July 9, 2007

DALLAS (SMU) - Three SMU women's golfers have been named to the National Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar Teams for Division I, as announced by the organization on Monday. Among the 368 women's collegiate golfers recognized with this prestigious honor were SMU's Ashley Deatherage, Kate Ackerson, and Kristina Rothengatter.

The criteria for selection to the All-American Scholar Team are some of the most stringent of all college athletics. The minimum cumulative GPA is 3.50 and student-athletes must have competed in at least 50% (Division I) of the college's regularly scheduled competitive rounds during the year.

In addition, SMU women's golf head coach Todd Selders announced the Mustang team awards for the 2006-07 season.

"This was probably the toughest year in recent memory for me here at SMU," states Selders. "When you want everything to be perfect and it does not happen because of events that are outside of your control, it can be very frustrating. With all of the injuries we faced, this team fought hard to participate in post-season play - not an easy achievement. I am very proud of each of them for this accomplishment."

Mustang team award recipients include:

Kyle O`Brien MVP- Kate Ackerson & Lacey Jones
Most Improved Player- Kate Ackerson

"Kate Ackerson and Lacey Jones became the most dependable when it came to scoring and leading us in tournaments. After Lacey went down with her injury, it was Kate that stepped it up."

Col B. Harding Mustang Award- Ashley Deatherage

"Ashley Deatherage was there for every tournament with her positive attitude, earning the team spirit award." Mustang GPA/Scoring Average- Kristina Rothengatter 3.563/ 80.04

Earl Stewart Jr Memorial Low Scoring Average-Lacey Jones 74.29/Kate Ackerson 74.53
Pony Cup Competition-Jennifer Ackerson

"Jennifer Ackerson gave the team a boost once back in the line-up and did an outstanding job serving as team captain. She will be missed, ending a great career at SMU. Jennifer also won the Pony Cup, a new award based on competitions we have within the squad."

"Sarah Dodson needs to be praised as she walked on the team and played in nearly every tournament. I can not thank the seniors, (Jennifer, Ashley, Kristina and Whitney Eckert) enough, as they came in here and made it possible for SMU to make it past post-season NCAA play."