May 9, 2008

Moraga, CA - Senior Bronwyn Russell was named to the CoSIDA District 8 Academic All-American First Team for the second straight year. The infielder was the only member of the Pacific Coast Softball Conference that earned the award, as Russell has accumulated a 3.91 GPA, while studying Health Science at Saint Mary's.

This year marks the second time that Russell has earned the recognition, as she has continued to set high standards, both academically and athletically. The 2008 season marks the best year in Saint Mary's softball program history, as the Gaels finished with a 27-26 record, and were just two games of shy of capturing a PCSC championship.

The second baseman just recently finished her career as a Gael, putting together one of her most successful seasons ever. Russell finished the year with a blistering .361 batting average, accumulating 34 runs, 61 hits, and 18 RBI. The senior used her speed as her advantage all year, reaching safely on 18-of-24 stolen base attempts. Russell finishes her career at Saint Mary's first in runs (101), second in hits (211), third in triples, stolen bases and at bats (8, 53, and 636), and sixth in doubles (22).

College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) recognize athletes that have excelled in the classroom and the field, the award consists of eight districts which will then be narrowed down into a single Academic All-American Award later this year.