By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Incoming Willamette University freshman men's basketball player Nathan Sherfey (G/W, Chehalis, WA/W.F. West HS) has received the 2014 Male AAU High School Sullivan Award presented by the Amateur Athletic Union. The prestigious award is named after James Sullivan, the founder of the AAU, and recognizes leadership, character and sportsmanship.

The Sullivan Award is presented to one male athlete and one female athlete each year. It provides a $10,000 scholarship to each of the top recipients. In addition, four other athletes -- two men and two women -- receive $2,500 scholarships. The 2014 Female AAU High School Sullivan Award winner is Audrey Faulhaber from Batavia High School in Illinois.

Sullivan Award winners have participated in the AAU. They have shown outstanding athletic abilities and leadership, along with diversity in their activities and community service. Each recipient has exhibited character in their sport and in their community.

Sherfey averaged 16 points and shot 58% from the field this past season at W.F. West High School. He was named First Team All-Area after receiving First Team All-Evergreen League honors. He was the Lewis County All-Stars 3-point champion. He played basketball in the AAU for six years.

"It speaks highly of Nate's character that he has been chosen for this award," Willamette men's basketball Head Coach Kip Ioane said. "We thought we had found a great fit on and off the court ... and this confirms that."

Sherfey earned four varsity basketball letters and three varsity letters in football in high school. He was named Second Team All-Evergreen League as a defensive back during the 2013 football season.

At W.F. West, Sherfey was an outstanding student and class valedictorian. He was a member of the National Honor Society and took advanced placement and honors courses. He served on the Student Council at W.F. West for three years. He has participated in charity events in the Chehalis area. He is planning to major in Economics at Willamette.

Sherfey will receive the Sullivan Award at the ESPN sports complex in Orlando, Fla., during the final weekend in June.