June 3, 2005

EVANSTON, Ill. - Can an undefeated and national championship season get any better? For Ashley Gersuk, yes.

The standout performer and four-year starter for the Northwestern women's lacrosse team, Gersuk was awarded the 2005 CSTV Diane Geppi-Aikens Scholarship Thursday night at the Tewaaraton Trophy Foundation ceremony in Washington.

The $5,000 CSTV Diane Geppi-Aikens Scholarship honors the senior women's lacrosse student-athlete who has displayed the same extraordinary leadership, character and perseverance as exhibited by Geppi-Aikens, the late Hall of Fame coach of the Loyola (Md.) women's lacrosse team.

"It's an honor to be even considered for something in Diane's name," said Gersuk. "She was a phenomenal inspiration to her team and the entire lacrosse community."

The Loudonville, N.Y., native closed her career by leading the Wildcats to a 13-10 win over defending champion Virginia on May 22, capping a spotless 21-0 season. Gersuk is NU's all-time leader in saves, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten performer, and a role model for those who will follow in her footsteps.

"We're proud to honor Ashley in a way that pays tribute to Diane's legacy," said Brian Bedol, CEO of CSTV. "Ashley has shown that student-athletes can win a national championship and also uphold the tremendous values of college athletics."

Gersuk came to Northwestern as the women's lacrosse program was being elevated to varsity status. Her value was immediately noticed and recognized, as she was named one of the team's captains in her first year in Evanston.

Gersuk starred in lacrosse, ice hockey and soccer at Albany Academy for Girls, serving as captain of all three squads. She was a High School Academic All-America and was named Albany Academy's Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Following graduation later this month, Ashley plans to remain in Chicago to pursue a career in marketing.

CSTV will air the Tewaaraton Trophy ceremony, including Gersuk's reception of the Scholarship, at 8 p.m. CDT Thursday, June 16.