The Spirit of Michelle Vargas-Robin Memorial Award is presented to someone who is a team player with intangible qualities that contribute to the teams’ success – not necessarily the best player, but the most spirited. Vargas-Robin was a four-year member for the women’s soccer team and following her untimely death, her family established the award to honor the memory of one of New Paltz’s student-athletes. Each year, the award is given to a member of the women’s soccer team who mirrors Michelle’s commitment, dedication and enthusiasm for the sport of soccer. This year’s recipient was Jennifer Moretti. 
She has been a three-year member of the women’s soccer team, starting 50 of the 55 games she has played in at defense. In addition to her great defensive skills, she has totaled 16 points on six goals and four assists. She is a two-time All-SUNYAC selection, was the SUNYAC Chancellors scholar athlete in 2007 and earned All-East Region Scholar athlete honorable mention. But it’s more than just stats and honors, it’s the intangibles that count. As her coach Colleen Bruely stated, “When we say her name – we smile, when she speaks – we laugh, when she runs – we laugh, – we are always laughing and smiling when she is around. Her presence, and the spirit that she has for our program, has made the last three years so enjoyable and she has added so much to our team.” She holds a 3.52 grade point average as a dual major in Spanish and Communication. She is a three-time member of the SUNYAC All-Academic team and a two-time member of the SUNYAC Commissioner’s List. Moretti is the daughter of William and Michelle Moretti of Sayville, N.Y.
