Three Tribe Student-Athletes Honored as 2020 Cypher Award Winners

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Three William & Mary student-athletes were honored with the 2020 Cypher Award the school announced on Monday afternoon. Football's Ted Hefter, men's gymnast Zane Petras, and women's basketball's Ashley Taylor each received the award.

The Cypher Award is given to graduating seniors that are recognized as being stewards of the university's core values, and for their unceasing efforts to make a meaningful difference while at W&M.

Although Hefter has earned limited playing time as quarterback for the Tribe during the last three seasons, he has established himself as one of the team's leaders and was voted a captain during the spring. His leadership extends beyond the football field, however, as he also served as the 2019-20 W&M Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) President after holding the role as Service Chair the prior year. An exceptional student, Hefter has garnered the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll distinction every year of his career.

Honored as the 2020 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Co-Most Improved Gymnast, Petras posted a breakout senior season and emerged as a fixture in the Tribe's floor and rings lineups. A co-captain, he excelled on floor and would likely have qualified for the NCAA Championships this spring. A recipient of the team's Rock Award, Petras, who began his collegiate career as a member of W&M's club team, has consistently led the Tribe by demonstrating perseverance and determination. In addition to his success in the gym, he has been active in various community service initiatives.

Last but not least, Taylor appeared in 12 games with the Tribe during her final season, including making her first career start. She scored a career-high four points in the team's win over UMBC. In the classroom, she earned provost award (3.5 GPA or better) honors all four years, and posted the women's basketball team's highest GPA this year, and was the team's nominee for the Dean Ehlers Award. The Charlottesville, Va. native is very active in the community working with YoungLife and volunteering both at home and Williamsburg helping with speech therapy. After graduation, she plans to grad school to get her master's in speech therapy.

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Players Mentioned

Zane Petras: FE, R, HB; Senior; Dynamo

#3 Ashley Taylor: G; 6' 0"; Senior

#7 Ted Hefter: QB; 6' 0"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Zane Petras
: Senior; Dynamo
: FE, R, HB

#3 Ashley Taylor
: 6' 0"; Senior
: G

#7 Ted Hefter
: 6' 0"; Senior
: QB

Players Mentioned

Zane Petras

#3 Ashley Taylor

#7 Ted Hefter

Players Mentioned

Zane Petras

#3 Ashley Taylor

#7 Ted Hefter