Three SMU student-athletes have been named the Conference USA Scholar Athlete of the Year in their respective sports, Commissioner Britton Banowsky has announced. SMU's honorees were Kate Ackerson (women's golf), Natalia Bubien (women's tennis) and Petra Klosova (women's swimming).
Ackerson, who graduated from SMU with a degree in business in May, was one of two repeat selections. A four-time All-C-USA golfer, Ackerson was also a unanimous selection to the 2009 C-USA Women's Golf All-Academic Team. She was a three-time NGCA All-America Scholar and a four-time C-USA Academic Medal winner and member of the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Bubien, who graduated from SMU in May with a degree in psychology, was a three-time All-Conference USA over her career and helped lead the team to C-USA title, an NCAA Tournament berth and a No. 23 national ranking in 2009. She was the 2007 C-USA Scholar Athlete of the Year, a four-time C-USA Academic Medal winner and member of the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and a three-time C-USA All-Academic Team honoree.
Klosova, who graduated from SMU in May with a degree in biology, was a 14-time All-American over her four years on the Hilltop and helped the Mustangs finish 19th at this year's NCAA Championships. She was a 15-time C-USA Champion, the 2006 C-USA Freshman of the Year and the 2007 C-USA Swimmer of the Year. She was also a member of the Commissioner's Honor Roll.
The C-USA Scholar Athlete of the Year Awards are presented to the top student-athlete in each conference-sponsored sport as approved by the C-USA Board of Directors. The award is based on academic achievement (GPA), athletic achievement and service.
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