Lansing’s Lamie, T-burg’s Millspaugh win big at Night of Champions

On June 14, ESPN Ithaca held their 11th annual Night of Champions awards ceremony, honoring the top athletes and coaches in the area. Two of this year’s biggest winners are not only from the same county, they both excelled in the same sport.

Lansing volleyball head coach Nicole Lamie was named the Co-Coach of the Year for a girls sport after leading her program to their greatest season ever. Soon after, Trumansburg’s Lauren Millspaugh was honored as the Female Athlete of the Year for her standout performances across three sports, namely volleyball.

Lamie has been at the helm of the Bobcats for nine years, and this season was the culmination of so many hours of hard work and dedication from both Lamie and her players. The regular season was business as usual, going 12-1 in the regular season. But the Bobcats would hit a bump in the road in their first postseason match: an IAC Large Championship defeat to Trumansburg. The Blue Raiders also handed them their only loss in the regular season. The Bobcats hit the reset button, and it was complete and utter domination the rest of the way.

In the Section IV Class B tournament, the Bobcats steamrolled their way to a third straight sectional title, making it back-to-back triumphs in Class B. They then swept Putnam Valley in regionals to punch their ticket back to the state final four. After falling short in last season’s trip to Glens Falls, they made no mistake this time around. The Bobcats eased by Southwestern in the semifinal 3-0 and Westhill in the final 3-0 to capture their first state title in program history.

Since that defeat to Trumansburg, the Bobcats ended the season by not dropping a single set throughout their sectional and state tournament runs. They ended an unforgettable campaign with an overall record of 35-5-6 and a match record of 19-2. Lamie was also named the New York Volleyball Coaches Association (NYVCA) Section IV Girls Volleyball Coach of the Year for the second straight season.

During her acceptance speech, Lamie gave all the credit to her team for making history and creating lasting memories.

“I know this is a coach-only award, but the coach is only one part of the team, and we had a great team,” Lamie said. “We had depth, talent, leadership and drive. This season, this championship has been a long time coming for this program, especially for the seniors. This was the most goal-oriented and focused group of young ladies I have ever coached. They pushed themselves and held each other accountable day after day. I thank every player for their effort, determination, laughter and memories. This award is dedicated to them.”

Lamie’s award came with a $500 scholarship to give to a senior student-athlete at Lansing on behalf of Guthrie. She selected Jolene Gunther, who played an instrumental role as the Bobcats’ libero over her illustrious career and was an All-State First Team selection this year. Gunther will begin attending SUNY Brockport for pre-nursing.

Staying on the court, Millspaugh had a fantastic fall season captaining the Blue Raiders to glory. Their two wins over Lansing were just the beginning, as they went on to win the Section IV Class C championship, their first sectional title since 2011. With their victory Lafayette in regionals, they too made the trip to Glens Falls—their first venture in over 20 years—where they would fall in the semifinals. Millspaugh was a force to be reckoned with in multiple facets, racking up a team-high 350 kills and 79 blocks. For her heroics, she earned First Team All-State honors and was an IAC MVP.

Her success on the volleyball court seamlessly translated to the basketball court in the winter. She was a major part in a remarkable turnaround season for the Blue Raiders. After winning just one game last season, they drastically improved with a 10-win campaign and qualified for sectionals for the first time since 2008. Millspaugh led the charge and was named the IAC North Large Division MVP.

Millspaugh closed things out in the spring with the girls outdoor track and field team. She put in many solid performances in the triple jump and discus throw and helped the Blue Raiders finish in third place at the IAC Championships.

Millspaugh thanked her teammates for helping her improve in every aspect during her time with the Blue Raiders.

“I of course wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my teammates,” Millspaugh said. “Throughout my athletic career, you have helped me become the best collaborator, leader and competitor that I could be. I am so grateful to have that part this last volleyball season, and there’s no other group of girls that I’d rather spend my senior season with. Thank you for always pushing me to be the best that I can be on and off the court.”

Millspaugh was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship on behalf of Visions Federal Credit Union. This fall, she will continue her volleyball career at SUNY Cortland.