North Carolina State University Athletics
Heather Gelbard Named 2005 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American
6/8/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
June 8, 2005
RALEIGH, N.C. - On the field, NC State softball player Heather Gelbard has been a hitting machine, producing the first hit in school history in 2004, and leading the team in hits in each of the programs first two seasons. Gelbard, a 2005 All-ACC second team selection, has been named a third team 2005 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American by CoSida as she has successfully balanced her academics with her on the field talents. She boasts a 3.95 GPA in psychology in two years at NC State, and will look to continue her academic and athletic feats as the Wolfpack's leadoff hitter and designated player.
"This is a great honor for Heather and a testament to how hard she works in the classroom," head coach Lisa Navas said. "She has been an integral part of our team and we look forward to having to more years of Heather as a representative of our program."
Gelbard was one of only two ACC softball players honored as an Academic All-America, joining Florida State's Natasha Jacob. Jacob was named to the second team.
The Academic All-America Teams program honors 816 male and female student-athletes annually who have succeeded at the highest level on the playing field and in the classroom. Individuals are selected through voting by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America), a 2,000 member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.
To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. Since the program's inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA covering all NCAA championship sports.
ESPN The Magazine - winner of the 2003 National Magazine Award for General Excellence - is a provocative and innovative sports publication. Full of insight, analysis, impact and wit, the oversized bi-weekly with a circulation of 1.85 million looks ahead to give fans a unique perspective on the world of sports.
