Dec. 12, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Redshirt sophomore Maggie Harding (State College, Pa.) is the recipient of the Elite 89 award for the 2012 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship.
Harding, who is majoring in Food Science, currently carried a 4.0 GPA. Harding was presented with the award during the women's volleyball banquet on Wednesday, Dec. 12 in Louisville, Ky. Harding, who redshirted her first season as a Nittany Lion, is a serving and defensive specialist. She is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and was the 2011 Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree for the women's volleyball team.
The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.
Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.
For more information on the Elite 89 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/elite89.
The Nittany Lions continue NCAA Tournament play on Thursday, Dec. 13 against No. 5 seed Oregon. Action is set for 9 p.m. in the second NCAA National Semifinal match. Michigan and No. 3 seed Texas meet in the earlier semifinal at 7 p.m. Both matches will air live on ESPN2.
For more information on the Penn State women's volleyball team, please visit GoPSUsports.com. The Penn State women's volleyball 2012 season is presented by Rockvale Outlets.