Thursday, May 13, 2004

Valparaiso University softball players Karen Constien (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North H.S.) and Monica Rowan (Evergreen Park, Ill./Evergreen Park H.S.) have each been named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District V First Team the organization announced today.

Constien, a senior, owns a 3.73 grade point average in elementary education. Twice a member of the Mid-Continent Conference All-Academic Team, she ranks eighth in the Mid-Con with a team-leading .317 batting average. The Crusaders catcher is tied for fourth in the league with a school record nine homeruns, and leads Valpo with 24 runs batted in. In addition, Constien is 16-of-18 in stolen base attempts on the season and has a slugging percentage of .590.

Rowan, a senior, has earned a 3.24 GPA in the classroom while majoring in sports management. A two-time member of the Mid-Con All-Academic Team as well, Rowan is hitting .235 as the Crusaders' designated player this season. She has driven in 11 runs and drawn 11 walks, third most on the team. Her .322 on base percentage also ranks third for the Brown and Gold.

Both Constien and Rowan are now eligible for CoSIDA Academic All-American consideration. In order to be eligible for Academic All-American and All-District consideration, student-athletes must be at least sophomores in both academic and athletic standing who have completed one full academic year at their nominating institution, and they must own a minimum of a 3.20 cumulative GPA. District V is made up of CoSIDA's voting members in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Manitoba, and Ontario.