Schutzler selected as ESPN The Magazine Division Player of the Year

Lady Vols shortstop tabbed as a First-Team Academic All-American; initial player in UT history to be so honored University of Tennessee junior softball sensation Lindsay Schutzler has not only been named an ESPN the Magazine first-team Academic All-American, but has also been chosen as the University Division Player of the Year, it was announced Wednesday in a release from the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Schutzler is the first Lady Vol to pick up first-team Academic All-America honors after she reaped a second-team nod in 2005. “Lindsay Schutzler being recognized as the Academic Player of the Year is the most prestigious award given to our team this year,” said Lady Vol co-head coach Ralph Weekly. “This award represents extreme excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.” The illustrious distinction continues what has been a banner campaign for the Monterey, Calif., native. Earlier on Wednesday, she was one of a program-record five Lady Vols to receive first-team Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America status from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. The 2006 first-team All-Southeastern Conference and All-South Region honoree found a home on the second All-America squad in 2005. Schutzler, who maintains a sparkling 3.86 GPA in psychology, has been an instrumental component of the top offensive attack in the country. She ranks fifth in the nation in runs scored per game (1.04), while checking in at 12th with triples per contest and 18th in batting average with a blistering mark of .428. She was a terror for the opposition in the SEC by lacing eight triples to lead the league while crossing the plate on 69 occasions to place second. Schutzler was a force to be reckoned with on the base paths, swiping 28 bags to tie for third most in the conference. Her batting average currently ranks her third in the SEC. The fifth-ranked Lady Vols return to the field for a tilt with No. 1 UCLA at the Women’s College World Series at 9 p.m. EST on Thursday, June 1. The match-up will be broadcast live on ESPN2 as well as on The Sports Animal with the “Voice of the Lady Vols” Mickey Dearstone on 99.1 and 99.3 FM or 990 AM in the Knoxville area. Live stats will be available through utladyvols.com and periodic updates will be recorded on the Lady Vol Hotline (865) 974-8700 (box 6).