Texas Tech University Athletics
Softball Boasts Seven on Academic All-Big 12 Teams
May 12, 2011 | Softball
May 12, 2011
BRENHAM, Texas - The Texas Tech softball program had seven student-athletes honored on the Academic All-Big 12 teams that were released Thursday by the conference office.
Holley Gentsch and Ashley Hamada led Tech's group of six first team recipients as they were two of only five conference athletes to maintain a 4.0 GPA. The award marks the second-straight year the two juniors were honored on the first team, including the second-straight for Gentsch to post a 4.0 GPA.
Randi Tongate, Meredith Heath, Mikey Kenney, and Raven Richardson completed Tech's list of first team honorees as all four players were selected for the first time. Sandy James was picked on the second team, marking her first career honor as well.
"I am really proud of these young ladies' efforts in the classroom," Tech head coach Shanon Hays said. "This is something we pride ourselves in as a program, and it makes you feel good when you see this type of commitment from several of your student-athletes. We're proud to have each one of them here at Texas Tech."
Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and the athletics communications offices, the softball academic all-league team consisted of 47 first team members combined with 14 on the second team. First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.
To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of her team's scheduled contests. Freshman and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.
2011 ACADEMIC ALL-BIG 12 TEAMS
First Team
Holley Gentsch* (Hewitt, Texas) - Sociology
Randi Tongate (Weatherford, Texas) - Human Development and Family Studies
Ashley Hamada* (Touchet, Wash.) - Human Development and Family Studies
Meredith Heath (Fort Worth, Texas) - General Studies
Mikey Kenney (Arvada, Colo.) - Human Sciences
Raven Richardson (Placentia, Calif.) - General Studies
Second Team
Sandy James (Dallas, Texas) - Exercise and Sport Sciences
* Represents 4.0 GPA.
