Lee women's lacrosse senior Dariana Blanton was awarded the prestigious Paul Conn Student Athlete of the Year Award.

The award is presented to a top Lee athlete who has achieved success in their sport, in the classroom, in their faith and in service to the community. It is named in honor of Lee University Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn.

Blanton is the all-time leader in program history in goals (151), assists (49), and points (200). She helped lead the Lady Flames to a 27-26 record over her four-year career, including the program's first Gulf South Conference Regular Season Championship in 2021.

In addition to her success on the field, Blanton served as Vice President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and will graduate with high honors with a degree in Advertising this week.

"For the last three years, Dariana has served as a team captain. Our coaching staff is extremely careful about who we appoint as a captain and Dariana was required to submit a written assignment of why she wished to serve as well as undergo a formal interview. Her service has been exemplary, and we count on her to be an example of leadership and character for the team. She can be counted on to make sound and timely decisions that reflect her superb character and integrity. She has proven to be trustworthy, mature, and responsible. She frequently displays the necessary soft skills required to lead her peers in a positive direction," said Lee head coach Derrel Martin.

Martin went on to praise Dariana for her leadership off the field as well, "as her coach, I am aware that she maintains a high academic standard in her classes. We have had many conversations which revealed her determination and drive to excel in her future career field. She has proactively taken steps to set herself up for success in fashion marketing with a plan to continue her studies abroad. She has a compassionate heart for others and stays involved in charitable efforts for women's and children's causes. Dariana is a role model for her fellow students with her high volume of club involvement and community service."