Softball Earns Academic Public Recognition Award
5/13/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 13, 2010
INDIANOPOLIS - The Alabama softball team was one of only 28 teams in the country to earn the NCAA Public Recognition Award for academic success, the NCAA announced. The award is given each year to teams scoring in the top 10-percent in each sport with their APRs.
"The softball program has been very consistent in its academic achievement," said Jon Dever, Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services. "Coach Patrick Murphy and his staff have set a benchmark for retaining and keeping their kids on track. Based on four years of data of being in the top 10-percent and add that to their success on the field is just outstanding."
Alabama was one of only two Southeastern Conference softball teams to earn the honor, joining Mississippi State. The Crimson Tide also was one of only two teams in the top 25 in either the NFCA or USA polls to nab the accolade, joining Notre Dame.
"This recognition is due to the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes," Murphy said. "We take pride in our athletes enjoying their experience at Alabama and recruit kids who want to be at the University and wear the Alabama jersey."
Last year, former Alabama All-American Brittany Rogers was recognized as a NCAA Top VIII award winner. The award recognizes student-athletes who have completed their athletic eligibility for their success on the fields and courts, in the classroom and in the community.
Additionally, this year senior Charlotte Morgan became the third Alabama player in as many seasons to be a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS award. She was also recognized for the third straight season as an ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District Team selection.
Over the last four years the Tide has had 42 selections on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, averaging at least 10 players on the honor roll over that span.
Alabama opens play in the 2010 SEC Tournament on Thursday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. against host Arkansas in Fayetteville. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
