Corey Harris, a junior on the Illinois State softball team, ended the year on a high note by being named to the 2002 Verizon Academic All-America University Division Second-Team at the position of designated player. She became the fourth Redbird softball player in Illinois State history to be named an Academic All-American. Others include Heather Stella (1999, first team), Cathy Peverly-Stone (2000, second team) and April Schermann (2001, second team).
Harris, a chemistry major, earned this honor with a 3.91 cumulative grade point average. In addition, she has earned a perfect 4.0 GPA in six of the last eight semesters. Harris was previously honored by being named to the Verizon Academic All-District V First-Team.
Melinda Fischer, head softball coach, said Harris is very deserving of this honor.
This is a great honor for Corey. She works very hard not only in the classroom, but in all she does, said Fischer. Corey is very involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Council, and she has found a way to balance everything in her life. She has great time-management skills and ranks her priorities well.
This year marks the 50th year of the Academic All-America program, as the inaugural team was announced on December 6, 1952. Since that time more than 12,000 students have been named Academic All-America team members at colleges and universities at all levels for every recognized NCAA sport. The programs popularity resulted in a significant expansion for the current academic year, as 816 student-athletes -- a 19 percent increase over the highest number -- will be selected to 12 different Academic All-America teams during the 2001-02 academic year.
