Diamond Dixon Named Big 12 Track and Field Female Outstanding Freshman of the Year

Diamond Dixon was named Big 12 Female Outstanding Freshman of the Year.

May 19, 2011

IRVING, Texas -

Kansas sprinter Diamond Dixon was named the 2011 Big 12 Female Outstanding Freshman of the Year when the conference announced its outdoor postseason honors here Thursday. The awards were voted on by the league head coaches, who were not allowed to vote for their own athletes.

“Diamond put on a great performance,” said Kansas head coach Stanley Redwine. “She is well deserving of this award. There are a lot of really great freshmen in the Big 12 this season so she should feel extremely honored. We are very proud of her.”

Dixon dazzled at the 2011 Big 12 Outdoor Championships as she captured the first 400 meters title in Kansas history by edging three-time Big 12 Champion Jessica Beard of Texas A&M. Beard led with 100 meters remaining in the race, but Dixon came on strong down the stretch to post the top time in the NCAA this season at 51.55 and collect the win.

Dixon, an El Paso, Texas, native, set a new KU school record with her win. She earned All-America honors during the indoor season in the 400 meters and as a member of the KU 4x400-meter relay team. Dixon is also the KU record-holder in the indoor 400 meters. Additionally, she scored points for KU at the 2011 Big 12 Outdoor Championships as a member of the 4x100 and 4x400-meter relay teams.

Dixon is the second KU athlete to earn the honor on consecutive years as Mason Finley was named the 2010 Big 12 Male Outstanding Freshman of the Year after claiming titles in both the shot put and discus at the 2010 Big 12 Outdoor Championships.

Kansas’ 2011 outdoor season continues with NCAA regional competition, May 26-28, in Eugene, Ore. The 2011 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships are scheduled for June 8-11 in Des Moines, Iowa.