MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University softball team recently completed the best season in program history and a pair of Tigers picked up national academic honors Thursday.
For the first time in their careers, seniors Hailey Unger (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) and Katy Lazenby (Mitchell, S.D.) were named to the Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District Softball Team, it was announced by the organization Thursday.
To be nominated for the award, an athlete must maintain a GPA above 3.3 and be a significant contributor on the field. The awards are voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America, while academic and athletic accomplishments make up the criteria.
Unger completed the most prolific hitting career in DWU softball history with a stellar season in 2016. Unger batted .364, four home runs, 17 RBIs, 37 runs scored and nine stolen bases. She tied the school record for walks in a season with 21. Unger also set five new DWU career records including hits (172), runs scored (102), doubles (37), home runs (18) and RBIs. (102). She is a three-time All-GPAC performer, looking to make it four straight in 2016.
In the classroom, Unger carries a strong GPA and is set to graduate this weekend with a degree in elementary education.
Lazenby, who transferred to DWU prior to her junior season, helped solidify the top of the Tiger batting order in 2016 with consistent hitting, while playing a strong outfield. She batted .355 this season with 30 runs scored, 11 RBIs and a team-high 10 stolen bases.
Lazenby is set to graduate as well, with a degree in biochemistry with a minor in mathematics.