Flashes Score Impressive Fall Semester
1/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
KENT, Ohio - Kent State's success on the softball field in recent years can only be matched by its success in the classroom and the 2008 fall semester was proof. The Golden Flashes' 3.46 team grade point average was the highest in any semester during Head Coach Karen Linder's 13-year tenure and one of the highest in team history.
"I'm extremely pleased with the effort our players have made with their academics," Linder said. "They have their priorities in order. Academics come first. That's been my philosophy and this an illustration of how hard our players have worked academically."
Of the 24 players on the Kent State roster, 13 recorded GPAs of 3.5 or better, including a 4.0 from senior Katie Wheeler, who still carries a cumulative GPA of 4.0. She was also one of 21 Golden Flashes to have a 3.0 or better during the fall semester.
"Our goal academically is to be the top team in the Mid-American Conference by the end of the year," Linder said. "And getting a 3.46 puts us in a position to do that. I'm really proud of the effort the players have given us in making academics a priority."
Linder's tenure has also produced six Academic All-America honors, including four first team members since 2003, most recently Jessica Toocheck in May of 2008. Since 1990 the Kent State softball program has earned 14 Academic All-America honors from nine different players.
Shortly after the 2009 spring semester begins on Jan. 20, the Golden Flashes softball season will be underway. The defending MAC champions open their 2009 slate with five games at the Stetson Leadoff Classic Feb. 6-8 in Deland, Fla.
