Oklahoma basketball player Buddy Hield has been named one of the Big 12's 2015-16 Sportspersons of the Year. Kansas volleyball player Tayler Soucie was also honored.
The Sportsperson of the Year Awards began in 2000-01 to annually recognize student-athletes who displayed an extraordinary degree of sportsmanship, community service and academic achievement. This year's winners were selected by a media panel.
Hield bypassed early entry into the NBA draft after his junior season to return to Oklahoma to obtain his degree, improve his game, and in the process led the Sooners to the Final Four. His on-the-court accomplishments and national awards have been well documented but it was his off-the-court sportsmanship that earned him respect across the country.