Unger, Lazenby named to CoSIDA Academic All-American Team

MITCHELL, S.D. – For the first time in program history, the Dakota Wesleyan University softball team saw a player named to the CoSIDA Academic All-American Team as a pair of Tigers earned the honor after tremendous careers in the classroom and on the field.

Seniors Hailey Unger (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) and Katy Lazenby (Mitchell, S.D.) were named to the CoSIDA Academic All-American Softball Team, it was announced by the organization Monday.  Unger was named to the first team, making her just the second athlete in DWU history to make the first team in any sport, joining form Tiger men's basketball player Trae Bergh (Crooks, S.D.) who accomplished the feat twice.

Lazenby was named to the second team, the first such award for the hometown talent after a breakout final season as a Tiger.

To be nominated for the award, an athlete must maintain a GPA above 3.3 and be a significant contributor on the field. After being selected to the All-District Team earlier this month, the pair were chosen from a ballot of the nation's best by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Unger completed the most prolific hitting career in DWU softball history with a stellar season in 2016. Unger batted .364, four home runs, 17 RBIs, 37 runs scored and nine stolen bases. She tied the school record for walks in a season with 21. Unger also set five new DWU career records including hits (172), runs scored (102), doubles (37), home runs (18) and RBIs. (102). She is a three-time All-GPAC performer, looking to make it four straight in 2016.

In the classroom, Unger carried a strong GPA and graduated with a degree in elementary education.

Lazenby, who transferred to DWU prior to her junior season, helped solidify the top of the Tiger batting order in 2016 with consistent hitting, while playing a strong outfield. She batted .355 this season with 30 runs scored, 11 RBIs and a team-high 10 stolen bases.

Lazenby had a near perfect GPA in the classroom and graduated with a degree in biochemistry and a minor in mathematics.