Mauldin, a senior member of the women's golf team, has been named as the 2008-2009 Carla Lowry Female Athlete-of-the-Year at Southwestern University. This is the third year in a row that she has been awarded the honor. Dr. Lowry is a former Director of Athletics who was an advocate for all student-athletes.  She expected excellence from those who participated wearing the Southwestern uniform and had great respect for the players who worked hard, were exceptional performers and exemplified great sportsmanship.

An anchor for the women's golf team that finished in fourth place in the 2009 NCAA Championships, Mauldin had the highest individual finish for the Pirates by placing third at the Championships.  She was also the SCAC Women's Golfer of the Year, for the third year in a row, by winning the individual title at the SCAC Conference Championship and helped Southwestern to their third consecutive conference title. For the 2008-2009 season she had a 78.78 scoring average, lowest of her career and SU season record, and a 95.2 finishing percentage with four wins, both of which are season bests for Mauldin.

Her dominance on the course was awarded nationally, regionally and throughout the conference. In addition to the SCAC Golfer-of-the-Year award, Mauldin was a First Team All-Conference selection for the third year in a row, National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) First Team All-American for the second time and All-Region Team member for the fourth time.  

Mauldin's excellence does not end on the golf course as she is a four-time NGCA All-American Scholar and helped the Pirates finish third in the nation in all divisions in team GPA in 2008.

"Marisa is a valued member of the women's golf team," states Coach Dan Ruyle. "Although I did not name a team captain, Marisa has naturally taken over that role. The other ladies on the team look up to her for leadership."

Mauldin will receive her award at a special ceremony in the 2009-2010 school year at a date to be determined.