First, senior Stacey Hagensen led the Pacific Lutheran University softball team to the NCAA Division III title.
And now she has been selected as the D-III female athlete of the year – regardless of sport – in 2011-12.
The pitcher for the Lutes won the Honda Award on Wednesday, and will be honored at a nationally televised (ESPNU) banquet in Los Angeles on June 23.
“I was surprised and very honored when I found out I was selected for this award,” said Hagensen, from Bellevue. “The support that my team and I have received from PLU and the surrounding communities has been overwhelming.”
Hagensen, the Northwest Conference’s two-time pitcher of the year, posted a 28-5 record with a 0.97 earned-run average for the Lutes this season. She won all eight games in PLU’s sweep through the NCAA tournament, including a 3-0 victory over defending champion Linfield in the championship game.
The Honda Award recognizes not only athletic achievement, but academic and civic accomplishments as well. She graduated as a double major in economics and mathematics, and was involved in many on-campus clubs, including Student-Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative, math tutor and residence hall president.
The only PLU athlete to be nominated for this award previously was All-American catcher Shannon Fritzke in 2002.
Also, Hagensen and her teammates will be honored at the Seattle Mariners’ game Sunday at Safeco Field. Hagensen will throw out the first pitch.
todd.milles@thenewstribune.com
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