Wingate Graduate Krauser Named NCAA Woman of the Year Top-30 Finalist

INDIANAPOLIS - Wingate University 2013 graduate Grace Krauser has been selected as one of 30 finalists for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The finalists were selected from a group of more than 450 nominees. 

In September, three finalists from each division will be selected to form the nine finalists for the award. The 2013 Woman of the Year will be announced at an annual ceremony in Indianapolis on Oct. 20. The top 30 honorees reflect the pillars of the Woman of the Year award, with outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, community service and leadership.

"Words cannot express how awesome it is for Grace and Wingate for her to be selected in such a prestigious group of exceptional athletes," head coach Shelton Collier says. "These student-athletes are the best of the best from all over the country, at every level, so for Grace to be in this elite group of the top 30 is certainly a tribute to all she has accomplished at Wingate. We are so proud of her and happy for her in receiving such incredible recognition."

Krauser earned Capital One Academic All-America® NCAA Division II first team honors during her junior and senior seasons. She also earned second team All-SAC accolades in her final two years at Wingate. During her sophomore year, Krauser became the first-ever SAC student-athlete to earn the prestigious Elite 89 Award. In 2012, she became the first-ever Division II volleyball player to earn the award twice. Krauser also earned a $7,500 postgraduate scholarship from the NCAA.

During the 2013 Wingate University commencement ceremony, Krauser was honored with the C.C. Burris Award. This recognition is presented annually to the graduating senior woman who represents the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service. In addition, Krauser was honored with the Arthur Joseph "Pepper" Geddings, Jr. Award at Wingate's 2013 Athletic Banquet, the WUSPYS. The Geddings Award stands for everything that is right about college athletics: athletic ability, scholarship, leadership, citizenship and service. Krauser also earned the C.B. and Beadie Haskins Scholar-Athlete Award at the WUSPYS, going to the student-athlete with the highest GPA at Wingate.

Krauser averaged 1.87 kills per set in 2012 to earn second team All-SAC honors for the second straight year. She finished fourth in the SAC with 0.82 blocks per set and sixth with a .283 hitting percentage.

Krauser registered 740 kills and 232 blocks during her career. The Bulldogs compiled a 131-8 overall record during Krauser's four years, including a 68-2 mark in league play. Wingate won the SAC regular season and the SAC tournament title each of her four years. The Bulldogs advanced to the Sweet 16 all four years of her career, while winning two regional titles.

The Bulldogs were 32-3 overall during Krauser's senior season, taking a 23-match winning streak into the Elite Eight. Wingate finished the 2012 season fourth nationally in winning percentage, ranking in the top five for the sixth straight year. The Bulldogs led the nation in winning percentage in 2007, 2010 and 2011, while ranking third in 2008 and 2009.

Cumulatively, the top 30 earned a 3.79 grade-point average and nearly 50 Academic All-America honors. The top 30 earned 12 national championships (individual and team) and more than 80 All-America honors. The top 30 volunteered for 365 organizations during their college careers. Many served as team captains and held leadership positions in various campus and community organizations.

"These distinguished women are truly quintessential NCAA student-athletes, demonstrating dedication not only to athletic achievement but academic excellence and community leadership as well," NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee chair Anna Soho says. "The NCAA applauds their achievements, and we know that they will continue to be role models and make a positive impact on the world."

[Complete list of NCAA Woman of the Year top-30 finalists]

- Wingate media relations