April 26, 2007
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Senior Stephanie Brown (Chandler, Ariz./Corona del Sol) has been named one of the 10 softball finalists for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. The award, which is in its first year for softball, recognizes outstanding senior student-athletes in six NCAA sports.
From the initial list of 20 softball nominees, Brown has been selected as one of 10 finalists based on criteria that defines a complete student-athletes. While on-the-field performances thus far during the college softball season was a factor in determining the finalists, the criteria also includes a high emphasis on the classroom, character, and community service.
Brown, who was both an ESPN The Magazine Second-Team Academic All-American and NFCA Third-Team All-American in 2006, is currently ranked among the top-27 nationally in batting average (.443). She is also among the BIG EAST Conference leaders in hits (54), runs (35), stolen bases (11) and on-base percentage (.500).
The senior centerfielder, along DePaul’s Katie Sheaks were the two softball players from the BIG EAST Conference that was chosen as a finalist for the award.
The 10 finalists will be placed on the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award ballot for nationwide voting beginning today, April 26, and concluding May 23. Fan balloting, available on the award’s official website www.seniorclassaward.com, will be combined with the votes of coaches, media and sponsors to determine the recipient of the 2007 award.
The award winner will be announced and presented with the trophy during the opening ceremonies of the 2007 NCAA College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Lowe’s All-Senior All-America Team also will be recognized.