Oct. 24, 2007
IOWA CITY – Five softball student-athletes have been named National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Academic all-America Scholar Athletes. Senior-to-be Summer Downs, junior-to-be Colleen McGlaughlin and Erin Riemersma along with 2007 seniors Mindy Heidgerken and Sami Baugh received the honor. To be an NFCA Academic all-American Scholar Athlete, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better.
“This is a tremendous honor for our program,” Head Coach Gayle Blevins said. “It is a great reflection of the expectations we have for our student-athletes in the classroom. This is a nice opportunity to honor the student-athletes for their time committed to academics.”
Downs, who is majoring in business, was both a second team all-Big Ten selection and an academic all-Big Ten honoree. She finished the season with a .297 batting average and was second on the team in doubles (12).
McGlaughlin was named both ESPN the Magazine Academic all-District and academic all-Big Ten last season. She was also named second team all-Mideast region and third team all-Big Ten. McGlaughlin is majoring in actuarial science.
Riemersma was named both first team all-Big Ten and academic all-Big Ten last season. She led the team with 44 runs scored and finished with five home runs and 29 RBI. The Orland Park, IL, native is majoring in finance.
Heidgerken graduated in 2007 with a double-major in art and journalism. She was an academic all-Big Ten pick last season and stole 18 bases.
Baugh also graduated in 2007 with degrees in health and sports studies along with communications and was an academic all-Big Ten selection. Baugh is currently an assistant coach at Central Michigan University.
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