Megan Dunigan (1999-2002) of Furman is the most decorated women’s tennis player in Southern Conference history, claiming an unrivaled four league Player of the Year awards. Dunigan was the 1999 SoCon Freshman of the Year and a four-time first-team all conference selection while leading the Lady Paladins to league regular season and tournament championships all four seasons. She was named the tournament’s MVP in 2000 and 2001.
The standout was also named Southern Conference Female Athlete of the Year in 2002 and claimed Furman’s Edna Hartness Female Athlete of the Year prize during the same season.
In addition to her exploits at the conference level, Dunigan became Furman’s first individual NCAA Championship participant in 2002 after posting a 24-1 record. During that same season, the Lady Paladins defeated LSU, 4-1, in the first round of the NCAA tournament, becoming the first SoCon squad to earn a victory in postseason play.
Dunigan stood out in the classroom as well, earning SoCon Academic Honor Roll accolades all four years, and she was twice included on the ITA All-Academic Team.
Dunigan currently lives in Raleigh, N.C., and works as a software engineer.
The following Furman student-athletes join Dunigan on the Southern Conference’s 25th Anniversary Teams:
Rushia Brown (1990-94), Basketball ? Four-time all-SoCon and two-time SoCon Player of the Year
Janine Turner (1984-87), Volleyball ? School record-holder for digs and block solos; all-SoCon
Kaye Brownlee (1998-2001), Soccer ? First-team all-American; SoCon’s career assists leader
Cate Pichon (1990-93), Indoor Track & Field ? Holds school 5,000-meters record; six-time all-SoCon
Caroline Peek (1992-95), Golf ? 1994 SoCon Female Athlete of the Year; Twice finished in the top six at NCAA Championships
Heather VandeBrake (1993-96), Cross Country ? Three-time SoCon cross country champion
Cathy Frohnheiser (1991-94), Softball ? First-team All-America in 1993; led the NCAA with 65 RBI and 42-game hitting streak.