Hope College sophomore Kate Nelson of Williamston (Williamston HS) has received All-Academic accolades in cross country from the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association of America.
The USTFCCCA All-Academic award honors those student-athletes who have succeeded both academically and athletically. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must carry a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average and must finish in the top 35 among the field at their respective NCAA regional meet.
A kinesiology major, Nelson finished 31st among nearly 300 runners at the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional this past November.
Both Hope teams were also presented the association's All-Academic Team award. For a team to be considered for the All-Academic Team award, they must have competed and compiled a team score at an NCAA Regional Meet. The team must also have a minimum 3.10 team cumulative grade point average (GPA). The Flying Dutch achieved a 3.40 GPA while the Flying Dutchmen had a 3.10 GPA.
The Hope cross country teams are coached by Dr. Mark Northuis. The recognition is especially significant for the women's cross country program which has been named to the Academic Honor Roll every year since the award was initiated in 1990. The men's program has been recognized every year but one during that time.
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