By Olivia Krauth–

Cardinal photographer Austin Lassell won the Society for Professional Journalist’s national Mark of Excellence award for sports photography.

The winning photo, featuring U of L basketball guard Terry Rozier in a Feb. 2014 game against Central Florida, was marked as a national winner in the sports photography category for schools with over 10,000 students.

“I was very excited when I heard that the photo won for the region. Winning the national award was certainly unanticipated in my mind and I’m both grateful and honored to be chosen for the award,” Lassell said.

“Special thanks to not only Terry Rozier, but also to the local professional photographers who cover the University of Louisville whose patient mentorship have helped me grow as a photographer and make such an award possible. I’d also like to thank the Louisville Cardinal and close friends for their continuous support and the opportunities and second chances they’ve given me,” Lassell continued.

Lassell will graduate with a degree in industrial engineering this summer. He has been taking pictures for the Cardinal since his sophomore year.