April 5, 2007

Lowe's Senior CLASS Softball Release in PDF Format
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Senior Garland Cooper (Mission Viejo, Calif./Santa Margarita Catholic) has been named one of 20 candidates for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, presented annually to an NCAA Division I senior softball player who excels both on and off the field.

Lowe's recently announced the addition of softball and three other NCAA sports to the award program that was originally launched in 2001 with basketball.

Candidates were selected based on personal qualities that define a complete student athlete. While the on-the-field performance during their collegiate softball careers is a factor in determining candidates and the eventual winner, their personal character and off-the-field achievements in the classroom and community are major areas of focus.

Cooper, one of three 2006 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-Americans among the 20 candidates, currently leads the Big Ten with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs while leading the Wildcats to a program-best 28-7 start in 2007. She holds nine NU career-batting records, and currently is enjoying one of the finest seasons in school history.

The list of 20 candidates for the 2007 softball award represents 20 different schools from all around the country. A national media committee will select 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award later in April. Those 10 names then will be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote beginning April 26 and concluding May 21.

Fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches, media and sponsors to determine the recipient of the award. Winners will be announced during the week of May 28 during the 2007 NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the award was launched during the 2001-02 season in response to the trend of college basketball players leaving college early to turn professional. Lowe's has extended the award in 2007 to include four other NCAA sports: baseball, softball, men's hockey and men's lacrosse. Those winners will be decided in separate balloting.

The award was conceived by sportscaster Dick Enberg, who continues to serve as Honorary Chairman. For more information on the award, link to the official Web site at seniorclassaward.com.