BURLINGTON, Vt. – Recent UVM men's basketball graduate Josh Speidel was named a Katherine Anne Kelly Award winner by the University of Vermont on Tuesday.
 
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The award recognizes a graduating senior who best exemplifies Kate's ability to bravely battle very serious medical challenges while still graduating and engaging in UVM student life with passion, energy, and a smile. This award honors Katherine Anne Kelly, Class of 2000, who passed away in 2014 following a heroic battle with Cystic Fibrosis.
 
Speidel graduated with a bachelor's degree in education through an individually-designed major. He also completed minors in behavioral change and coaching.
 
In February of 2015, Speidel was involved in a devastating car crash during his senior year at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Indiana. The crash left him with a traumatic brain injury, and the doctors told his family he would live in a vegetative state for the rest of his life. Prior to the accident, Josh was one of the top high school basketball players in the state of Indiana.
 
After a five-year journey of recovery, Speidel got to live his dream of playing in a college basketball game on March 3. Thanks to an agreement between UVM and UAlbany, he was introduced in the starting lineup and scored Vermont's first basketball of the game. Following the inspirational moment, Speidel's story was featured by countless media outlets including ESPN College GameDay, the CBS Evening News, the Today Show, The Athletic, CNN, and The New York Times.
 
National Life Group is the presenting sponsor of Vermont men's basketball