University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Senior Field Hockey Standout Heather Hartman Chosen as 2014 CAA John Randolph Inspiration Award Recipient
5/20/2014 10:59:00 AM | Field Hockey
NEWARK, Del. –University of Delaware field hockey senior Heather Hartman (Mountain View HS/Fredericksburg, Va.) was honored Monday evening as the recipient of the 2014 John H. Randolph Inspiration Award by the Colonial Athletic Association.
CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager presented the Randolph Award to Hartman during UD's Athletics Awards Banquet. Hartman's parents, George and Lori, were also in attendance during the presentation.
The award recognizes individuals who through the strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success. It is named after former William & Mary athletics director John Randolph, who lost a courageous battle with cancer in 1995.
“It is incredible to receive such an honorable award,” exclaimed Hartman. “Four years ago, my life 
changed when I decided to come to Delaware and it sure has been an interesting ride. I feel so blessed to be healthy and alive. I know that my hardship was given to me for a reason and if I can inspire just one person to keep persevering through, it is humbling. I am so honored to be given this award and appreciate all that the CAA has done.”
Hartman, who started as a defender throughout most of her time in a Blue Hens uniform, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in the spring of 2012 after noticing a lump by her collarbone.
She underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiation to combat the disease, but insisted on continuing to take classes on campus. Hartman was able to continue to excel in the classroom and earned an impressive spring semester grade point average of 3.941 while working on her elementary education degree.
Despite her own misfortune, Hartman showed her character and integrity by continuing to help others. A variety of fundraising events were held in her honor, but Hartman asked that all money instead be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to benefit others in need.
Hartman concluded her career ranked ninth on Delaware's all-time assists list with 19. She will graduate from the University of Delaware on May 31 and plans to attend graduate school at the University of Virginia. Hartman also learned from her doctors this past week that she continues to be cancer free.
Former University of Delaware John H. Randolph Inspiration Award recipients include Steven Vincent (2011; Cross Country/Track & Field), Kevin DuPrey (2006; Cross Country/Track & Field), Julia Shapiro (2005; Women's Tennis) and Mandy Welch (2001; Softball).
