Dec. 6, 2007

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' senior women's soccer player Laura Newbrough was named as the American Southwest Conference Distinguished Scholar-Athlete in voting done by the sports information director's in the conference.

This is the first year for the new award that recognizes student-athletes that achieve a higher level of academic achievement (a 3.20 grade-point average or better) while competing as a starter or important reserve on their team. From that list - limited to one nominee per school in each ASC championship sport - the Sports Information Directors from the conference's 15 member institutions vote on a Distinguished Scholar-Athlete from each sport.

Overall, 51 student-athletes from ASC men's cross country, women's cross country, football, men's soccer, women's soccer and volleyball were named to the Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Team.

Newbrough helped lead the Cowgirls to a perfect conference record and to their fifth straight ASC title. She was the co-defensive player of the year in the conference. She led a defensive unit that allowed only eight goals on the year. She was also a CoSIDA Academic All-American and will be a strong contender for All-American awards when they are announced.

Matt Alves of Texas Lutheran won the football award, Dan Robbins of Texas Lutheran won the women's cross country award, Jon Wilcoxson of LeTourneau won men's soccer, Michelle Heckmann of Concordia won for volleyball and R.J. Cowan of UT Tyler won for men's cross country.

All six honorees were also named to the 2007 ASC Academic All-Conference Team.

HSU's other sport nominees were Jordan Daniel for football, Ryan Flanigan for men's soccer and Kaela Parnell for volleyball.