SPORTS

Lauren Hill supporters react to 'ESPYS' snub

Justin L. Mack
justin.mack@Indystar.com

Sports fans nationwide took to social media Tuesday night to send those in charge at "The ESPYS" awards show a clear message.

Indiana native Lauren Hill, not Caitlyn Jenner, was the most courageous sports figure of the year, many fans said.

Shortly after "The ESPYS" Twitter account @ESPYS announced that the former Bruce Jenner would be awarded the 2015 Arthur Ashe Courage Award by ESPN at the July 15show on ABC from Los Angeles, the hashtag #LaurenHillESPY exploded.

The award, named after the late tennis champion who won three Grand Slam titles, is presented to an individual whose impact goes beyond sports.

The hashtag was a trending topic on Twitter Tuesday night, and fans were still sharing photos and statements in support of the movement Wednesday morning.

Hill captured hearts across the country last year as she worked to achieve her dream of playing for the Mount St. Joseph's women's basketball team despite battling an inoperable brain tumor.

She was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a rare form of brain cancer that typically affects young children ages 4 to 9, shortly after her 18th birthday.

But the Lawrenceburg High School graduate did not let her diagnoses slow her down.

Her dream to play for the school was realized Nov. 2 when she stepped onto the court at Xavier University's Cintas Center, cheered by a crowd of more than 10,000. Hill would go on to score the first and last basket of the Mount's 66-55 victory over Hiram College.

On April 10 Hill's battle with brain cancer came to an end when the 19-year-old died.

The announcement that Jenner would take home the award came just one day after the actor, author and former Olympic athlete made headlines by making her debut as Caitlyn on the cover of Vanity Fair.

In an interview with the magazine, Jenner explained her struggle with her identity and how her photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz and finally posing as her "true self" topped winning the gold at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Her transition was applauded as a brave step and a move that would help others struggling with their identities.

But many online felt that Hill was the more deserving choice.

USA Today contributed to this story. Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.