Nic Nelson after receiving her female athlete of the year award from Briar Cliff.

SIOUX CITY — Johanna Vaske’s sophomore season at Briar Cliff University will be one she never forgets.

Vaske, a graduate of Bishop Garrigan, was recently named the school’s female athlete of the year for her efforts with both the basketball and track programs. She was honored at the Champions of Character Banquet hosted by the school.

“This means so much to me,” Vaske said. “All the help from my family, coaches and peers got me to where I am today. I never would have been motivated enough to continue my athletic career into college if the influences in my life didn’t push me every day.

“After all the hours of practicing for each sport it’s starting to pay off and I can hope it continues to.”

Over the winter, Vaske led the Chargers in scoring, averaging 12 points per game. She was also had a team-high in rebounds with 168 total (5.4 per game) to go along with 60 assists, 23 steals and 11 blocks.

Vaske earned honorable mention all-GPAC honors, helping Briar Cliff to an overall record of 10-21 and a 7-13 conference mark. She scored a season-high 29 points vs. Midland, reached double figures 16 times total and had a double-double vs. Northwestern, a national qualifier.

While in high school, Vaske competed in a handful of events for the track and field team. Once she reached college, that paid off for her in the heptathlon.

Vaske set a new school-record for points scored in the event with 3,821 at the Doane Invitational. The heptathlon consists of the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200-meter dash, long jump, javelin and 800-meter run.

“The heptathlon is an idea I’ve been thinking about since freshman year because in high school I did long jump, high jump, hurdles and ran, so I’ve been wanting to do more than just jump in college,” she said. “The only things included in the heptathlon that I hadn’t already done were the shot put, javelin and 800.

“I’d like to consider myself an athlete so I figured I could do it and try something new.”

Along with athletics, Vaske is also majoring in kinesiology and human performance. She was a 16-time letterwinner at Bishop Garrigan, earning all-state honors for her efforts.

“Balancing everything never has been a big issue for me because everyone at Briar Cliff is so flexible and is willing to work with the athletes to make sure we finish what we need done,” Vaske said. “It’s also super nice because all of my friends are in the sports with me so it makes it feel as if my social life is through sports.”

The NAIA Outdoor Championships are scheduled for May 24-26 in Gulf Shores, Ala.

THE VASKE FILE

Basketball

2017-18 Season

374 points, 168 rebounds, 60 assists, 23 steals, 11 blocks

2016-17 Season

82 points, 44 rebounds, 17 assists, 15 steals, 2 blocks