June 29, 2009

Washington, D.C. - There are many things that Georgetown University All-American Buky Bamigboye has grown to appreciate during her time on the Hilltop.

She has appreciated the opportunity to attend one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the country. She has appreciated the chance to attend college in the nation's capital.

And she has appreciated the opportunity to have received an endowed scholarship at Georgetown.

Bamigboye is a standout on the Hoya women's track & field team. Her success in athletics is matched only by her success in the classroom, where she was selected as a recipient of a postgraduate scholarship from the BIG EAST Conference.

Athletically, her accomplishments have been impressive. After sitting out last season, she competed in the United States Olympic Trials and finished 13th in the heptathlon. She returned for the indoor season this year and finished 12th in the pentathlon at the NCAA Championships earning All-America distinction with 3,692 points, five shy of the school record in the event she set two weeks earlier at the BIG EAST Championships.

During the 2006-07 year, she earned All-BIG EAST honors after winning the 400m hurdles and finishing as the runner-up during the outdoor championships and earned All-ECAC honors. During the 2005-06 season, Bamigboye won the BIG EAST title in the heptathlon, becoming the first-ever Georgetown female to win the event, and was named the Most Outstanding Female Field Performer.

Bamigboye recognizes that much of her success would not have been possible without the opportunity she received as the recipient of The Mary Taylor Behrens, C'83 Women's Track Scholarship.

"I am always so honored to hold this scholarship," Bamigboye said. "Where do I begin with what a phenomenal role model and inspiration Mary Taylor Behrens is?

"I remember seeing her for the first time at an athletic banquet. Her presence was inspiring. She, to me, is a shining example of how, as Georgetown track & field alumni, we can truly impact the lives of those that come behind us. She has also established, in me, the idea of giving back to the sport and helping to fuel the passion in others."

Bamigboye, who carries a 3.38 grade-point average, has been active out of the classroom as well, serving as a mentor with the Georgetown University Young Scholars and with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The opportunity to be a student-athlete and mentor on the Hilltop has been an experience she will never forget.

"First and foremost, it's always an honor to wear the colors blue and gray or call myself a Hoya," Bamigboye said. "Being a part of the Georgetown track team means understanding how to maximize your athletic abilities through coaching, training and teamwork as well as learning the value of scholarship. Most importantly it is learning determination and drive so that down the straightaway you always have that final gear."