Dec. 19, 2013
SEATTLE - Senior Maggie Harding has been selected as the recipient of the Elite 89 award for the 2013 NCAA DI Women's Volleyball Championship. Harding has now earned the prestigious honor for the second time in her career, having won the award in 2012.
Harding is presently majoring in food science and has maintained an unblemished 4.0 grade-point average. She was presented with the award during the NCAA Championship banquet Wednesday evening in Seattle, Wash. After redshirting her freshman year, Harding has emerged as a leader on the team, being named one of the team captains for the 2013 season.
Throughout her career, the defensive specialist has garnered three Academic All-Big Ten selections, while also earning the Big Ten Sportsmanship award for women's volleyball in 2011 and 2013.
The Elite 89 award was founded by the NCAA and 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 annually to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating in the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.
Eligible student-athletes are sophomore 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 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, please visit www.ncaa.com/elite89.
Harding and the rest of the No. 2 Penn State women's volleyball team will take on No. 3 Washington in the NCAA national semifinal match Thursday, Dec. 19 at 9:30 p.m. ET in KeyArena. Prior to the matchup No. 1 Texas and No. 12 Wisconsin will square off in the earlier semifinal match slated for 7:30 p.m. ET. Both matches will air live on ESPN2.