Slinger Represents Central Region With Scholar-Athlete Award

The following is a press release from Concordia University, St. Paul

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Concordia University's Mary Slinger has been declared the 2008-09 Division II Central Regional Scholar-Athlete of the Year, as named by the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners' Association (DII CCA). Slinger, who was a junior on the 2008 National Championship volleyball team, is currently the leading defender for the top-ranked and undefeated 2009 squad. She is a chemistry and biology major with a 3.95 cumulative GPA.

The awards, which celebrate the top male and female student-athletes of each region, along with a male and female National Scholar-Athlete of the Year, are sponsored by Disney Sports Attractions. The awards provide the opportunity for Division II to highlight the extraordinary achievements of its student-athletes. With a strong commitment to education and a long-standing relationship with Division II athletics, the involvement of Disney Sports with the Division II Scholar-Athlete of the Year Awards is a natural fit.

Mary Slinger was a natural pick for the Central Region's female Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. Slinger's athletic capabilities were crucial the Golden Bears winning their second consecutive national championship. She led the defense with 588 digs on the season and maintained a virtually flawless .971 serve receive percentage. In 586 attempts on serve receive, Slinger committed only 17 errors all season. She was named an AVCA Second Team All-American and for the second straight year, was deemed the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference's Libero of the Year. She was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team following her defensive efforts en route to the title.

Slinger has found a way to balance her athletic responsibilities with her academics and has been a model student-athlete. Double majoring in chemistry and biology, Slinger flaunted a 3.94 cumulative GPA at the end of the 2008 season, which earned her a selection as an Academic All-American (Third Team). Her academic average has since climbed a notch to 3.95.

Slinger is a native of Faribault, Minn. and a graduate of Bethlehem Academy High School. Concordia University, St. Paul is an NCAA Division II member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and is located in St. Paul, Minn.