March 9, 1999

The Big East Conference recently announced its 1998-99 BIG EAST/Target Scholar Athlete Award winners. The select few chosen as winners of this prestigious honor receive $2,000 towards graduate studies. The lone Villanova University recipient of the 1998-99 BIG EAST/Target Scholar Athlete Award was senior Wildcat swimmer Elizabeth Lauwaert.

Lauwaert is an eight-time Big East Champion for head coach Ed Bartsch and the Villanova women's swimming and diving team. As a freshman in 1996, she won her first individual conference title in the 100 yard freestyle. Two seasons later as a junior, Lauwaert reclaimed her championship in the 100 yard freestyle. She has also helped lead the Wildcat relay teams to six Big East titles, including their most recent in the 400 yard freestyle relay in 1999.

Lauwaert has made her mark in the classroom as well, as a Business Administration/Finance major. She is a three-time honorable mention Academic All-American and has received Big East Academic All-Star honors for four consecutive years.