Athletics

News

MVNU's Kot Named ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America
written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

Photo of Laura Kot

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - Laura Kot, a member of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s fastpitch softball team, was recently honored for her achievements on the softball diamond and in the classroom when the 2006 ESPN The Magazine© Academic All-America College Division Softball Teams were selected by the members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Kot, a junior outfielder from Tallmadge, Ohio, was named to the Academic All-America Second Team as one of three outfielders selected. This season, the former Tallmadge High School standout batted .348 with 46 hits, five doubles, one triple, 10 RBI, nine stolen bases, and a team-high 28 runs scored. A mathematics major, Kot has posted a perfect 4.00 grade point average in the classroom. She was one of only six players on the First, Second, and Third Team to have a 4.00.

This summer, Kot will be traveling with Competitive Edge International to East Asia from July 6-August 3 where the team will play against several professional teams. CEI is a sports ministry organization, and the team will also be spreading the Gospel through the game of softball over the course of the trip. Kot is responsible for raising over $3,200 for her part of the trip, and anyone interested in assisting her financially should contact her at (330) 630-3444.

The Academic All-America College Division Teams consist of players from NCAA Division II and III and NAIA schools across the country who were first named to their respective Academic All-District First Team. Eligible student-athletes are nominated by their school’s sports information director and must have at least a 3.20 grade point average and be at least in their sophomore year.