June 30, 2010

LAS VEGAS - Just after having 11 student-athletes named to the 2010 Spring Academic All-Mountain West Conference Award, Rebel softball had six recognized for the 2009-2010 MWC Scholar-Athlete Award. Five of the six (Tara Bendt, Korin Cuico, Jaci Hull, Marissa Nichols and Amber Petersen) selections were repeat winners, while one (Kendall Fearn) was a first-time recipient of the scholar-athlete honor.

Hull, who earned her fifth academic all-conference team yesterday, led the way for the softball team with her fourth scholar-athlete award today. She joins former Rebel Caitlyn Paus (2005-08) as the only two student-athletes in program history to be recognized four times. She is also a three-time member of ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-District Eight Team, as she was a first team member since her sophomore season in 2008.

Nichols, a five-time Academic All-MWC honoree, picked up her third scholar-athlete nod. She was named to ESPN The Magazine's All-District Eight First Team during the year improving upon her second team showing in 2009.

Bendt, Cuico and Petersen rounded out the quintet of repeat Rebels that are no stranger to being recognized as scholar-athletes.

Fearn, a three-time recipient of the Academic All-MWC award, notched her first scholar-athlete honor.

The MWC Scholar-Athlete Award is the highest academic honor bestowed by the Conference. To be eligible for selection, student-athletes must have completed at least two academic terms at the member institution, while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better, and have participated in varsity competition in an NCAA-sponsored sport.

Overall, a total of 548 student-athletes were honored, including 42 individuals who have achieved a 4.00 or higher cumulative grade point average over two or more terms, and 60 student-athletes who were recognized in multiple sports. This year's mark fell one shy of the league record of 549 honorees, set in 2008-09.