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Aug. 4, 2005
IOWA CITY – University of Iowa freshman infielder Steph Ackerson has been named the recipient of the Jack North Softball Award by the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union. The Jack North Softball Award is given to the most outstanding high school softball player from the previous high school season.
Ackerson was the 2004 Gatorade Player of the Year and an elite all-state selection for Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines. She was also named Pitcher of the Year in the state of Iowa and was captain of the state all-tournament team. In her first season as a Hawkeye, Ackerson batted .200 and did not commit an error in the field all season.
Ackerson will be presented the award tonight during the Girls’ State Softball Tournament at Harlan Rogers Field in Fort Dodge. This is the second year in a row a Hawkeye has received this award. Sophomore outfielder Mindy Heidgerken received the Jack North Award in 2004.